Discover · History

On this day — July 1

A hand-curated thread of what happened on this date, across centuries.

Observed today

Public holiday

Canada Day

Canada Day is observed in Canada. Recognized nationally.

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2024

Politics

At the centennial ceremony of the Dominion of Newfoundland National War Memorial

the Commonwealth War Graves Commission allowed an unprecedented second Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldier was entombed in the memorial at this ceremony.

2020

Milestone

The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement replaces NAFTA.

2013

Milestone

Croatia becomes the 28th member of the European Union.

2008

Politics

Riots erupt in Mongolia in response to allegations of fraud surrounding the 2008 legislative elections.

2007

Milestone

Smoking in England is banned in all public indoor spaces.

2006

Milestone

The first operation of Qinghai–Tibet Railway is conducted in China.

2004

Milestone

Saturn orbit insertion of Cassini–Huygens begins at 01:12 UTC and ends at 02:48 UTC.

2003

Milestone

Over 500,000 people protest against efforts to pass anti-sedition legislation in Hong Kong.

2002

Politics

The International Criminal Court is established to prosecute individuals for genocide

crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.

2002

Milestone

Bashkirian Airlines Flight 2937

a Tupolev Tu-154, and DHL Flight 611, a Boeing 757, collide in mid-air over Überlingen, southern Germany, killing all 71 on board both planes.

1999

Politics

The Scottish Parliament is officially opened by Elizabeth II on the day that legislative powers are officially transferred from the old Scottish Office in London to the new devolved Scottish Executive in Edinburgh. In Wales, the powers of the Welsh Secretary are transferred to the National Assembly.

1997

Politics

China resumes sovereignty over the city-state of Hong Kong, ending 156 years of British colonial rule

The handover ceremony is attended by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Charles, Prince of Wales, Chinese President Jiang Zemin and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

1997

Milestone

Space Shuttle program

Space Shuttle Columbia is launched on STS-94, a re-flight of the prematurely-ended STS-83 mission with the same crew.

1991

Politics

Cold War: The Warsaw Pact is officially dissolved at a meeting in Prague.

1991

Broadcasting

Observed today

Canada Day

At the centennial ceremony of the Dominion of Newfoundland National War Memorial

The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement replaces NAFTA.

Croatia becomes the 28th member of the European Union.

Riots erupt in Mongolia in response to allegations of fraud surrounding the 2008 legislative elections.

Smoking in England is banned in all public indoor spaces.

The first operation of Qinghai–Tibet Railway is conducted in China.

Saturn orbit insertion of Cassini–Huygens begins at 01:12 UTC and ends at 02:48 UTC.

Over 500,000 people protest against efforts to pass anti-sedition legislation in Hong Kong.

The International Criminal Court is established to prosecute individuals for genocide

Bashkirian Airlines Flight 2937

China resumes sovereignty over the city-state of Hong Kong, ending 156 years of British colonial rule

Space Shuttle program

Cold War: The Warsaw Pact is officially dissolved at a meeting in Prague.

The Finnish operator Radiolinja is launched as the world's first GSM network.