Europa
- 1687: Publication of Newton’s Principia
On July 5, 1687, Isaac Newton published his landmark work Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Principia), which laid out the laws of motion and universal gravitation. This publication is widely regarded as one of the most significant achievements in the history of science and had a profound impact on European scientific thought. - 1803: Convention of Artlenburg
The Convention of Artlenburg was signed on July 5, 1803, leading to the French occupation of the Electorate of Hanover, which had been ruled by the British king. This event was part of the Napoleonic Wars and marked a significant shift in the balance of power in northern Europe. - 1914: July Crisis and the Road to World War I
On July 5, 1914, during the escalating July Crisis, Germany promised Austria-Hungary full support—known as the “blank cheque”—for a severe response against Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This diplomatic assurance was a crucial step toward the outbreak of World War I, as it emboldened Austria-Hungary to take aggressive action, eventually leading to a general European war. - 1919: Establishment of the Hellenic Coast Guard
On July 5, 1919, the Hellenic Coast Guard was established to protect the coastlines of Greece, marking a significant development in Greek maritime security. - 1945: UK General Election Called
On July 5, 1945, the United Kingdom held its first general election in nearly a decade. This election was pivotal in postwar British and European politics, leading to a landslide victory for the Labour Party and the start of significant social reforms. - 2012: The Shard Inaugurated in London
On July 5, 2012, The Shard was inaugurated as the tallest building in Europe at the time, standing at 310 meters (1,020 feet). Its completion symbolized a new era in London’s architectural landscape. - 1295: Scotland and France formed the “Auld Alliance” against England, a significant diplomatic and military partnership in medieval Europe.
- 1610: John Guy set sail from Bristol to establish a colony in Newfoundland, marking early English colonial ventures.
- 1817: The first gold coin sovereigns were issued in Britain, an important event in European monetary history.
- On July 5, 1054, a supernova explosion was observed, an event recorded by astronomers in Europe and elsewhere, later identified as the origin of the Crab Nebula.
- July 5 is also notable in European football history, such as the birthday of Italian footballer Julio Libonatti, who played for the national team in the 1920s.
America
- 1775: Olive Branch Petition Approved
On July 5, 1775, the Second Continental Congress approved the Olive Branch Petition, which was a final attempt to avoid a full-blown war with Great Britain. The petition affirmed colonial loyalty to the crown and entreated King George III to prevent further conflict, but it was ultimately rejected by the British government, pushing the colonies closer to independence. - 1827: Abolition of Slavery in New York
July 5, 1827, is historically celebrated as the day slavery was officially abolished in New York State. This event, sometimes referred to as the “Fifth of July,” marked a significant step in the gradual emancipation of enslaved people in the northern United States. - 1777: British Capture Fort Ticonderoga
On July 5, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, British forces captured Fort Ticonderoga from the Continental Army. The loss was a blow to American morale, but the army retreated in good order, avoiding a complete disaster. - 1950: American troops engaged North Korean forces for the first time at the Battle of Osan during the Korean War.
Asia
- The rise and fall of empires such as the Maurya, Tang, Yuan, and the Caliphates, which shaped the political and cultural landscapes of South, East, and West Asia.
- The spread of Buddhism, major dynastic changes, and pivotal battles, such as those involving the Tang dynasty, the Mongol invasions, and the expansion of the early Muslim empires.
Africa
- Algeria Independence Day (1962)
On July 5, 1962, Algeria officially gained independence from France. This day is celebrated annually as Algeria’s Independence Day, marking the end of 132 years of colonial rule and the conclusion of a brutal war of independence. It is one of the most significant national holidays in Algeria and a landmark event in African decolonization. - Cape Verde Independence Day (1975)
July 5, 1975, marks the independence of Cape Verde from Portugal. After centuries of colonial rule, Cape Verde became a sovereign nation on this date. The day is celebrated as a national holiday in Cape Verde and is a major milestone in the country’s history. - 1830: French Occupation of Algiers
On July 5, 1830, French forces occupied Algiers, beginning over a century of colonization in Algeria. Ironically, this date would later become Algeria’s Independence Day, exactly 132 years later. - 1989: Nelson Mandela Meets President PW Botha
On July 5, 1989, jailed ANC leader Nelson Mandela met with South African President PW Botha, marking a crucial step toward the negotiations that would eventually end apartheid. - 1991: ANC Elects Nelson Mandela as President
On July 5, 1991, the African National Congress (ANC) elected Nelson Mandela as its president, further solidifying his role in South Africa’s transition from apartheid.
This day in history: 5 july