On this day: July 11
On this day, July 11, several significant events took place throughout history. Let’s take a look at some of the key moments that occurred on this day.
1789: The French Revolution Begins
On July 11, 1789, the French Revolution officially began with the storming of the Bastille in Paris. The Bastille was a fortress and prison that represented the oppressive monarchy of King Louis XVI. The storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of the revolution and ultimately led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic in France.
1804: Vice President Aaron Burr Kills Alexander Hamilton in a Duel
On July 11, 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr fatally shot Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, in a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey. The duel was the result of a long-standing feud between the two men, and Hamilton died the following day from his injuries. Burr’s reputation was forever tarnished by the incident, and he was eventually charged with murder but was acquitted.
1921: Babe Ruth Hits His 137th Home Run
On July 11, 1921, baseball legend Babe Ruth hit his 137th career home run, breaking the record previously held by Roger Connor. Ruth’s incredible talent and charisma helped popularize the sport of baseball and turn him into a national icon. He went on to hit a total of 714 home runs in his career, a record that stood for many years.
1960: Congo Gains Independence from Belgium
On July 11, 1960, the Democratic Republic of the Congo gained independence from Belgium after decades of colonial rule. The country’s first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, led the newly independent nation, but political unrest and conflict soon followed. The Congo would continue to struggle with instability and violence in the years that followed.
1979: Skylab Crashes to Earth
On July 11, 1979, the United States’ first space station, Skylab, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and crashed into the Indian Ocean and Western Australia. Skylab had been in orbit since 1973 but had been abandoned by NASA in 1974. The crash was a highly anticipated event, and although some debris landed in populated areas, no injuries were reported.
2006: Mumbai Train Bombings
On July 11, 2006, a series of coordinated bombings took place on the suburban railway in Mumbai, India. The attacks were carried out by terrorists and resulted in the deaths of over 200 people and hundreds of injuries. The bombings were one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Indian history and highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region.
2010: Spain Wins the FIFA World Cup
On July 11, 2010, Spain won the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the country’s history. The Spanish national team defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final match, with a goal scored by Andrés Iniesta in extra time. The victory was a momentous occasion for Spanish football fans and marked a historic achievement for the team.
These are just a few of the significant events that have taken place on July 11 throughout history. From revolutions and independence movements to sporting triumphs and tragic events, this date has seen a wide range of important moments that have shaped the world we live in today.
