This Day in History - July 28th

1976: Massive earthquake in China

Early in the morning, a massive earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale strikes Tangshan, a Chinese industrial city with a population of about 1 million people. As almost everyone was at home in their beds instead of outside in the relative safety of the streets or fields, the earthquake was especially costly in terms of human life. By the time the rescue effort came to an end, the Chinese government estimated that 250,000 people had been killed, making it the deadliest earthquake of the 20th century. Because it is situated between the Indian and Pacific plates, China has been a very active location for earthquakes throughout history.

Also On This Day

2005

In an historic announcement the IRA declare that their armed campaign has ended, and that it will only pursue peaceful means to secure a united Ireland.

2000

In Northern Ireland, the final prisoners due for early release as a result of the deal negotiated as part of the Good Friday Agreement are released.

1996

In America, The Kennewick Man, the remains of a prehistoric man, are found on the banks of the Columbia River near Kennewick, Washington.

1988

In Britain, Paddy Ashdown is elected leader of the Social and Liberal Democrat Party.

1972

Dockers in Britain begin a national strike.

1965

The Vietnam War: President Johnson announces that America will send an additional 50,000 troops to Vietnam.

1945

In heavy fog a United States military plane crashes into the Empire State Building in New York killing 14 people.

1943

The Second World War: The most intense British bombing raid on Hamburg to date creates a firestorm in the city, killing 42,000 German civilians.

1932

During the Great Depression, President Herbert Hoover orders the U.S. Army under General Douglas MacArthur to evict by force the Bonus Marchers from Washington D.C. The marches consisted of approximately 1000 First World War veterans seeking cash payments for their veterans’ bonus certificates.

1914

The First World War: Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia beginning the initial phase of the Great War.

1868

The 14th Amendment, guaranteeing African Americans citizenship and all its privileges, is officially adopted into the U.S. Constitution.

1821

Jose de San Martin declares Peru’s independence from Spain.

1794

French Revolutionary politician Maximilien de Robespierre is executed in Paris.

1540

On the orders of Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, the King's chief minister, is executed in the Tower of London.

1540

King Henry VIII of England marries Catherine Howard, his fifth wife.