Europa
- Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) Begins – 1917
On July 31, 1917, the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele, began. This major World War I offensive took place in West Flanders, Belgium, and lasted until November 6, 1917. The battle was marked by horrific conditions, massive casualties, and became a symbol of the futility and devastation of trench warfare. - Germany’s Ultimatum to Russia – 1914
On July 31, 1914, as tensions escalated at the outset of World War I, Germany issued an ultimatum to Russia demanding it demobilize its forces. Russia did not comply, and this ultimatum expired the following day, leading Germany to declare war on Russia, which further set the stage for the broader European conflict. - Battle of Cravant – 1423
During the Hundred Years’ War, on July 31, 1423, the Battle of Cravant was fought between Anglo-Burgundian forces and a Franco-Scottish army. The English and their Burgundian allies achieved a decisive victory, with significant losses for the Scots, many of whom were killed or captured. - Alhambra Decree and Expulsion of Jews from Spain – 1492
July 31, 1492, marked the deadline for the expulsion of all remaining Jews from Spain under the Alhambra Decree. This event was a significant turning point in Spanish and European Jewish history, leading to the displacement of thousands of people. - Treaty of Breda Ends Second Anglo-Dutch War – 1667
On July 31, 1667, the Treaty of Breda was signed, ending the Second Anglo-Dutch War. The treaty resulted in territorial changes and marked a shift in colonial power between England and the Dutch Republic. - The “Final Solution” Directive – 1941
On July 31, 1941, Nazi official Hermann Göring, under Adolf Hitler’s instructions, ordered SS General Reinhard Heydrich to prepare a plan for the “Final Solution,” which led to the Holocaust and the genocide of approximately six million European Jews.
America
- First U.S. Patent Issued (1790)
On July 31, 1790, the United States Patent Office issued its first patent to Samuel Hopkins of Vermont for a new method of making potash and pearlash. The patent was signed by President George Washington and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, marking a foundational moment in American innovation and industry. - Francis Salvador: First Jewish American Patriot Killed in Revolution (1776)
During the American Revolution, Francis Salvador became the first Jew to die in the conflict on July 31, 1776. He was also the first Jew elected to office in Colonial America, serving in the South Carolina Provincial Congress. - Dedication of Idlewild Airport (1948)
U.S. President Harry S. Truman dedicated Idlewild Airport as New York International Airport on July 31, 1948. The airport was later renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport, now one of the busiest airports in the United States. - Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I) Signed (1991)
On July 31, 1991, the United States and the Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I), the first treaty to mandate reductions (with verification) in both countries’ nuclear arsenals. This was a significant step in ending the Cold War and reducing the threat of nuclear conflict. - Notable Birth: George H. Thomas (1816)
George H. Thomas, a Union general during the American Civil War known as the “Rock of Chickamauga,” was born on July 31, 1816, in Southampton County, Virginia. He played a decisive role in several key battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Nashville. - Other Notable American Events and Figures
Apollo 15 Lunar Rover (1971): While a NASA achievement, on July 31, 1971, Apollo 15 astronauts became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the Moon, a milestone in American space exploration. - Andrew Johnson (Death, 1875): The 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson, died on July 31, 1875.
Arnette R. Hubbard (1981): Became the first female president of the US National Bar Association, the largest group of African-American lawyers and judges.
Asia
- Oldest Recorded Eruption of Mount Fuji (781) – Japan
On July 31, 781 (traditional Japanese date: sixth day of the seventh month of the first year of the Ten’o era), the oldest recorded eruption of Mount Fuji occurred. This event is significant in Japanese history and volcanology, marking the earliest known eruption of Japan’s iconic volcano. - Aurangzeb Proclaimed Mughal Emperor (1658) – India
On July 31, 1658, Aurangzeb was proclaimed the Mughal emperor of India. His reign marked a pivotal period in South Asian history, characterized by expansion, religious policies, and the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire. - Battle of Hsimucheng (1904) – Russo-Japanese War
On July 31, 1904, during the Russo-Japanese War, the Battle of Hsimucheng took place. Units of the Imperial Japanese Army defeated units of the Imperial Russian Army in a strategic confrontation, underscoring Japan’s rising military power in Asia. - Thai Airways International Flight 311 Crash (1992) – Nepal
On July 31, 1992, Thai Airways International Flight 311 crashed while approaching Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. All 113 people on board were killed, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Nepalese history. - COVID-19 Pandemic Milestones (2021) – Asia
On July 31, 2021, several Asian countries reported significant COVID-19 milestones:- Japan reported a record 4,058 new cases in Tokyo, and 12,341 new cases nationwide.
- Malaysia reported a record 17,786 new cases.
- Thailand reported a record 18,912 new cases and 178 deaths.
- Pakistan reported its first five cases of the SARS-CoV-2 Epsilon variant, leading to a partial lockdown in Karachi.
- Recent Armed Conflicts (2021) – Afghanistan
On July 31, 2021, the Taliban made significant advances in Afghanistan, entering Kandahar and clashing with government forces in Herat. The fighting was described as the worst in 20 years, with the Taliban seeking to establish a temporary capital and making rapid gains in rural areas. - 2014: Gas explosions in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, killed at least 20 people and injured more than 270.
- 1988: The collapse of a bridge at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia, killed 32 people and injured 1,674.
Africa
- Africa’s Women’s Day
July 31 is celebrated as Africa’s Women’s Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions, achievements, and struggles of women across the African continent. This annual observance highlights the role of women in Africa’s development and their ongoing fight for equality and empowerment. - Battle of Alexandria (30 BC)
On July 31, 30 BC, the Battle of Alexandria took place. Mark Antony achieved a minor victory over Octavian’s forces; however, most of his army soon deserted him, leading to his eventual suicide. While centered in Egypt, this event had far-reaching consequences for the African continent and the broader Mediterranean world, marking the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the beginning of Roman rule in Egypt. - Birth of Marthinus de Villiers (1885) – South Africa
Marthinus de Villiers, born on July 31, 1885, in Paarl, Cape, was the composer of the music for Die Stem van Suid-Afrika (“The Call of South Africa”), which later became part of the South African national anthem. His work played a significant role in the country’s cultural history. - Black Tot Day (1970) – South Africa’s Role
July 31, 1970, known as “Black Tot Day,” marked the last day the British Royal Navy issued a daily rum ration to its sailors. During World War II, the Royal Navy sourced large quantities of cane spirit from South Africa to meet wartime demand, highlighting the country’s contribution to the Allied war effort. - Recent Conflicts
On July 31, 2022, the Battle of Bambui occurred in Cameroon as part of the ongoing Anglophone Crisis, reflecting the region’s persistent struggles with conflict and demands for autonomy.
This day in history: 31 july