Today in History, 31 July: What Happened on this Day

Historical events

30 BC

Battle of Alexandria

In the year 30 BC. C., the crucial Battle of Alexandria took place between Roman rivals Mark Antony and Octavian (later known as Augustus). The battle occurred during the final stages of the Roman Republic’s civil war, following the defeat of the forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Despite achieving a minor victory over Octavian’s forces, Mark Antony’s army suffered mass desertions, leading to its final defeat. This event cleared the way for Octavian’s invasion of Egypt, leading to the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the consolidation of power under Octavian, who would become the first Roman emperor.

1498

Christopher Columbus discovers Trinidad

In 1498, during his third voyage to the New World, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Trinidad, located off the northeast coast of South America. Columbus’s exploration of the island marked the first recorded European encounter with the indigenous inhabitants of Trinidad. Although Trinidad was initially claimed for the Spanish Crown, sustained European settlement did not occur until later expeditions.

1620

The Pilgrim Fathers leave Leiden for England

In 1620, a group of English separatists known as the Pilgrim Fathers, who had been living in Leiden, Netherlands, left for England. They sought religious freedom and then set sail aboard the Mayflower for the New World. The Pilgrims’ journey to America culminated in the founding of Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts. Their efforts to establish a self-governing community laid the foundation for the development of democratic principles in American history.

1790

First US patent granted to Samuel Hopkins

On July 31, 1790, the United States granted its first patent to inventor Samuel Hopkins for his “potash process.” The patent system was established by the Patent Act of 1790, signed into law by President George Washington. This historic event marked the beginning of the American patent system, which grants inventors exclusive rights to their inventions for a limited period, fostering innovation and creativity in the country.

1856

Christchurch, New Zealand incorporated as a city

On July 31, 1856, Christchurch, located on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand, was officially incorporated as a city. The settlement had been established in 1850 by English settlers from the Canterbury Association, who sought to create a planned Anglican community. Christchurch’s charter marked its recognition as a major urban center in the emerging nation of New Zealand.

1940

Execution of Shaheed Udham Singh

On 31 July 1940, Indian freedom fighter Shaheed Udham Singh was executed in London for the murder of Michael O’Dwyer, former lieutenant governor of Punjab. Singh’s act of retaliation was a response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, when British troops under O’Dwyer opened fire on unarmed Indian civilians, killing hundreds. Singh’s execution served as a poignant symbol of resistance against British colonial rule in India.

1971

Operation Motorman in Northern Ireland

On 31 July 1971, the British Army launched Operation Motorman to retake control of the no-go urban areas in Northern Ireland. These areas were controlled by paramilitary groups during the Troubles, a period of intense conflict between nationalists and unionists. Operation Motorman was a major military operation and marked a turning point in the Northern Ireland conflict. British Army action resulted in the end of the barricades and fortified areas, but underlying tensions and violence persisted for years to come.

Birthdays of notable figures

Munshi Premchand (1880-1936)

Born on July 31, 1880, Munshi Premchand was a noted Hindi writer and is considered one of the greatest Indian novelists of all time. He played an important role in shaping modern Hindi literature and drew attention to the social problems prevalent in Indian society through his works. Some of his most famous novels include “Godan”, “Gaban” and “Nirmala”, which continue to be celebrated for their revealing portrayal of human emotions and social complexities.

Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi (1907-1966)

Born on July 31, 1907, Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi was an Indian scholar known for his notable contributions to history, mathematics and astronomy. He was a pioneering historian who specialized in ancient Indian history and his works shed light on various aspects of Indian civilization and culture. Apart from his historical research, Kosambi made important contributions to the field of mathematics and was an accomplished mathematician. His multidisciplinary approach to scholarship left a lasting impact on Indian academic fields.

Mohan Lal Sukhadia (1909-1982)

Born on 31 July 1909, Mohan Lal Sukhadia was a prominent Indian politician who served as Chief Minister of Rajasthan for a long period from 1954 to 1971. He was a visionary leader and played a crucial role in the development and modernization of Rajasthan. during his possession. Sukhadia’s contributions to the growth and governance of the state earned him the respect and admiration of the people of Rajasthan.

Mumtaz (1947-1997)

Born on July 31, 1947, Mumtaz was an acclaimed Indian actress who left an indelible mark on the Bollywood film industry. She appeared in numerous iconic and successful films throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Mumtaz was known for her exceptional acting skills and her elegant dance performances, which earned her several awards and recognitions. Her captivating screen presence and talent made her a beloved figure in Indian cinema and she continues to be remembered as one of the most talented actresses of her time.

Death anniversary of notable figures

Ashutosh Das (1917-1996)

On July 31, we remember Ashutosh Das, an important figure in modern Bengali literature. The profound impact of the Bengali poet and writer on the literary world continues to be celebrated. Through his evocative poetry and insightful writings, Das captured the essence of human emotions and social issues, leaving a lasting mark on Bengali literature.

Sripad Damodar Satwalekar (1928-1997)

On this day we commemorate the death anniversary of Shripad Damodar Satwalekar, a renowned Marathi writer. His novels and short stories captivated readers with their compelling narratives and their exploration of human relationships and social norms. Satwalekar’s contributions to Marathi literature have earned him lasting admiration and recognition.

Muhammad Rafi (1922-1980)

Today marks the death anniversary of Muhammad Rafi, the iconic Pakistani playback singer. His mesmerizing voice and versatile singing style earned him a reputation as one of the greatest playback singers of all time. Rafi’s soulful interpretations of various musical genres continue to enchant music lovers around the world, and his legacy remains etched in the annals of Indian music history.

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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn

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