Today in history: The Venezuelan Declaration of Independence

On this day in 1811 (July 5), Venezuela declared its independence from Spain.

RIGHT: 1876 painting by Martin Tovar y Tovar depicting the signing of the Venezuelan declaration.



The Venezuelan Declaration of Independence (wikipedia)

Voting on the declaration of Independence

On July 4th, we celebrate the Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson and Adams died on this day in 1826

Both former Presidents and Patriots, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same day, July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence. They were fellow patriots, then friends, and then political enemies, and then friends again as old men.

Pickett's charge failed and the Confederates were defeated on July 3

The Battle of Gettysburg ended with a Confederate defeat 150 years ago today.



This Day in History

Pickett's Charge Wikipedia

July 2, 1863, Joshua Chambers leads the critical defense in the Battle of Little Round Top

and thus changes the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg and even possibly the whole Civil War.
Never underestimate the power of courage my friend!



Gettysburg 150 Years Later: NPR

July 2 1839, slave uprising on the Amistad

The uprising on the slave ship Amistad took place on July 2, 1839

Teaching With Documents:The Amistad Case

La Amistad (from Wikipedia)

"Nothing will ever be the same" ~ Theodore Roosevelt

On July 1, 1998, 

U.S. forces (including Theodore Roosevelt's "Rough Riders") won the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba.

Rough Riders - Charge Up San Juan Hill 

Notice the scene 4 and a half minutes into the clip when Roosevelt (Tom Berenger) says "Nothing will ever be the same."

Pay attention to the symbolism of the American flag flapping over a water tower that says "Empire" on it... this was a turning point for American history and for the Unites States' stature as a world power.

Whether it was good or not, I leave to you, oh dear reader, to decide. 

~  J. Holbrook

Battle of San Juan Hill (Wikipedia)

By-the-way,, a little know fact is that Theodore Roosevelt and his son got lost in the Amazons in 1913. Roosevelt got sick and was unable to walk. He considered taking a vial of poison he had with him to commit suicide and to give the rest of the party a better chance of surviving. His son Kermit talked him out of it. Roosevelt survived but lost 50 pounds. Years later, his son Kermit would commit suicide.