Major Events on July 31ST

31st July is marked as one of the most important and significant dates in the history of the world. As per the Gregorian calendar, the day is numbered as the 212th day of the year. However, in case of the leap year it is numbered as the 213th day of the year. Many crucial and momentous events have occurred on this day in the past, including the onset or end of the war, signing of some important treaties, discoveries in the field of science and technology and some significant expeditions. Some of the most important events are the discovery of Trinidad by Christopher Columbus, martyrdom of Shaheed Udham Singh and the first ride of Apollo 15 on the surface of the moon. 

Today’s Day in History: 31st July

Columbus Discovery of Trinidad

On the third expedition of Christopher Columbus across the Atlantis, he discovered the Island of Trinidad (Trinity) on July 31, 1498. During their trip across Atlantis, Christopher and his fellow Spanish sailors ran out of necessities like drinking water. It was then that they decided to land their ship at some shore, so that they could replenish their stocks again. 

In search of the island, they discovered a flowering island and went in search of the local population which could help them in replenishing their stocks of necessities. On finding a canoe of warriors, the Spanish sailors started dancing in front of them. However, this act was misunderstood by the warriors and was taken as a war dance. 

Soon, the Spanish sailors were shot with numerous arrows from the canoe of warriors and the crew decided to move towards the mainland that was already in their sight. In the run for their lives, the sailors entered the Gulf of Paria and then the peninsula of Paria. It was these sightings that led to the foundation for the observation of South America. 

Martyrdom of Shaheed Udham Singh 

31st July marks the date when Comrade Udham Singh achieved martyrdom in 1940. Shaheed Udham Singh Kamboj was one of the most popular political activists and a great patriot of India. Closely associated with communist activities and the zeal of independence, Udham and his fellow patriots had a burning desire to make their homeland free from the clutches of the Britishers. 

Shaheed Udham Singh is known for his various historical contributions that have led to the Independence of India. His name has been etched in the loving memory of the people of India due to his momentous heroic actions. It was Udham Singh who assassinated the cruel Michael O’Dwyer in his speech during the joint meeting at Caxton Hall in Londo. The joint meeting was between the East India Association and the Central Asian Society. 

Being able to fulfil his duty towards his mother nation, Udham Singh willingly accepted the fact that he had shot Michael O’Dwyer. For his crime, he was arrested and put up in the Brixton Prison. 1 April 1940 is marked as the date when Udham was officially charged for his crime of killing Michael O’Dwyer. It was the date 31 July 1940, that Shaheed Udham Singh was hanged and buried. 

Apollo 15’s First Ride on Moon 

Apollo 15 is referred to as the ninth crewed mission of the United States Apollo program. Apollo 15 was the fourth mission of the US Apollo program to have landed on the Moon. Notably, it was in this mission that the Lunar Roving Vehicle was used for the first time. The ninth crewed mission of the US Apollo Program began on 26 July 1971 and ended on 7 August 1971. 

The Lunar Roving Vehicle had its momentous ride on the Moon between July 30 and August 2, 1971. With their landing on the moon, David Scott and James Irwin spent an approximate 18 ½ hours on the surface of the moon and explored the surface on their ride on the Lunar Roving Vehicle. The commanders collected a total of 77 pounds of surface material from the surface of the moon for further research and investigation. 

However, the crew members on Apollo 15 were criticised for the fact they gave poor judgments regarding their landing and had held up unauthorised postal covers to the space area. Thus, the mission was considerably distorted by unfavourable publicity from the public. Luckily, the mission was able to get successful and the mission splashed back on the surface of the earth on August 7. 

Conclusion

Thus, 31st July holds a considerable importance in world history. There have been various significant events on this day in the past, including the onset or end of the war, signing of some important treaties, discoveries in the field of science and technology and some significant expeditions. Not only 31 July, but the other dates of the year also have some or the other important event or incident that have occurred in the past.