🗓️ On This Day - July 14th
July 14th is one of the most important dates of the year – just ask someone French, as it’s Bastille Day. But, don’t worry if you can’t make it to France for the festivities! There’s plenty to honor here and lots of history from all over the world to look into! Here are some of the most important things to know about July 14th.
On this day
The French Revolution began!
July 14th is a very important holiday in France and with good reason! It marked the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789, starting with the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris.
Cool beginnings!
Back in 1850, the very first public demonstration of ice made by refrigeration took place! It happened in Florida and was conducted by physician John Gorrie. Thanks to Gorrie, our sodas and cocktails are that little bit more refreshing.
Hitler’s Germany took further control.
Just years away from the start of World War II, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party in Germany imposed a curtailment on the formation of any other political parties within the country back in 1933. This would be the latest in a long line of atrocities and dictatorial moves imposed by the party.
We said goodbye to telegrams.
Believe it or not, we only stopped using the telegram (not the app!) as recently as 2013. It was on July 13th, 2013 that the Indian state telecommunications company ceased to use the technology, effectively bringing an end to a long era – around 200 years of telegraph communications!
Pluto up close!
In 2015, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft flew by Pluto, the tiny celestial body far beyond anyone’s physical reach. And, it provided us with the first detailed images of the dwarf planet – which was famously demoted to “dwarf” status in 2006.
Special Days Falling on July 14th
Bastille Day
Bastille Day is, of course, a hugely important date in the French calendar. It marks the day that revolutionaries first stormed the Parisian Bastille, back in 1789. It’s a massive occasion for French people and those living in France’s territories to celebrate this pivotal event – often marked with galas, fireworks, and parades.
Shark Awareness Day
If there’s one thing that the movie “Jaws” did for society, it’s raise our fear of sharks! While it’s actually pretty rare to get munched by a shark, it’s still worth learning about these majestic marine animals. Specifically, July 14th is the perfect day to learn more about their habitats, feeding rituals, and how we can better protect them.
International Non-Binary Peoples Day
July 14th marks an important day for those who identify as neither traditionally male nor female, or whom are non-binary. Non-binary people often identify as neither gender, or as both. Today’s international occasion first came to public attention in 2012, though the first person to publicly declare their genderless identity – The Public Universal Friend – did so all the way back in 1776!
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This month in history
Canada became a confederation! In 1867, thanks to the enactment of the Constitution Act, the Dominion of Canada was created. The Dominion of Canada remains the country’s full title – but we’re not sure many Canadians use it in conversations so often!
Famous Birthdays on July 14th
If you were born on July 14th…
…you’re a Cancer! You are incredibly kind, loyal, smart, and funny! But one of the best things about you is that you also know when to be serious. However, you do tend to keep things locked up sometimes, which is why you find you need to keep good friends around you.
When you’re on top form, you’re the life and soul of any celebration – and you love to learn more about the people in your life. Just try and rein that in a little so you don’t come across as super nosey! Learn more about Cancers from our Cancer facts page!
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