July 7 has witnessed a wide array of pivotal moments that have shaped history, blending significant cultural shifts, groundbreaking inventions, and profound political events. Let's delve into these events and explore their impact, each of them bringing a unique twist to our shared past.
1. 1456: Joan of Arc Acquitted
Imagine being found innocent 25 years after your demise! That's precisely what happened to Joan of Arc on July 7, 1456. This fierce warrior maiden, who led French troops to victory during the Hundred Years' War, was unjustly convicted of heresy and burned at the stake. Fast forward a quarter-century, and Pope Callixtus III decided to give her the ultimate "Sorry, our bad" with a retrial that declared her innocent. Talk about belated justice! Joan’s story is a medieval blockbuster, proving that even in the 15th century, people loved a good redemption arc
 |
| Joan of Arc |
2. 1928: Sliced Bread Invented
On July 7, 1928, the world of sandwiches changed forever. Thanks to Otto Frederick Rohwedder, the Chillicothe Baking Company in Missouri began selling pre-sliced bread, and breakfast tables everywhere rejoiced. This invention was hailed as "the greatest forward step in the baking industry since bread was wrapped," setting a new standard for convenience. Now, instead of wrestling with a loaf and a knife, people could simply pluck out perfectly sliced pieces, making every sandwich a masterpiece. And yes, this is where we get the phrase "the best thing since sliced bread" a testament to its enduring brilliance.
3. 1937: Second Sino-Japanese War Begins
July 7, 1937, kicked off the Second Sino-Japanese War with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. Tensions between Chinese and Japanese troops hit a boiling point, sparking a full-blown war that lasted until the end of World War II. This brutal conflict saw horrific events like the Nanjing Massacre and changed the course of East Asian history. It's a grim reminder of the devastation wrought by imperialist ambitions, but also of the resilience and determination of those who fought for their homeland.
4. 1981: Sandra Day O'Connor Nominated to Supreme Court
Breaking the ultimate glass ceiling, Sandra Day O'Connor was nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court on July 7, 1981. President Ronald Reagan made history by selecting her as the first woman to ever sit on the highest court in the land. O'Connor’s pragmatic and balanced approach made her a key swing vote in many critical decisions. Her appointment was a giant leap for gender equality, proving that yes, women could not only participate in but also shape the judicial landscape of America.
 |
| Lady Justice |
5. 2005: London Bombings
July 7, 2005, a day marked by tragedy, saw coordinated terrorist attacks on London's public transport system. Four suicide bombers targeted three underground trains and a bus, leading to the loss of 52 lives and injuring over 700 people. Known as 7/7, this grim day underscored the relentless threat of terrorism but also highlighted the incredible resilience of Londoners. The city’s spirit of unity and strength in the face of terror was nothing short of inspirational.
6. 1863: The United States Begins First Military Draft
In the throes of the Civil War, July 7, 1863, saw the U.S. rolling out its first military draft, courtesy of the Enrollment Act. Picture the chaos: widespread unrest and riots, particularly the infamous New York City Draft Riots. This draft was a contentious move, highlighting the deep divisions and social tensions of the era. But it also showcased the lengths to which the Union would go to preserve itself, even if it meant sparking a bit of civil disobedience along the way.
7. 1898: U.S. Annexes Hawaii
 |
On this day in 1898, President William McKinley put pen to paper and annexed Hawaii, expanding U.S. territory by adding a tropical paradise. This move followed a period of political drama and strategic maneuvering in the Pacific. The annexation marked America's growing imperialist ambitions and laid the groundwork for Hawaii's eventual statehood in 1959. Plus, it made hula dancing and pineapple pizza American staples—well, at least the hula dancing part.
8. 1947: Alleged Roswell UFO Incident
July 7, 1947, is the date that launched a thousand conspiracy theories. The Roswell Army Air Field claimed to have recovered a "flying disc," setting off a frenzy of UFO speculation. Although the official story later attributed the find to a weather balloon, the initial excitement has kept alien enthusiasts buzzing for decades. The Roswell incident has since become the stuff of legend, fueling endless debates and inspiring countless movies, TV shows, and late-night radio discussions.
 |
| UFO |
9. 1954: Elvis Presley's First Commercial Recording Session
And now, for something truly rocking: on July 7, 1954, Elvis Presley recorded "That's All Right" at Sun Studio in Memphis. This session was the spark that ignited the King of Rock 'n' Roll's legendary career. Combining blues, country, and gospel, Elvis created a sound that would forever change the music landscape. His rise to fame began right here, making this date a cornerstone of rock history and ensuring that Elvis would never leave the building of our hearts.
From medieval redemption to rock 'n' roll revolution, July 7 has given us a myriad of moments to remember and celebrate.