In History, Today on July 9

The President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, fled his official residence after significant civil unrest due to the country's economic crisis. Massive protests broke out in Colombo, demanding his resignation due to his handling of the economy, leading to shortages of essential goods and immense public dissatisfaction.

The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse occurred, leading to political turmoil in Haiti.

Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a historic peace agreement, formally ending a state of war between the two countries that had lasted since 1998. The agreement was signed in Asmara, Eritrea.

South Sudan officially declared independence from Sudan, becoming the world's newest nation after decades of civil war and a 2011 referendum in which nearly 99% of South Sudanese voted for independence.

Italy won the FIFA World Cup, defeating France in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the final match held in Berlin, Germany.

The African Union (AU) was officially launched in Durban, South Africa, replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU) with the aim of promoting greater unity and cooperation among African states.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the United States had violated international law by failing to inform German consular officials of the arrest of two German nationals, Karl and Walter LaGrand, who were sentenced to death in Arizona.

The Parliament of South Africa voted to drop racist laws that had underpinned decades of Apartheid, marking an important milestone in the nation's journey towards democracy.

The Pan Am Flight 759 crashed in Kenner, Louisiana shortly after takeoff due to wind shear caused by a microburst, leading to the deaths of all 145 on board and 8 people on the ground.

Donkey Kong, a video game created by Nintendo, is released, introducing the character Mario and becoming a major success.

NASA conducted a test of the Telstar satellite, marking the first transatlantic television transmission. Telstar transmitted from Andover Earth Station in Maine to the Pleumeur-Bodou station in France.

The Russell-Einstein Manifesto is released, highlighting the dangers of nuclear weapons and calling for peaceful resolutions to international conflicts.

The Battle of Saipan ends in a decisive victory for the United States over Japan during World War II.

Johnny Weissmuller swims the 100 meters freestyle in 58.6 seconds, breaking the world swimming record and the 'minute barrier.'

Queen Victoria signed the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, the law that enables Australia to become a federated nation.

William Jennings Bryan delivers his famous 'Cross of Gold' speech at the Democratic National Convention.

The inaugural Wimbledon Championship begins, marking the first official lawn tennis tournament.

U.S. President Zachary Taylor dies after serving only 16 months in office, and Millard Fillmore becomes the 13th President of the United States.

The United States formally annexed the California Republic under the leadership of Commodore John D. Sloat.

Argentina declares independence from Spain.

The Argentine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed by the Congress of Tucumán.

The War of the Spanish Succession begins when Austria, England, and the Dutch Republic declare war on France.

King Henry VIII of England annuls his marriage to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.

Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, lays the foundation stone for Charles Bridge in Prague.

Anastasius I, Byzantine Emperor, dies after a reign marked by internal reforms and religious conflicts.

The Roman military commander Avitus is proclaimed Emperor of the Western Roman Empire by the Visigoths after the assassination of Emperor Petronius Maximus.