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Ehrlichman, three others found guilty in Ellsberg break-in case 40 years ago today (July 12 1974)

1970s, U.S. Presidents, Watergate


Video: 'Ehrlichman Convicted - CBS Radio - Leslie Stahl - July 12, 1974'

(Friday, July 12, 1974; during the Watergate scandal) — John Ehrlichman, former top aide to U.S. President Richard Nixon, and three others were convicted today of conspiring to violate the civil rights of Daniel Ellsberg’s former psychiatrist.

American forces secure Saipan as last Japanese defenses fall 70 years ago this hour (July 9 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Documentary World War 2 II in Colour The Second World War color' (final Allied assault on Saipan at 1:33:34)

(Sunday, July 9, 1944, 4:15 p.m. ChST; during the Battle of Saipan, part of World War II, Pacific War) — The Allied conquest of Saipan Island in Japan’s inner defense line was completed this afternoon, clearing the way for direct strikes to the Japanese mainland by U.S. B-29 bombers. Continue reading American forces secure Saipan as last Japanese defenses fall 70 years ago this hour (July 9 1944) →

Diem appointed prime minister of South Vietnam 60 years ago today (July 7 1954)

1950s, Cold War, First Indochina War


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 2' (July 7, 1954, at 4:18)

(Wednesday, July 7, 1954; during the First Indochina War, part of the Cold War) — Two months after the French surrendered to the Viet Minh at Dien Bien Phu, Emperor Bao Dai appointed Ngo Dinh Diem today as prime minister of what would become South Vietnam, hoping he would be able to attract American aid.

Kerry picks Edwards as running mate 10 years ago today (July 6 2004)

2000s


Video: 'Vice President Announcement'

(Tuesday, July 6, 2004) — Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John F. Kerry tapped freshman Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina as his running mate today, calling his one-time rival for the Democratic nomination a politician of passion, middle-class values and clear conviction who can help the party “bring back our mighty dream” of a better America by ousting President Bush.

168 people killed in Hartford circus fire 70 years ago this hour (July 6 1944)

1940s


Video: 'Hartford Circus Fire book trailer Final Edit'

(Thursday, July 6, 1944, at about 2:00 p.m. EWT) — An estimated 168 people died today in a fire that broke out during a performance in the main tent of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Hartford, Connecticut. Among the survivors was future actor Charles Nelson Reilly, then age 13.

The Beach Boys return to National Mall one year after ban 30 years ago today (July 4 1984)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s, Television 1980s, The Beatles 1980s


Video: 'Beach Boys - 4th Of July 1984'

(Wednesday, July 4, 1984) — Ex-Beatle Ringo Starr played drums today for The Beach Boys, who celebrated the 4th of July today by performing in front of a crowd of 750,000 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., one year after being banned for attracting “the wrong element” by then-Secretary of Interior James Watt. Continue reading The Beach Boys return to National Mall one year after ban 30 years ago today (July 4 1984) →

U.S. Marine on Saipan describes ‘ugly, rotten, dirty business’ 70 years ago today (July 4 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Documentary World War 2 II in Colour The Second World War color' (July 4, 1944, at 1:27:14)

(Tuesday, July 4, 1944; during the Battle of Saipan, part of World War II, Pacific War) — A U.S. Marine fighting the Japanese for control of Saipan wrote home today, describing the “unforgettable experience” as an “ugly, rotten, dirty business.”

Nixon, Brezhnev sign treaty limiting size of underground nuclear weapons tests 40 years ago today (July 3 1974)

1970s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents


Image: U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (L) joins President Richard Nixon and Russian leaders in a toast after the signing of agreements at the Kremlin on July 3, 1974 following a seven-day summit.

(Wednesday, July 3, 1974; during the Cold War) — U.S. President Richard Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed a treaty today in Moscow limiting the size of underground nuclear weapons tests. Nixon then flew back to the U.S., landing at a small air force base in Maine and gave the nation a report on his foreign travels (click here for video at 2:35:53).