A closer look at key historic events that took place on July 31:
In 2012, Michael Phelps breaks the record of Olympic medals won
The American swimmer Michael Phelps broke the record at the London Olympics winning his 19th medal, surpassing the previous record of 18 medals held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, and eventually bringing his total to 28 medals.
In 2006, Fidel Castro steps down from President
The Cuban leader handed over power to his brother, Raúl Castro, due to health issues, until he officially assumed the position in 2008. This marked the first time since the 1959 revolution that Fidel had relinquished control of the Cuban government.
In 1998, the British government bans landmines
The British government officially banned the use, production, and trade of landmines on July 31. This decision aligned with the Ottawa Treaty, an international agreement aimed at eliminating anti-personnel landmines globally.
In 1991, US and USSR sign Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
The United States and the Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). This historic treaty aimed to reduce and limit strategic offensive arms, marking a significant step in the effort to control nuclear weapons during the final years of the Cold War.
In 1971, the Lunar Roving Vehicle is first used on the Moon
During the Apollo 15 mission, astronauts David Scott and James Irwin first used the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) on the Moo n on July 31. The LRV allowed astronauts to travel further from their landing site, greatly enhancing their ability to conduct scientific exploration.
In 1667, the Treaty of Breda is signed
The Treaty ended the Second Anglo-Dutch War. It resulted in territorial exchanges between England, the Dutch Republic, France, and Denmark-Norway, including England gaining control of New Netherland, which included New Amsterdam (modern-day New York City).
