Monthly Archives: July 2015

U.S. explodes first experimental atomic bomb in New Mexico 70 years ago this hour (July 16 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Explosion and smoke cloud of the first Atomic Bomb detonation rising at Alamogord...HD Stock Footage'

(Sunday, July 16, 1945, 5:29:45 a.m. MWT; during World War II) — The Atomic Age began this morning when the United States successfully detonated a plutonium-based test nuclear weapon at the Trinity bomb site near Alamogordo, New Mexico, unleashing an explosion equivalent to that of 19 kilotons of TNT (click here for a clip of this event from “American Experience: Truman” at 1:56:01). Continue reading U.S. explodes first experimental atomic bomb in New Mexico 70 years ago this hour (July 16 1945) →

British PM Churchill calls on President Truman in Babelsberg 70 years ago this hour (July 16 1945)

1940s, U.S. Presidents, World War II


Video: 'Potsdam Conference: Big Three: Truman, Stalin & Churchill Meet in Berlin 1945 US US OWI Newsreel' (Churchill and Truman at 2:05-2:11)

(Monday, July 16, 1945, 11:00 a.m. CEST; during World War II) — Prime Minister Winston Churchill called on U.S. President Harry S. Truman this morning at U.S. headquarters at Babelsberg, Germany, ahead of the Potsdam Conference with Churchill and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin (whose late arrival delayed the conference to July 17, 1945). (click here for a clip of this event from “American Experience: Truman” at 1:54:11).

A shockingly gaunt Rock Hudson appears at news conference 30 years ago today (July 15 1985)

1980s


Video: '1985 - Rock Hudson "Mystery Illness' (July 15, 1985, at 1:11-1:21)

(Monday, July 15, 1985) — A shockingly gaunt Rock Hudson appeared at a news conference today with actress Doris Day to promote her new TV cable show Doris Day’s Best Friends in which Hudson was videotaped visiting Day’s ranch in Carmel, California, a few days earlier.

President Truman arrives in Antwerp, Belgium for Potsdam Conference 70 years ago this hour (July 15 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'President Harry Truman of United States arrives in Antwerp and moves to Brussels'...HD Stock Footage'

(Sunday, July 15, 1945, 10:04 a.m. CEST; during World War II) — U.S. President Harry S. Truman arrived in Antwerp, Belgium, this morning aboard the USS Augusta, bound for Antwerp, Belgium, for the Potsdam Conference with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin on July 17, 1945, in Potsdam, occupied Germany (click here for a clip of this event from “American Experience: Truman” at 1:52:51). Continue reading President Truman arrives in Antwerp, Belgium for Potsdam Conference 70 years ago this hour (July 15 1945) →

Adlai Stevenson dies on London street 50 years ago this hour (July 14 1965)

1960s


Video: 'July 14, 1965 - Ambassador to the United Nations Adlai Stevenson dies in London, England'

(Wednesday, July 14, 1965, 5:10 p.m. BST) — U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Adlai E. Stevenson, twice the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for president (in 1952 and 1956, both times defeated by Republican Dwight Eisenhower), suffered a fatal heart attack today while walking in London through Grosvenor Square. Stevenson was 65. Continue reading Adlai Stevenson dies on London street 50 years ago this hour (July 14 1965) →

British climber Edward Whymper leads first ascent of the Matterhorn 150 years ago today (July 14 1865)

1860s


Video: 'Whymper's first ascent Matterhorn EN'

(Friday, July 14, 1865, 1:40 p.m. local time) — The Matterhorn, straddling Italy and Switzerland, was summited today as a seven-member rope party led by British climber Edward Whymper reached the peak. Four members of the party would fall to their deaths during their descent, but Whymper and two guides would survive.

Eric Clapton performs at Live Aid 30 years ago this hour (July 13 1985)

1980s, Live Aid, Popular Music 1980s


"White Room"

(Sunday, July 14, 1985, 00:39 BST/Saturday, July 13, 1985, 19:39 EDT) — Eric Clapton, with Phil Collins on drums, performs at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia for Live Aid, including the songs “White Room,” “She’s Waiting” and “Layla.” Continue reading Eric Clapton performs at Live Aid 30 years ago this hour (July 13 1985) →