Major Events of July 1909: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from July 1909 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of July 1909: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 05 Jul 1909 Marion Wallace Dunlop introduces hunger strike in Britain: On July 5, 1909, British suffragette Marion Wallace Dunlop began her hunger strike in Holloway Prison, marking a significant act of protest for women's suffrage. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Jul 1909 Marion Wallace Dunlop ends hunger strike: After 91 hours, Marion Wallace Dunlop ended her hunger strike on July 8, 1909, following her arrest for stenciling a passage from the Bill of Rights on a wall of the House of Commons. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Jul 1909 Extreme heat burst in Oklahoma: In the early hours of July 11, 1909, a heat burst south of Cherokee, Oklahoma, caused temperatures to spike to 136°F (58°C), leading to the desiccation of crops in the area. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Jul 1909 Sixteenth Amendment Resolution passes Congress: On July 12, 1909, the U.S. Congress passed the resolution proposing the Sixteenth Amendment, granting Congress the power to levy income taxes without apportionment among states. This amendment was ratified by the states in 1913. source: visitthecapitol.gov
- 15 Jul 1909 Ty Cobb's remarkable baseball performance: On July 15, 1909, Ty Cobb hit two inside-the-park home runs, leading the Detroit Tigers to a doubleheader sweep against the Washington Senators, with scores of 9–5 and 7–0. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Jul 1909 Persian Constitutional Revolution: Shah deposed: On July 16, 1909, during the Persian Constitutional Revolution, the Shah was deposed, leading to significant political changes in Iran. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 Jul 1909 Glenn Curtiss sets aviation distance record: On July 17, 1909, Glenn Curtiss set an aviation distance record, contributing to the advancement of early aviation. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Jul 1909 Georges Clemenceau resigns as Prime Minister of France: On July 20, 1909, Georges Clemenceau resigned as Prime Minister of France following a defeat in the Chamber of Deputies over a motion concerning the state of the navy. His proposal was rejected after a contentious exchange with Théophile Delcassé, leading to his immediate resignation. He was succeeded by Aristide Briand, who formed a new cabinet. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Jul 1909 Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar flees to Russian Embassy during Persian Constitutional Revolution: On July 21, 1909, during the Persian Constitutional Revolution, Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar sought refuge in the Russian Embassy in Tehran after constitutionalist forces captured the city. The Shah had been deposed by the constitutionalists, leading to the establishment of his son, Ahmad Shah, as the new monarch. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Jul 1909 Paraguay establishes compulsory education law: On July 22, 1909, Paraguay enacted a law making education compulsory for children, aiming to improve literacy rates and educational standards across the country.
- 23 Jul 1909 First British-manufactured aeroplane flight: On July 23, 1909, the first aeroplane manufactured in Britain made its inaugural flight. This event marked a significant milestone in the UK's aviation history.
- 24 Jul 1909 Nap Rucker's remarkable pitching performance: On July 24, 1909, pitcher Nap Rucker of the Brooklyn Superbas (now the Los Angeles Dodgers) achieved a remarkable performance, contributing to his team's success in the game.
- 25 Jul 1909 First Airplane Cross-Channel Flight: On July 25, 1909, French aviator Louis Blériot became the first person to fly an airplane across the English Channel. Departing from Les Baraques near Calais, France, he landed in Dover, England, 37 minutes later, piloting his Blériot XI monoplane. This historic flight earned him a £1,000 prize from the British newspaper Daily Mail and marked a significant milestone in aviation history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Jul 1909 SS Waratah Departs Durban - Ill-Fated Voyage: On July 26, 1909, the SS Waratah, a 16,000-ton passenger and cargo ship, departed Durban, South Africa, bound for Cape Town. The vessel, carrying 211 passengers and crew, was last sighted on July 27, 1909, by the steamer Clan MacIntyre. Despite extensive searches, the SS Waratah disappeared without a trace, and its fate remains one of maritime history's enduring mysteries. source: mastermariners.org.au
- 27 Jul 1909 First US Army Airplane Flight by Wright Brothers: On July 27, 1909, Orville Wright conducted the first military airplane flight for the United States Army at Fort Myer, Virginia. Accompanied by Lieutenant Benjamin Foulois, Wright flew the Wright Military Flyer, achieving an average speed of 42.58 miles per hour over a measured round-trip course. This successful demonstration led to the U.S. Army's purchase of the aircraft for $30,000. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Jul 1909 Ford Motor Company Expands Beyond Michigan: On July 28, 1909, the Ford Motor Company announced its expansion beyond Michigan, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth and its impact on the automotive industry. source: livingwarbirds.com
- 30 Jul 1909 US Army's First Military Aircraft Acquisition: On July 30, 1909, the United States Army purchased its first military aircraft, the Wright Military Flyer, for $30,000, following a successful demonstration by Orville Wright. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 31 Jul 1909 Establishment of Mukuntuweap National Monument: On July 31, 1909, President William Howard Taft designated approximately 15,840 acres in Little Zion Canyon as Mukuntuweap National Monument, recognizing its geological significance and natural beauty. This area later became Zion National Park. source: nps.gov