On this day: July 18
The Battle of Poitiers (1356)
On July 18, 1356, the Battle of Poitiers took place during the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. The English, led by Edward, the Black Prince, defeated the French forces, capturing King John II of France in the process. This battle was a significant victory for the English and marked a turning point in the war.
Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte Surrenders (1815)
On July 18, 1815, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte surrendered to British forces following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. This marked the end of Napoleon’s rule and his second reign as Emperor of the French. He was later exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena, where he would spend the remainder of his days until his death in 1821.
Birth of Nelson Mandela (1918)
On July 18, 1918, Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa, was born in the village of Mvezo. Mandela would go on to become a key figure in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and was eventually elected as the country’s first black president in 1994. He passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of peace and reconciliation.
Launch of the first passenger jetliner (1948)
On July 18, 1948, the de Havilland Comet, the world’s first passenger jetliner, made its maiden flight. The Comet revolutionized air travel with its speed and efficiency, setting the stage for the modern era of commercial aviation. It was a groundbreaking achievement in the history of aviation and paved the way for the development of future jetliners.
Launch of the first successful communication satellite (1962)
On July 18, 1962, the Telstar 1 communication satellite was launched into orbit. Telstar 1 was the first satellite to transmit television signals, telephone calls, and fax images across the Atlantic Ocean. This marked a major milestone in the field of telecommunications and paved the way for the global communication networks we rely on today.
End of the Rwandan Genocide (1994)
On July 18, 1994, the Rwandan Patriotic Front, led by Paul Kagame, captured the capital city of Kigali, effectively bringing an end to the Rwandan Genocide. The genocide, which lasted for 100 days and resulted in the deaths of over 800,000 people, was a tragic chapter in Rwandan history. The capture of Kigali marked a turning point in the conflict and paved the way for the country’s recovery and reconciliation.
