World History

  • The Spanish Civil War Begins (July 17, 1936) On July 17, 1936, the Spanish Civil War began, a bitter conflict that lasted nearly three years and marked the rise of General Francisco Franco. Franco would go on to rule Spain as a dictator until his death in 1975.
  • Downfall of the Romanov Dynasty (July 17, 1918) On July 17, 1918, the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, and his family were executed by Bolshevik revolutionaries. This tragic event signaled the end of the Romanov dynasty and marked a critical moment in the Russian Revolution, leading to the establishment of a Communist government in Russia.
  • Rosetta Stone Found (July 19, 1799) On July 19, 1799, during Napoleon Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign, a French soldier discovered the Rosetta Stone. This crucial artifact, inscribed with three versions of a decree issued in Memphis, Egypt, has been instrumental in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and understanding the civilization’s history.
  • Martial Law Declared in Poland (July 21, 1982) On July 21, 1982, Poland’s communist government officially declared martial law to suppress the democratic opposition led by the Solidarity movement. This event marked a significant escalation of political repression in Poland, but it ultimately failed to prevent the fall of communism in the country.
  • The Ice Age Floods (July 22, 1923) On July 22, 1923, geologist J Harlen Bretz first presented his theory of the Ice Age Floods, also known as the Missoula Floods, which significantly reshaped the topography of the Pacific Northwest. Despite initial skepticism, this theory was eventually accepted and has fundamentally influenced our understanding of catastrophic geological processes.

Cleveland History

  • Cleveland Browns Return to the NFL (July 17, 1999) On July 17, 1999, the Cleveland Browns franchise was officially reinstated in the National Football League (NFL) after a three-year absence. The return of the beloved football team brought joy to Cleveland sports fans who had longed for their team’s comeback.
  • Cleveland Orchestra Performs at Carnegie Hall (July 19, 1922) On July 19, 1922, the Cleveland Orchestra made its debut performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Led by conductor Nikolai Sokoloff, the orchestra’s remarkable performance established its reputation for excellence and solidified Cleveland’s standing as a hub for classical music.
  • First Electric Traffic Light Installed (July 20, 1914) On July 20, 1914, Cleveland became the first city in the world to install an electric traffic light system. Located at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and East 105th Street, this innovation aimed to improve road safety and regulate traffic flow, setting a precedent for cities worldwide.
  • Cleveland Clinic Heart Surgeon Performs First Successful Heart Transplant (July 21, 1984) On July 21, 1984, Dr. Floyd D. Loop, a heart surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, performed the first successful heart transplant in Ohio. The landmark surgery highlighted Cleveland’s medical expertise and its position as a leading center for cardiovascular care.
  • Terminal Tower Opens (July 23, 1930) On July 23, 1930, the iconic Terminal Tower in downtown Cleveland officially opened to the public. Standing at 708 feet tall, it became one of the tallest buildings in the world at that time. The tower quickly became a symbol of Cleveland’s progress and economic prosperity.