History is written in moments—some triumphant, some tragic, all unforgettable. The third week of July has been a pivot point for history: astronauts walked on the moon, women rallied for equality, and civilizations clashed in battles that altered the course of nations. From ancient Rome to Cold War space races, these seven days remind us how quickly the world can transform—for better or worse.
July 15
- 1099 – Crusaders Capture Jerusalem
During the First Crusade, Christian forces seized Jerusalem after a brutal siege, leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. - 1975 – Apollo-Soyuz Test Project
The U.S. Apollo and Soviet Soyuz spacecraft docked in orbit, marking the first joint space mission between Cold War rivals.
July 16
- 1945 – First Atomic Bomb Tested (Trinity Test)
The U.S. detonated the world’s first nuclear weapon in New Mexico, ushering in the atomic age. - 1969 – Apollo 11 Launches to the Moon
NASA’s historic mission began, leading to the first human moon landing four days later.
July 17
- 1955 – Disneyland Opens
Walt Disney’s iconic theme park debuted in Anaheim, California, revolutionizing family entertainment. - 1998 – Tsunami in Papua New Guinea
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami, killing over 2,000 people.
July 18
- 64 AD – Great Fire of Rome Begins
A catastrophic blaze destroyed much of Rome; Emperor Nero famously (and controversially) “fiddled while Rome burned.” - 1925 – Hitler Publishes Mein Kampf
Adolf Hitler’s manifesto, written in prison, outlined his extremist ideology and future plans for Germany.
July 19
- 1848 – Seneca Falls Convention for Women’s Rights
The first major women’s rights gathering in the U.S. launched the suffrage movement with the Declaration of Sentiments. - 1980 – Moscow Olympics Boycott Begins
The U.S. and 65 other nations refused to attend in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
July 20
- 1969 – First Moon Landing (Apollo 11)
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon, fulfilling JFK’s challenge and stunning the world. - 1944 – Assassination Attempt on Hitler (July 20 Plot)**
German officers failed to kill Hitler with a bomb, leading to brutal reprisals.
July 21
- 1861 – First Battle of Bull Run (Civil War)
The Confederacy won this early major battle, shocking Union forces into realizing the war would be long. - 1969 – Armstrong Steps on the Moon
Though the landing was July 20, Armstrong’s iconic first steps occurred just after midnight (UTC) on July 21.
