Today In History July 28th

July 28th is a date that has seen important moments in history. From major legal changes to unexpected events, this day has left a mark. 

Here's a look at some significant happenings on this date.

The Fourteenth Amendment: A Key Legal Change (1868)

On July 28, 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution. 

This amendment was crucial because it granted citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved individuals. 

It also promised equal protection under the law, laying the groundwork for future civil rights efforts.

The amendment aimed to address the inequalities faced by African Americans after the Civil War, especially in the South. 

It has been used in many important court cases and remains a key part of the Constitution today, ensuring fairness and equality.

The Bonus Army Protest (1932)

During the Great Depression, many people struggled financially. 

On July 28, 1932, a group of World War I veterans known as the Bonus Army protested in Washington, D.C., demanding early payment of bonuses promised for their wartime service. 

President Hoover ordered the U.S. Army to remove them, leading to a violent clash.

The veterans were dispersed with tanks, cavalry, and tear gas, an action that shocked the nation. 

This event showed the government’s struggle to help its citizens during tough economic times and damaged Hoover’s popularity.

Empire State Building Plane Crash (1945)

On July 28, 1945, a U.S. Army B-25 bomber accidentally crashed into the Empire State Building in New York City because of heavy fog. 

The crash killed 14 people and caused a fire that took hours to control. Despite the damage, the building remained structurally sound.

This tragic accident highlighted the risks of flying in poor weather, especially over a busy city. 

It also demonstrated the resilience of the Empire State Building, which suffered relatively minor damage.

The 1984 Summer Olympics In Los Angeles

The 1984 Summer Olympics opened in Los Angeles on July 28th. 

These Games were notable for the absence of the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries, which boycotted in response to a U.S. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. 

Despite this, the Games were successful and well organized.

The Los Angeles Olympics were also financially successful, thanks to good planning and sponsorship deals. 

This set a new standard for how future Olympic Games could be both a celebration of sports and a profitable event.

Operation Gomorrah: A Major WWII Bombing Campaign (1943)

On July 28, 1943, during World War II, British and American air forces launched Operation Gomorrah, a major bombing campaign against Hamburg, Germany. 

The goal was to damage Germany's war industries and weaken morale. The operation involved thousands of bombing raids, dropping both explosive and incendiary bombs.

July 28th has been a day of significant events in history ranging from constitutional amendments to major public incidents. 

These moments remind us of the country’s journey through legal changes, social challenges, and unexpected tragedies. They help us understand the nation's history and the ongoing effort to address its issues.