July 22: Race Cars, Solo Flights, and Big Decisions
Welcome back to History's Not Boring! July 22nd is a date packed with moments that pushed the limits of travel, politics, and even crime-fighting! We're looking at everything from the very first road race for cars to a major moment in the fight for freedom in America. Get ready to zoom through history!
Did you know that on this day, the world saw both the dawn of motor racing and a pilot achieving an incredible solo flight around the globe? It shows how people on July 22nd were always trying to go faster and farther, whether on the road or in the sky!
What Happened on This Day
Lincoln's Secret Meeting on Freedom
Imagine President Lincoln, looking serious, gathering his top advisors. On this day, he shared the very first draft of what would become the Emancipation Proclamation! This was a huge step towards ending slavery in the United States. Even though it wasn't public yet, this secret meeting set the stage for one of the most important changes in American history. It was a turning point for freedom!
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The World's First Real Car Race!
Forget video games, this was the *original* driving challenge! The Paris–Rouen race was the very first competitive motor race between two cities. It was organized by a French newspaper to show off the newfangled 'horseless carriages.' The cars were slow and sometimes broke down, but it proved that gasoline-powered vehicles could actually travel long distances. This was the humble beginning of all car racing!
Flying Solo Around the Big Blue Marble
Aviator Wiley Post took off from New York and proved solo flight was possible by circling the entire Earth! He did it in his plane, the 'Winnie Mae,' in just over seven days. Imagine flying that far all by yourself, navigating with basic maps! This was a massive achievement in aviation, showing just how much pilots could accomplish with skill and a sturdy plane. What an adventure!
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Public Enemy Number One Gets a Final Curtain
Infamous bank robber John Dillinger, often called 'Public Enemy No. 1,' met his end on this day. After robbing banks across the Midwest, FBI agents surrounded him outside a movie theater in Chicago. He was shot as he left. Dillinger was a huge figure in the Great Depression, and his capture marked a major victory for federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI in cracking down on outlaws.
Tragedy Begins in the Warsaw Ghetto
A dark chapter in history began as the Nazis started the mass deportations of Jewish people from the Warsaw Ghetto to the Treblinka extermination camp. This was part of the Holocaust. It's a reminder that history has moments of deep sadness that we must study to understand and prevent future tragedies. It shows the vital importance of standing up against injustice.
Learn moreFun Facts About July 22
- July 22 is Pi Approximation Day because 22/7 is close to the number Pi!
- Wiley Post's solo trip around the world only took him 185 hours of flying time!
- The first car race in 1894 was so new, the cars were called 'horseless carriages'!
- Abraham Lincoln kept the draft of the Emancipation Proclamation hidden for months!
A Look Back in Time
July falls right in the middle of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, a time often associated with exciting travel and exploration, which perfectly matches the events of the first car race and Wiley Post's solo flight! Meanwhile, major political and military events unfolded globally. In 1862, the US was deep in the Civil War, making Lincoln's political move critical. And in 1942, World War II raged on, casting a dark shadow over the deportation events in Europe.
Born on This Day
Willem Dafoe
This famous actor has appeared in tons of movies, often playing complex characters! From superhero villains to historical figures, he always brings an intense energy to the screen. He's known for being super dedicated to his roles.
Selena Gomez
From starring in Disney shows to becoming a chart-topping singer and producer, Selena has done it all! She's also a big advocate for mental health awareness. She started acting when she was very young, proving hard work pays off.
David Spade
David Spade is a hilarious comedian and actor, famous for his sarcastic voice and quick jokes! He got super famous as a regular on *Saturday Night Live* and has starred in many funny movies too.
Alex Trebek
Alex Trebek was the much-loved host of the long-running TV quiz show *Jeopardy!* for decades! He helped millions of people learn fun facts by asking the questions. He was known for his calm demeanor and encouraging contestants.