A closer look at key historic events that took place on July 3:
In 2018, US Justice and Education Departments rescind President Obama’s affirmative action policies in college admissions
The decision sparked a significant debate over the role of affirmative action in promoting diversity in higher education.
In 1985, Back to the Future is released in theaters
The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, became an instant classic. Its innovative blend of science fiction, comedy, and adventure captivated audiences and has since become a beloved part of pop culture.
In 1886, inventor Karl Benz drove the first automobile in Mannheim, Germany
Benz’s historic drive in his Benz Patent-Motorwagen at a top speed of 16 km/h (10 mph) marked the dawn of the automobile age. This pioneering vehicle, powered by an internal combustion engine, laid the groundwork for modern automotive engineering and transportation.
The first automobile made by Karl Benz, 1885. Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49836
In 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg ends
Fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, Gettysburg was a turning point in the American Civil War. The Union victory, under General George Meade, ended Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of the North and marked a significant shift in the momentum of the war.
L. Prang & Co. print of the painting “Hancock at Gettysburg” by Thure de Thulstrup, showing Pickett’s Charge. Restoration by Adam Cuerden. Original scan: Library of Congress – N.B. Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23538787
In 1608, Samuel de Champlain founds the Canadian city of Quebec.
Champlain, a French explorer, established Quebec as a fur trading post, which would later grow into a significant cultural and political center in New France. This founding marked the beginning of continuous French presence in North America.
Photo of statue of Samuel de Champlain in Isle La Motte, Vermont, said to be the location at which Champlain first set foot in what is now Vermont. By Mfwills – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6624139
– Don’t miss out on To Vima’s daily “On this Day in History” posts.
