Europa
- Catherine the Great Becomes Empress of Russia (1762)
On July 9, 1762, Catherine the Great assumed power after leading a coup that deposed her husband, Peter III. Her reign marked a transformative era for Russia, with significant reforms in governance, law, and culture, and the expansion of Russian territory, making Russia a major European power. - Annexation of the Kingdom of Holland by Napoleon (1810)
On this day in 1810, Napoleon Bonaparte annexed the Kingdom of Holland into the French Empire, consolidating his control over much of Western Europe. - Battle of Sempach (1386)
The Old Swiss Confederacy defeated the Duchy of Austria at the Battle of Sempach, a pivotal victory that helped establish Swiss independence and control over its territory. - Foundation Stone of Charles Bridge, Prague (1357)
Emperor Charles IV assisted in laying the foundation stone of the Charles Bridge in Prague, a significant architectural and cultural landmark in Central Europe. - Freedom of Religion in Bohemia (1609)
The Letter of Majesty was issued by Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, granting freedom of religion to Bohemia, a notable step in the history of religious tolerance in Europe. - French Victory at the Battle of Melle (1745)
French forces won the Battle of Melle, enabling them to capture the strategic city of Ghent in the days following the battle. - Wimbledon Championships Begin (1877)
The inaugural Wimbledon Championships, the first tennis championship in England and precursor to modern Grand Slam tournaments, began in London. - Greece Signs Athens Agreement (1961)
Greece became the first member state to join the European Economic Community by signing the Athens Agreement, though its membership was suspended in 1967 during the Greek junta. - Battle of Tali–Ihantala (1944)
During World War II, Finland won the Battle of Tali–Ihantala, the largest battle ever fought in northern Europe, successfully halting the Soviet offensive. - Operation Husky: Allied Invasion of Sicily (1943)
The Allied invasion of Sicily began, marking a pivotal moment in the European theatre of World War II and leading to the downfall of Mussolini in Italy. - Anne Frank Goes into Hiding (1942)
Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in Amsterdam, an event that would later become one of the most poignant stories of the Holocaust.
America
- 1816: Argentina Declares Independence
On July 9, 1816, Argentina formally declared its independence from Spain, a pivotal event in the history of Latin America and the broader movement for independence across the continent. - 1850: Death of U.S. President Zachary Taylor
President Zachary Taylor died unexpectedly after a brief illness, and Vice President Millard Fillmore assumed the presidency. - 1863: End of the Siege of Port Hudson
During the American Civil War, the Union Army captured Port Hudson, Louisiana, after a lengthy siege. This victory, following the fall of Vicksburg, gave the Union complete control over the Mississippi River, a major strategic milestone. - 1868: Ratification of the 14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, defining U.S. citizenship, guaranteeing due process and equal protection under the law, and prohibiting states from abridging the rights of citizens. It remains a cornerstone of civil rights in America. - 1918: Nashville Train Disaster
In Nashville, Tennessee, a head-on collision between two trains killed 101 people and injured 171, making it the deadliest rail accident in U.S. history. - 1893: First Successful Open-Heart Surgery in the U.S.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the first successful open-heart surgery in the United States without anesthesia, a major milestone in medical history.
Asia
- 1944: American Forces Capture Saipan (Pacific Theater, WWII)
On July 9, 1944, American forces completed the capture of Saipan, a strategic island in the Pacific. This victory brought the Japanese home islands within range of U.S. B-29 bombers and contributed directly to the downfall of the Tojo government in Japan. - 1944: Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj (India)
On this day, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose accepted the leadership of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army), strengthening the movement to free India from British colonial rule. - 1875: Establishment of the Bombay Stock Exchange (India)
The Bombay Stock Exchange, Asia’s first and one of its largest stock exchanges, was founded on July 9, 1875. It played a pivotal role in the development of India’s financial markets. - 1951: India’s First Five-Year Plan Launched
India’s first Five-Year Plan, aimed at economic development and resource allocation, was launched on July 9, 1951, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. - 2004: Asian Development Bank Anti-Terror Fund
The Asian Development Bank established a fund on July 9, 2004, to help its 42 member countries combat terrorism. - 2008: Iran Missile Tests
On July 9, 2008, Iran conducted tests of nine long- and medium-range missiles, escalating regional tensions.
Africa
- 2011: Independence of South Sudan
On July 9, 2011, South Sudan officially became the world’s newest country, gaining independence from Sudan after decades of conflict and a successful referendum. This day is now celebrated as Independence Day in South Sudan. - 2002: Formation of the African Union (AU)
The African Union was formally established on July 9, 2002, in Durban, South Africa, replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The AU was created to promote unity, peace, and development across the continent, with its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. - 1841: Charles Lenox Remond’s Anti-Slavery Speech
On July 9, 1841, African American abolitionist Charles Lenox Remond delivered his influential speech “Slavery as it Concerns The British” to the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society in London, highlighting the global struggle against slavery and the African diaspora’s role in it. - 1998: Nigeria Commutes Death Sentences
On July 9, 1998, Nigeria’s military government commuted the death sentences of General Oladipo Diya and five others who had been convicted of plotting to overthrow General Sani Abacha’s regime. - 1987: South Africans Meet the ANC in Dakar
Sixty-one white South Africans, mainly from the Afrikaans community, met with the African National Congress (ANC) in Dakar, Senegal, seeking a path to end apartheid. - 1991: South Africa Rejoins the International Olympic Committee
After decades of suspension due to apartheid policies, South Africa was readmitted to the International Olympic Committee on July 9, 1991.
This day in history: 9 july