Europa
- The Treaty of Lausanne (1923)
On July 24, 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne was signed in Switzerland, officially ending the conflict between Turkey and the Allied powers after World War I. This treaty established the modern borders of Turkey and marked the true end of the Great War in Eastern Europe and Asia Minor. It was also notable as the first peace treaty to require a compulsory exchange of civilian populations, setting a precedent for future international agreements. - Mary, Queen of Scots Abdicates (1567)
On July 24, 1567, Mary, Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate the Scottish throne in favor of her infant son, James VI. This event followed her defeat by Protestant forces at Carberry Hill and had significant consequences for the future of Scotland and England, as James VI would later become James I of England, uniting the crowns. - Operation Gomorrah Begins (1943)
On July 24, 1943, during World War II, the Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Forces launched Operation Gomorrah, a massive bombing campaign against Hamburg, Germany. This operation led to widespread destruction and significant civilian casualties, marking one of the most devastating air raids in European history. - 1304: Fall of Stirling Castle during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with King Edward I of England capturing the stronghold.
- 1487: Citizens of Leeuwarden, Netherlands, went on strike against a ban on foreign beer, reflecting the social and economic tensions of the period.
- 1927: The Menin Gate war memorial was unveiled at Ypres, Belgium, commemorating the missing soldiers of World War I.
America
- Founding of Detroit (1701)
On July 24, 1701, French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac established Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, which would become the city of Detroit, Michigan. This marked a key moment in the European colonization and expansion in North America. - Mormon Pioneers Arrive in Salt Lake Valley (1847)
Brigham Young led 148 Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, after a 17-month journey. This event is celebrated as the founding of Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a major milestone in the westward migration of American settlers. - SS Eastland Disaster (1915)
The passenger ship SS Eastland capsized while docked in the Chicago River, resulting in the deaths of 844 passengers and crew. It remains one of the deadliest maritime disasters in American history. - Apollo 11 Returns to Earth (1969)
The Apollo 11 mission, which achieved the first manned Moon landing, concluded on July 24, 1969, when the spacecraft splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean, marking a triumphant moment in the U.S. space program. - Watergate Scandal: Nixon Ordered to Surrender Tapes (1974)
The United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously that President Richard Nixon had to surrender the subpoenaed White House tapes to the Watergate special prosecutor, a pivotal decision in the unfolding of the Watergate scandal. - 1866: Tennessee became the first U.S. state readmitted to Congress after the Civil War.
- 1950: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station began operations with the launch of a Bumper rocket, marking the start of the U.S. space program at that site.
- 1959: The famous “Kitchen Debate” took place in Moscow between U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, symbolizing Cold War tensions.
Asia
- Bombing of Kure, Japan (1945)
On July 24, 1945, during the final months of World War II, the United States Third Fleet began the bombing of Kure, a major Japanese naval base. The Japanese aircraft carrier Amagi was among the ships heavily damaged in these raids, which marked a significant blow to Japan’s remaining naval capabilities. - Azim Premji Born in India (1945)
Also on July 24, 1945, Azim Premji, who would become a prominent Indian business tycoon, investor, and philanthropist, was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), British India. - Black July Riots Begin in Sri Lanka (1983)
On July 24, 1983, the anti-Tamil riots known as “Black July” began in Sri Lanka. This outbreak of violence resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Tamils and marked the start of the Sri Lankan Civil War, a conflict that would last for decades and have profound effects on the nation and its diaspora. - Nagasaki Mudslide, Japan (1982)
On July 24, 1982, heavy rains triggered a devastating mudslide in Nagasaki, Japan, destroying a bridge and killing 299 people. This disaster highlighted the region’s vulnerability to natural calamities. - Capture of Mogoke, Myanmar (2024)
On July 24, 2024, resistance forces in Myanmar captured Mogoke, a key ruby mining town in northern Shan state, from the military junta. This event was part of a broader escalation in the country’s ongoing civil conflict, contributing to a significant increase in violence in the region during July.
Africa
- Garret Morgan Saves Miners (1916)
On July 24, 1916, Garret Morgan, an African American inventor, used his safety hood (an early gas mask) to rescue miners trapped by a tunnel explosion in Cleveland, Ohio. While this event took place in the United States, it is celebrated in African and African diaspora history for its impact and Morgan’s heritage. - Tobi Amusan’s World Athletics Gold (2022)
On July 24, 2022, Nigerian athlete Tobi Amusan made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at a World Athletics Championship. She achieved this feat in the 100 meters hurdles, setting a new world record and marking a major milestone for African athletics. - Death of Ghana’s President John Atta Mills (2012)
On July 24, 2012, John Atta Mills, the President of Ghana, died in office. His passing led to Vice President John Dramani Mahama being sworn in as interim president the same day, ensuring a peaceful transition of power in one of West Africa’s most stable democracies. - Lagos Petrol Tanker Explosion (2008)
On July 24, 2008, a petrol tanker exploded in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, killing twelve people and leaving several others with severe burns. This tragic accident highlighted ongoing challenges with urban safety and infrastructure in major African cities. - Margaret Gardiner Wins Miss Universe (1978)
On July 24, 1978, Margaret Gardiner became the first South African to win the Miss Universe title, bringing international recognition to South Africa during a period of global scrutiny over apartheid.
This day in history: 24 july