1309day.year
The Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII is recognized King of the Romans by Pope Clement V.
Pope Clement V recognized Henry VII of Luxembourg as King of the Romans in 1309, strengthening his claim to imperial authority.
On July 26, 1309, Pope Clement V formally recognized Henry VII of Luxembourg as King of the Romans.
This papal endorsement granted Henry legitimacy as heir to the Holy Roman Empire.
Henry's ascent marked the first emperor crowning by a French Pope, emphasizing papal-imperial relations.
His rule sought to reassert imperial authority in Italy and enforce justice across the realm.
The recognition paved the way for Henry's imperial coronation in 1312.
This event underscored the delicate balance between Papacy and Empire in medieval Europe.
1309
The Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII
King of the Romans
Pope Clement V
1509day.year
The Emperor Krishnadevaraya ascends to the throne, marking the beginning of the regeneration of the Vijayanagara Empire.
In 1509, Krishnadevaraya ascended the throne, inaugurating a golden age of military success and cultural flourishing in the Vijayanagara Empire.
Krishnadevaraya ascended the Vijayanagara throne on July 26, 1509, initiating a period of cultural and political revival.
Under his leadership, the empire expanded its territories across southern India through strategic campaigns.
He fostered a flourishing court culture, patronizing literature, music, and monumental architecture, notably in Hampi.
Trade thrived under his reign, with bustling markets dealing in textiles, spices, and precious stones.
Krishnadevaraya's governance emphasized administrative reforms, revenue systems, and diplomatic alliances.
His era is remembered as the apex of Vijayanagara's military might and artistic achievement.
1509
Krishnadevaraya
Vijayanagara Empire
1529day.year
Francisco Pizarro González, Spanish conquistador, is appointed governor of Peru.
On July 26, 1529, Francisco Pizarro was appointed governor of Peru, solidifying Spanish control over the former Inca Empire.
On July 26, 1529, Spanish King Charles V appointed Francisco Pizarro as governor of Peru.
This royal grant formalized Spanish authority over the former Inca Empire following Pizarro's conquests.
Pizarro, famed for capturing Emperor Atahualpa in 1532, now wielded civil and military power in the colony.
He established Lima as the colonial capital and implemented encomienda and tribute systems.
His governance drew large shipments of silver and gold to Spain, fueling European wealth.
The appointment solidified Pizarro's legacy as a key figure in the age of conquest and colonization.
1529
Francisco Pizarro González
1581day.year
Plakkaat van Verlatinghe (Act of Abjuration): The northern Low Countries declare their independence from the Spanish king, Philip II.
In 1581, the Plakkaat van Verlatinghe legally declared the northern Low Countries' independence from King Philip II of Spain.
On July 26, 1581, the Plakkaat van Verlatinghe legally abjured allegiance to King Philip II of Spain.
Issued by representatives of the northern Low Countries, it served as their formal declaration of independence.
This landmark document justified rebellion under the notion that a ruler failing his subjects could be deposed.
It laid the foundation for the Dutch Republic and inspired later enlightenment ideas on government.
The Act united the provinces of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Gelderland, Friesland, and Groningen.
Its principles echoed in subsequent struggles for national sovereignty worldwide.
1581
Plakkaat van Verlatinghe (Act of Abjuration)
Low Countries
Philip II
1775day.year
The office that would later become the United States Post Office Department is established by the Second Continental Congress. Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania takes office as Postmaster General.
On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the United States Post Office Department and appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General.
Amid the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress recognized the need for reliable communication across the colonies. Benjamin Franklin, celebrated for his postal reforms in colonial America, was tapped to lead the new department. His appointment ensured the organization would benefit from his extensive experience in managing postal routes and services. The establishment laid the groundwork for a unified postal system. Under Franklin’s guidance, post roads were expanded and schedules standardized. This innovation strengthened coordination among revolutionary forces and colonial governments. It formed the foundation of the modern United States Postal Service.
1775
United States Post Office Department
Second Continental Congress
Benjamin Franklin
1788day.year
New York ratifies the United States Constitution and becomes the 11th state of the United States.
New York ratified the United States Constitution on July 26, 1788, becoming the 11th state in the Union.
After intense debates in Albany and New York City, a narrow majority of delegates favored ratification of the federal Constitution. Supporters, led by Alexander Hamilton, argued it would provide a stronger national government. Opponents feared centralized power and the lack of a Bill of Rights. The ratification paved the way for New York’s participation in the new federal system. As a populous and influential state, its entry bolstered the legitimacy of the Union. Soon after, New York’s leaders championed the adoption of the first ten amendments. The state’s decision was pivotal in shaping early American politics.
1788
United States Constitution
1822day.year
José de San Martín arrives in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to meet with Simón Bolívar.
José de San Martín reached Guayaquil on July 26, 1822, to confer with Simón Bolívar about the future of South American independence.
After liberating parts of Chile and Peru, San Martín sailed north to meet Bolívar in Guayaquil. The meeting aimed to coordinate efforts against remaining Spanish forces on the continent. San Martín’s arrival on July 26 set the stage for crucial discussions on strategy and governance. Though the precise details of their conversation remain unclear, Bolívar emerged as the leader of the final liberation campaigns. The Guayaquil Conference symbolized unity among independence movements. It also underscored personal dynamics between two liberators with different visions. Their collaboration ultimately led to the establishment of independent republics across South America.
1822
José de San Martín
Guayaquil
Ecuador
meet
Simón Bolívar
1847day.year
Liberia declares its independence from the United States. France and the United Kingdom are the first to recognize the new nation.
Liberia proclaimed its independence on July 26, 1847, becoming Africa’s first republic and the first modern African nation to achieve self-rule.
Founded by the American Colonization Society for resettled African Americans, Liberia developed its own government and institutions. On July 26, delegates ratified the Declaration of Independence in Monrovia. The new republic adopted a constitution modeled on that of the United States. France and the United Kingdom quickly recognized Liberia’s sovereignty, lending international legitimacy. Despite early challenges, including diplomatic isolation and internal divisions, Liberia maintained its independence. The nation’s founding inspired later anti-colonial movements across Africa. Monrovia was named in honor of U.S. President James Monroe, a supporter of the colonization effort.
1847
Liberia
United States
France
the United Kingdom
1882day.year
The Republic of Stellaland is founded in Southern Africa.
Boer mercenaries and local chiefs proclaim the Republic of Stellaland in Southern Africa in 1882.
On July 26, 1882, Boer mercenaries and local chiefs proclaimed the Republic of Stellaland in present-day South Africa. Located in the Stellaland region of Bechuanaland, the republic aimed to assert Afrikaner self-rule. Its establishment challenged both British colonial interests and indigenous authority. The fledgling state issued its own coins and stamps, asserting sovereignty. However, British forces annexed the territory in 1885, ending Stellaland's brief independence. The episode foreshadowed later tensions in southern African colonial politics.
Stellaland
1890day.year
In Buenos Aires, Argentina the Revolución del Parque takes place, forcing President Miguel Ángel Juárez Celman's resignation.
The Revolución del Parque uprising in Buenos Aires leads to President Juárez Celman's resignation in 1890.
On July 26, 1890, the Revolución del Parque uprising erupted in Buenos Aires against President Miguel Ángel Juárez Celman. Driven by demands for political reform and protests over corruption and economic crisis, civic groups and military officers joined forces. The rebellion centered in Palermo's public park, giving the movement its name. Although lightly armed, the insurgents' pressure forced Juárez Celman's resignation. The revolt led to early reforms and the birth of the Radical Civic Union party. It marked a turning point in Argentina's transition toward more democratic governance.
1890
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Revolución del Parque
Miguel Ángel Juárez Celman
1891day.year
France annexes Tahiti.
France formally annexes Tahiti as a colony in 1891, ending its autonomy.
On July 26, 1891, France formally annexed Tahiti, integrating the island into its colonial empire. Previously a French protectorate since 1842, Tahiti lost its monarchy's remaining powers under the new decree. The annexation brought Tahiti under direct administration from Paris, reshaping local governance. French legal and economic systems were introduced, impacting traditional society. The island became part of the broader territory of French Oceania, later known as French Polynesia. Tahiti's cultural heritage persisted amid growing European influence.
1891
Tahiti
1892day.year
Dadabhai Naoroji is elected as the first Indian Member of Parliament in Britain.
Dadabhai Naoroji becomes the first Indian Member of Parliament in Britain in 1892.
On July 26, 1892, Dadabhai Naoroji became the first Indian Member of the British Parliament. Representing Finsbury Central as a Liberal, he used his position to highlight issues of poverty and exploitation under colonial rule. Known as the Grand Old Man of India, Naoroji had long campaigned for Indian rights within the Empire. His election marked a breakthrough for colonial subjects in British political life. In Parliament, he spoke on fiscal policy and Indian self-government. Naoroji's achievement inspired future Indian leaders in the independence movement.
1892
Dadabhai Naoroji
Member of Parliament