History: What Happened Today?

1. In 1550, Chocolate was introduced.
2. In 1846, the United States annexed California.
3. In 1863, the first military draft by the US was implemented. Exemptions cost $100. Also, the Order barring Jews from serving in the US military is revoked.
4. In 1865, Mary Surratt is the first woman executed by the US government. She was convicted of being a conspirator in the Lincoln assassination.
5. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii.
6. In 1923, the University of Delaware invents "junior year abroad", at the Sorbonne in Paris.
7. In 1930, the construction of the Hoover Dam began, employing over 21,000 men in 5 years.
8. In 1948, the Cleveland Indians sign Leroy "Satchel" Paige at the age of 42.
9. In 1981, the first solar-powered aircraft, Solar Challenger, crosses English Channel.
10. In 1981, President Reagan announced the nomination of Arizona Judge Sandra Day O'Connor as the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
11. Famous Birthdays: Dr. Watson (sidekick of Sherlock Holmes), Marc Chagall (artist), Doc Severinsen (bandleader), Lisa Leslie (basketball player), Michelle Kwan (figure skater), Shelley Duvall (actress)

For famous birthdays and other daily events in history, visit our Daily Dose Activities.

Click Here for Yesterday in History: July 6

Click Here for Tomorrow in History: July 8

For more history resources on Internet 4 Classrooms, visit our Social Studies and History index. For Pre K-8th Grade Level History and Social Studies Resources, visit our Grade Level Index.