On this day›07-03

Discover · History

On this day — July 3

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

Observed today

Independence Day

Independence Day is observed in United States. Recognized nationally.

2013

Politics

President of Egypt Mohamed Morsi is removed from office by the military after four days of protests all over the country calling for his resignation, to which he did not respond. The president of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt, Adly Mansour, is declared acting president until further elections are held.

2006

Milestone

The Valencia Metro derailment kills 41 people.

1996

Milestone

British Prime Minister John Major announced the Stone of Scone would be returned to Scotland.

1988

Politics

United States Navy warship USS Vincennes shoots down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf

killing all 290 people aboard.

1988

Milestone

The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in Istanbul

Turkey is completed, providing the second connection between the continents of Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus.

1979

Politics

U.S. President Jimmy Carter signs the first directive for secret aid to the opponents of the pro-Soviet regime in Kabul.

1973

Milestone

David Bowie retires his stage persona Ziggy Stardust with the surprise announcement that it is "the last show that we'll ever do" on the last day of the Ziggy Stardust Tour.

1970

Milestone

The Troubles

The "Falls Curfew" begins in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

1970

Milestone

Dan-Air Flight 1903 crashes into the Les Agudes mountain in the Montseny Massif near the village of Arbúcies in Catalonia, Spain, killing all 112 people aboard.

1967

Milestone

The Aden Emergency

The Battle of the Crater in which the British Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders retake the Crater district following the Arab Police mutiny.

1952

Milestone

The Constitution of Puerto Rico is approved by the United States Congress.

1952

Milestone

The SS United States sets sail on her maiden voyage to Southampton

During the voyage, the ship takes the Blue Riband away from the RMS Queen Mary.

1944

Politics

World War II

The Minsk Offensive clears German troops from the city.

1940

Politics

World War II

The Royal Navy attacks the French naval squadron in Algeria, to ensure that it will not fall under German control. Of the four French battleships present, one is sunk, two are damaged, and one escapes back to France.

1938

Milestone

World speed record for a steam locomotive is set in England

by the Mallard, which reaches a speed of 125.88 miles per hour (202.58 km/h).