1540 – Emperor Karel deprives city Gent of its definitive rights and privileges
1742 – Edmond Hoyle published his “Short Treatise” on the card game whist
1861 – American Civil War: US Navy squadron captures forts at Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina.
1862 – Battle of Aspromonte; Italian royal forces defeat rebels
1871 – Emperor Meiji orders the Abolition of the han system and the establishment of prefectures as local centers of administration. (Traditional Japanese date: July 14, 1871).
1916 – US Congress accepts Jones Act: Philippines independence
1953 – USSR explodes its first hydrogen bomb
1981 – Phillies minor leaguer Jeff Stone steals pro baseball record 121st base en route to 122 (Spartanburg (South Atlantic League))
1987 – Portuguese athlete Rosa Mota wins Women’s Marathon at World Chapionships in Rome in 2hr 25:17mins
1987 – 44th Venice Film Festival: “Au revoir les enfants” directed by Louis Malle wins Golden Lion