July 14

Events - Politics & Government

1223day.year

Louis VIII becomes King of France upon the death of his father, Philip II.

In 1223, Louis VIII ascends to the French throne following the death of Philip II, ushering in a new chapter for the Capetian dynasty.
After the passing of his father Philip II on July 14, 1223, Louis VIII was crowned King of France and immediately faced the challenge of continuing his father’s efforts to consolidate royal power. Known as Louis the Lion, he inherited conflicts with English-held territories and support for the crusading efforts in southern France. Although his reign lasted only three years, he secured royal influence over Poitou and Gascony, reaffirmed France’s position in Europe, and laid groundwork for his son Louis IX’s later successes. His brief but active rule reinforced the Capetian monarchy across the kingdom.
1223 Louis VIII Philip II
1789day.year

Storming of the Bastille in Paris. This event escalates the widespread discontent into the French Revolution. Bastille Day is still celebrated annually in France.

Parisians storm the Bastille prison in 1789, igniting the French Revolution and becoming a symbol of liberty.
On July 14, 1789, an angry crowd of Parisians besieged the Bastille fortress-prison, a symbol of royal tyranny. After fierce fighting, the prison governor surrendered, and the mob freed the few prisoners held inside. The fall of the Bastille sent shockwaves across France, demonstrating popular anger at monarchical authority and the ancient regime. It catalyzed revolutionary fervor, inspired uprisings in the provinces, and led to the National Assembly’s sweeping reforms. Bastille Day remains France’s national holiday, commemorating the spirit of liberté, égalité, fraternité.
1789 Storming of the Bastille French Revolution Bastille Day
1798day.year

The Sedition Act of 1798 becomes law in the United States making it a federal crime to write, publish, or utter false or malicious statements about the United States government.

The Sedition Act of 1798 made it a federal crime in the U.S. to publish or utter false or malicious statements against the government.
Enacted under President John Adams, the Sedition Act of 1798 was one of four Alien and Sedition Acts passed amid fears of conflict with France. It criminalized criticism of the federal government, empowering authorities to prosecute opposition journalists and political rivals. The law sparked a fierce debate over free speech and states' rights, becoming a flashpoint between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. Several newspapers were shut down and individuals fined or imprisoned under its provisions. Opposition led to the Act's expiration in 1801 and influenced the development of First Amendment jurisprudence. Its legacy remains a landmark in American civil liberties history.
1798 Sedition Act of 1798 federal crime
1915day.year

Beginning of the McMahon–Hussein Correspondence between Hussein bin Ali, Sharif of Mecca and the British official Henry McMahon concerning the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire.

Start of the McMahon–Hussein Correspondence, initiating secret wartime negotiations between Hussein bin Ali and British official Henry McMahon over support for an Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire.
On July 14, 1915, Hussein bin Ali, the Sharif of Mecca, and Sir Henry McMahon, the British High Commissioner in Egypt, initiated a series of secret letters known as the McMahon–Hussein Correspondence. In these exchanges, the British government offered support for Arab independence in return for military assistance against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The correspondence laid the groundwork for the Arab Revolt of 1916, which significantly diverted Ottoman forces. Differences over territorial definitions later fueled controversy and accusations of British betrayal by Arab leaders. Historians view this correspondence as a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history and the decline of Ottoman control. Its legacy continues to influence regional borders and diplomatic relations today.
1915 McMahon–Hussein Correspondence Hussein bin Ali, Sharif of Mecca Henry McMahon Arab Revolt Ottoman Empire
1933day.year

In a decree called the Gleichschaltung, Adolf Hitler abolishes all German political parties except the Nazis.

Adolf Hitler enforces the Gleichschaltung decree, abolishing all German political parties except the Nazi Party in July 1933.
On July 14, 1933, Adolf Hitler issued the Gleichschaltung decree, a key element of Nazi consolidation of power. The decree outlawed all political parties other than the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), effectively establishing a one-party state. This move dismantled Germany’s multiparty democratic system and eliminated legal political opposition. The enforcement of Gleichschaltung extended to state governments, trade unions, and civil society organizations. It marked a turning point in the establishment of totalitarian rule and suppression of dissent under the Third Reich. The decree paved the way for further repressive legislation and the Nazi dictatorship’s expansion of power.
1933 Gleichschaltung Adolf Hitler political parties Nazis
1933day.year

Nazi eugenics programme begins with the proclamation of the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring requiring the compulsory sterilization of any citizen who suffers from alleged genetic disorders.

The Nazi eugenics programme begins with the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring, mandating compulsory sterilization for alleged genetic disorders.
On July 14, 1933, the Nazi regime enacted the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring, launching its eugenics programme. The law authorized compulsory sterilization of individuals diagnosed with conditions deemed hereditary, such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and physical deformities. This policy reflected the Nazis’ pursuit of a 'pure' Aryan race and led to thousands of forced sterilizations. Medical professionals were complicit, screening patients and carrying out sterilization procedures without consent. The law’s passage marked one of the earliest systemic human rights abuses by the Third Reich. It set a precedent for later atrocities, including the Holocaust and mass extermination programmes.
Nazi eugenics Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring compulsory sterilization
1942day.year

In the Wardha session of Congress, the "Quit India" resolution is approved, authorising Mahatma Gandhi to campaign for India's independence from Britain.

The Quit India resolution is approved at the Wardha session of Congress, empowering Mahatma Gandhi to intensify the campaign for India’s independence in 1942.
At the Wardha session of the Indian National Congress on July 14, 1942, delegates passed the Quit India resolution calling for an end to British rule. Mahatma Gandhi was authorized to launch a mass civil disobedience campaign aimed at securing immediate independence. The resolution demanded the withdrawal of British forces and the transfer of power to Indian hands. News of the declaration spread rapidly, inspiring widespread protests and strikes across India. British authorities responded with arrests of Congress leaders and a harsh crackdown on dissent. The Quit India Movement became a defining moment in India’s struggle for freedom and galvanized nationalist sentiment.
1942 Wardha Congress Quit India Mahatma Gandhi India
1948day.year

Palmiro Togliatti, leader of the Italian Communist Party, is shot and wounded near the Italian Parliament.

Italian Communist Party leader Palmiro Togliatti is shot and wounded near the Italian Parliament in Rome in 1948.
On July 14, 1948, Palmiro Togliatti, leader of the Italian Communist Party (PCI), was ambushed and shot in Rome near the Parliament building. The assassination attempt spurred national crisis, triggering strikes and protests across Italy. Togliatti survived the attack after undergoing surgery and recovered from his wounds. The incident heightened Cold War tensions within Italy and polarized political factions. Communist-led demonstrations demanded government accountability for the violence. The event underscored the fragility of Italy’s postwar democracy and the fierce ideological struggles of the era.
1948 Palmiro Togliatti Italian Communist Party Italian Parliament
1957day.year

Rawya Ateya takes her seat in the National Assembly of Egypt, thereby becoming the first female parliamentarian in the Arab world.

Rawya Ateya becomes the first female parliamentarian in the Arab world by taking her seat in Egypt’s National Assembly on July 14, 1957.
On July 14, 1957, Rawya Ateya was sworn in as a member of Egypt’s National Assembly. Her election marked the first time a woman held parliamentary office in any Arab country. Ateya’s victory reflected Egypt’s progressive policies on women’s rights under President Nasser. During her tenure, she advocated for social welfare, education, and legal reforms benefiting women and children. Her achievement inspired future generations of women to pursue political leadership across the Middle East. Rawya Ateya’s legacy endures as a trailblazer for gender equality in politics.
1957 Rawya Ateya National Assembly Egypt Arab world
1958day.year

In the 14 July Revolution in Iraq, the monarchy is overthrown by popular forces led by Abd al-Karim Qasim, who becomes the nation's new leader.

The 14 July Revolution in Iraq overthrew the monarchy and brought Abd al-Karim Qasim to power, establishing a republic.
On July 14, 1958, a group of army officers led by Brigadier General Abd al-Karim Qasim executed a coup d'état in Baghdad. The revolt, fueled by nationalist and anti-monarchical sentiment, swiftly toppled King Faisal II's Hashemite regime. Within hours, government institutions were seized, and Qasim declared Iraq a republic. The revolution ended years of monarchical rule and reshaped Iraq's political landscape. It aligned Iraq more closely with emerging Arab nationalist movements and altered Cold War dynamics in the Middle East. Qasim's government implemented land reforms, nationalized oil resources, and pursued an independent foreign policy that challenged Western influence.
1958 14 July Revolution Iraq Abd al-Karim Qasim
2002day.year

French president Jacques Chirac escapes an assassination attempt from Maxime Brunerie during a Bastille Day parade at Champs-Élysées.

French President Jacques Chirac survived an assassination attempt by Maxime Brunerie during the Bastille Day parade in Paris.
On July 14, 2002, French President Jacques Chirac survived an assassination attempt during the Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Élysées. A young gunman named Maxime Brunerie opened fire toward the presidential reviewing stand. Security forces reacted swiftly, subduing the attacker and preventing any harm to Chirac. No injuries to the president were reported, though the incident shocked the nation on its national holiday. The attempt prompted a review of VIP protection protocols and heightened awareness of extremist threats in France. Brunerie was later arrested, tried, and convicted for his actions.
2002 Jacques Chirac Maxime Brunerie Champs-Élysées