On this day: July 22
July 22 has been an eventful day throughout history, with various significant events occurring on this date. Let’s take a look back at some of the key moments that have shaped the world we live in today.
July 22, 1298 – Battle of Falkirk
On this day in 1298, the Battle of Falkirk took place in Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence. The English forces, led by King Edward I, emerged victorious over the Scottish army led by William Wallace. The battle was a significant setback for the Scots and solidified English control over Scotland for the time being.
July 22, 1499 – Battle of Dornach
In 1499, the Battle of Dornach took place in Switzerland between the Swabian League and the Old Swiss Confederacy. The Swiss forces emerged victorious in the battle, securing their independence and sovereignty from the Holy Roman Empire.
July 22, 1793 – Alexander Mackenzie Reaches the Pacific Ocean
On this day in 1793, Scottish explorer Alexander Mackenzie reached the Pacific Ocean, becoming the first European to cross North America north of Mexico. His journey marked a significant milestone in the exploration of the continent and opened up new trade routes and opportunities for European powers.
July 22, 1933 – Wiley Post Completes Solo Flight Around the World
American aviator Wiley Post completed the first solo flight around the world on July 22, 1933. Post flew a total of 15,596 miles in just over 7 days, setting a new record for solo flight endurance. His accomplishment paved the way for future advancements in aviation and inspired a new generation of pilots.
July 22, 1942 – Holocaust Begins in Warsaw Ghetto
On this day in 1942, the systematic deportation and extermination of Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto began as part of the Holocaust. The Nazis rounded up thousands of Jewish residents and transported them to concentration camps, where many would ultimately perish. The event marked a dark chapter in human history and serves as a reminder of the horrors of genocide.
July 22, 1962 – Mariner 1 Launches for Venus
The Mariner 1 spacecraft was launched by NASA on July 22, 1962, with the goal of studying the planet Venus. Unfortunately, a guidance system malfunction caused the spacecraft to veer off course and it had to be destroyed shortly after launch. The incident was a setback for the American space program but paved the way for future successful missions to Venus and beyond.
July 22, 1992 – Colombia’s Pablo Escobar Escapes Prison
Infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar escaped from prison on July 22, 1992, in Colombia. Escobar had been incarcerated in a luxury prison known as “La Catedral,” but managed to bribe guards and flee to avoid extradition to the United States. His escape sparked a massive manhunt and further fueled the violence and corruption associated with the drug trade in Colombia.
July 22, 2011 – Norway Terror Attacks
In 2011, Norway was rocked by a series of terror attacks carried out by Anders Behring Breivik. Breivik detonated a bomb in Oslo, killing eight people, before going on a shooting rampage at a youth camp on the island of Utøya, where he killed 69 more people. The attacks shocked the nation and highlighted the threat of domestic terrorism in Europe.
July 22, 2020 – World Health Organization Declares COVID-19 Pandemic
On July 22, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, had spread rapidly around the world, causing widespread illness, death, and economic disruption. The declaration marked a turning point in the fight against the virus and led to unprecedented measures to control its spread.
July 22 has seen a wide range of historical events, from battles and explorations to technological advancements and tragic incidents. These events have shaped the world we live in today and continue to influence our society and culture. As we reflect on the events of this day, let us remember the lessons of history and strive to create a better future for all.
