1775day.year
The Second Continental Congress adopts the Olive Branch Petition.
In 1775, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Olive Branch Petition in a final effort to avoid war with Great Britain during the American Revolution.
Drafted chiefly by John Dickinson, the Olive Branch Petition affirmed colonial loyalty to King George III while requesting redress of grievances. The Congress sought to avert full-scale conflict by appealing directly to the monarch for reconciliation. King George III refused to receive the petition and declared the colonies in open rebellion. Its rejection closed the door on peaceful settlement and paved the way for the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The petition remains a poignant symbol of the colonists’ initial desire for compromise.
1775
Second Continental Congress
Olive Branch Petition
1803day.year
The Convention of Artlenburg is signed, leading to the French occupation of the Electorate of Hanover (which had been ruled by the British king).
In 1803, the Convention of Artlenburg was signed, allowing Napoleonic France to occupy the Electorate of Hanover under the personal union with the British crown.
Following the collapse of the Peace of Amiens, French forces under Marshal Bernadotte advanced into Hanover and forced its capitulation at the Convention of Artlenburg. The agreement dismantled Hanoverian defenses and led to a French garrison controlling the territory until 1805. This occupation strained relations between Britain and France and extended the Napoleonic Wars into the German states. Hanover’s strategic location tied to the British monarchy added diplomatic complexity to the conflict. The convention exemplified France’s policy of territorial consolidation on the continent.
1803
Convention of Artlenburg
Electorate of Hanover
1811day.year
The Venezuelan Declaration of Independence is adopted by a congress of the provinces.
Venezuelan provinces approve their Declaration of Independence on July 5, 1811, breaking free from Spanish colonial rule.
On July 5, 1811, a congress of representatives from Venezuelan provinces formally adopted the Declaration of Independence from Spain.
Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and other American revolutions, leaders condemned colonial abuses and asserted the right to self-rule.
The declaration listed grievances against the Spanish crown and set the stage for armed struggle.
Although the ensuing war would be prolonged and challenging, the 1811 declaration unified patriots under a common cause.
The document laid the groundwork for Simón Bolívar's leadership and the eventual liberation of northern South America.
Today, Venezuela celebrates Independence Day on July 5, honoring the provinces' bold assertion of freedom.
1811
Venezuelan Declaration of Independence
1859day.year
The United States discovers and claims Midway Atoll.
In 1859, U.S. forces chart and formally claim Midway Atoll, expanding American influence into the Pacific.
On July 5, 1859, an American naval expedition discovered and recorded Midway Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean.
The United States government immediately asserted sovereignty over the atoll under the doctrine of discovery.
Midway's strategic location offered potential for coaling stations and naval bases as Pacific trade expanded.
Though uninhabited, the atoll's rich bird populations and coral reefs drew scientific interest.
Subsequent settlers and military installations would transform Midway into a key outpost.
The claim marked the beginning of U.S. expansion beyond continental North America.
Today, Midway is famous for its wildlife refuge and pivotal role in World War II's Battle of Midway.
1859
Midway Atoll
1865day.year
The United States Secret Service begins operation.
The U.S. Secret Service is established on July 5, 1865, to combat widespread currency counterfeiting.
In the aftermath of the Civil War, rampant counterfeiting threatened the stability of U.S. currency.
On July 5, 1865, Congress created the Secret Service as a branch of the Treasury Department.
Its primary mission was to investigate and prosecute counterfeiters undermining the national economy.
Equipped with limited resources, early agents tracked complex criminal networks across states.
Over time, the Service evolved to protect presidents and national leaders in addition to fighting financial crimes.
The establishment of the Secret Service marked a new era in federal law enforcement.
Its dual mission has made it one of America's most recognizable and enduring institutions.
1865
United States Secret Service
1884day.year
Germany takes possession of Cameroon.
In 1884, Germany formally declares a protectorate over Cameroon, marking the start of its colonial administration in the region.
On July 5, 1884, the German Empire established a protectorate over the territory of Cameroon under Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. The annexation followed treaties with local leaders and intensified the Scramble for Africa among European powers. German colonial authorities implemented infrastructure projects, including railways and plantations, to exploit resources like rubber and timber. Indigenous resistance was met with military force, leading to uprisings and harsh reprisals. The period shaped Cameroon’s modern borders and left lasting legacies in its social and political development.
1884
Germany
Cameroon
1935day.year
The National Labor Relations Act, which governs labor relations in the United States, is signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the National Labor Relations Act into law in 1935, guaranteeing American workers the right to collective bargaining.
On July 5, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted the National Labor Relations Act, commonly known as the Wagner Act. This landmark legislation established the legal framework for collective bargaining and created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to enforce fair labor practices. It outlawed company unions and prohibited employers from engaging in unfair labor activities such as blacklisting and intimidation. The act empowered millions of American workers to organize unions and negotiate for better wages, hours, and working conditions. It remains a foundational element of U.S. labor law and worker rights.
1935
National Labor Relations Act
President
Franklin D. Roosevelt
1945day.year
The United Kingdom holds its first general election in 10 years, which would be won by Clement Attlee's Labour Party.
The United Kingdom holds its first general election in a decade on July 5, 1945, resulting in a landslide victory for Clement Attlee's Labour Party.
On July 5, 1945, British voters went to the polls for the first general election since 1935, amid the closing months of World War II. Labour Party leader Clement Attlee campaigned on promises of social reform, national health service creation, and post-war reconstruction. Despite Winston Churchill’s wartime popularity, the electorate favored Labour’s vision for a welfare state and full employment. Attlee secured a historic victory with a comfortable majority, ending Churchill’s wartime coalition. The election ushered in sweeping social changes and laid the foundation for modern British social democracy.
1945
United Kingdom
first general election
Clement Attlee
Labour Party
1950day.year
The Knesset of Israel passes the Law of Return which grants all Jews the right to immigrate to the Land of Israel.
Israel’s Knesset enacts the Law of Return, granting every Jewish person the right to immigrate to Israel.
On July 5, 1950, the Knesset passed the Law of Return, a landmark in Zionist history.
The law guaranteed any Jew worldwide the automatic right to Israeli citizenship.
It defined Jewish identity broadly, including those with one Jewish grandparent or who converted.
This legislation accelerated mass immigration from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
It reshaped Israel’s demographic, cultural, and political landscape overnight.
Decades later, the Law of Return remains central to Israeli immigration policy and identity debates.
Knesset
Israel
Law of Return
1962day.year
The official independence of Algeria is proclaimed after an eight-year-long war with France.
Algeria proclaims its independence from France, ending an eight-year struggle and ushering in a new nation.
On July 5, 1962, Algeria declared its sovereignty following the 1962 Evian Accords that ended the war with France.
Thousands of Algerians gathered in Algiers to celebrate the birth of their nation after 132 years of colonial rule.
Ahmed Ben Bella, soon to become the first president, addressed jubilant crowds waving green, white, and red flags.
The brutal conflict had claimed over a million lives and displaced millions more.
Independence ignited hope across Africa and accelerated decolonization movements worldwide.
Shortly after, Algeria joined the United Nations, cementing its status on the global stage.
1962
independence
Algeria
war
France
1971day.year
The Twenty-sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years, is formally certified by President Richard Nixon.
President Nixon certifies the 26th Amendment, lowering the U.S. voting age from 21 to 18.
On July 5, 1971, President Richard Nixon certified the ratification of the 26th Amendment in the White House Rose Garden.
The change came swiftly during the Vietnam War era, reflecting calls of “old enough to fight, old enough to vote.”
Within three months, 38 states had approved the amendment, making it one of the fastest in U.S. history.
The new rule enfranchised some 11 million Americans aged 18 to 20.
This expansion reshaped electoral politics, prompting politicians to court younger voters.
It highlighted the growing influence of youth in civic life and policy debates.
1971
Twenty-sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution
voting age
President
Richard Nixon
1973day.year
Juvénal Habyarimana seizes power over Rwanda in a coup d'état.
On July 5, 1973, Colonel Juvénal Habyarimana led a bloodless coup in Rwanda, overthrowing President Grégoire Kayibanda and seizing control of the government.
Under rising ethnic tensions and accusations of regional favoritism, Colonel Juvénal Habyarimana orchestrated a coup d'état on July 5, 1973. The move ended the First Republic of Rwanda and unseated President Grégoire Kayibanda. Habyarimana, backed by the northern gendarmerie, assumed power without widespread violence. His regime promoted Hutu dominance and imposed a centralized authority. Over the next two decades, he navigated Cold War alliances, maintaining close ties with Belgium and France. The new government reshaped Rwanda's political landscape, setting the stage for future conflicts. Habyarimana's rule lasted until his assassination in 1994, an event that precipitated the Rwandan genocide.
Juvénal Habyarimana
Rwanda
coup d'état