On this day: July 24
July 24 is a day that has seen many significant events throughout history. From political milestones to cultural celebrations, this day has been marked by a variety of important occurrences. Let’s take a look at some of the key events that have taken place on July 24 over the years.
July 24, 1567: Mary, Queen of Scots is Forced to Abdicate
On this day in 1567, Mary, Queen of Scots was forced to abdicate the throne of Scotland in favor of her infant son, James VI. Mary’s reign had been plagued by political turmoil and scandal, culminating in her marriage to the controversial Lord Darnley and his subsequent murder. After being defeated in battle by rebel forces, Mary was imprisoned and ultimately forced to renounce her claim to the throne.
July 24, 1847: Brigham Young Leads Mormon Pioneers to Utah
Brigham Young, the leader of the Mormon Church, led a group of pioneers to the Great Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah on July 24, 1847. This event marked the culmination of a long and arduous journey that had begun in Illinois the previous year. The arrival of the Mormon pioneers in Utah would ultimately lead to the establishment of the state of Utah and the growth of the Mormon Church in the American West.
July 24, 1911: Machu Picchu is Rediscovered
On July 24, 1911, American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru. The site had been abandoned for centuries and was largely unknown to the outside world until Bingham’s expedition brought it to international attention. Machu Picchu has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
July 24, 1969: Apollo 11 Returns to Earth
On this day in 1969, the Apollo 11 spacecraft returned to Earth after successfully landing on the moon and completing the first manned lunar mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins had spent eight days in space, with Armstrong and Aldrin becoming the first humans to walk on the moon. The successful mission was a major milestone in the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union.
July 24, 1998: Treaty of Rome Establishes International Criminal Court
The Treaty of Rome, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC), was signed on July 24, 1998. The ICC is a permanent international tribunal tasked with prosecuting individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The establishment of the ICC marked a significant step forward in the fight against impunity for serious international crimes.
July 24, 2012: James Holmes Opens Fire in Aurora, Colorado
On July 24, 2012, James Holmes opened fire in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, during a midnight screening of the film “The Dark Knight Rises.” Twelve people were killed and dozens more were injured in the tragic shooting. Holmes was later convicted of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder and sentenced to life in prison.
July 24, 2018: Zimbabwe Holds First Post-Mugabe Election
Zimbabwe held its first presidential election following the ouster of long-time leader Robert Mugabe on July 24, 2018. The election, which was marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities, resulted in a victory for incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The election was seen as a test of Zimbabwe’s commitment to democracy and political reform in the post-Mugabe era.
Conclusion
July 24 has been a day marked by a diverse range of events that have shaped the course of history. From political upheavals to scientific achievements, this day has seen its fair share of triumphs and tragedies. As we reflect on the events that have taken place on July 24, we are reminded of the importance of remembering the past and learning from it as we move forward into the future.
