TODAY IN HISTORY – 9th July, 2026 – ORBITS NEWS
By Valentine Uchechukwu Ndukwu.
To the remarkable French writer and philosopher, Voltaire, history is the study of all the world’s crime.
Amazingly, history is reviewed here as a record of the mistakes, injustices, and wrongdoings of the past. It equally reveals that human societies have consistently committed errors and harmed one another throughout history
The French philosopher points out the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of our actions through this quote.
And by framing history in this way, he encourages us to learn from past mistakes and strive for a more just and equitable future.
Although he comes from a perspective that presents a pessimistic view of human history, there is still a hidden emphasis on the need for self-reflection and improvement.
Kindly scroll down for some historical events dished as you like it.
On this day in 1793, the Act Against Slavery in Upper Canada bans the importation of slaves and will free those who are born into slavery after the passage of the Act at 25 years of age.
Still on this day in 1877, the inaugural Wimbledon Championships begins.
Amazingly, on this day in 1893, Daniel Hale Williams, American heart surgeon, performs the first successful open-heart surgery in United States without anesthesia.
Regrettably on this day in 1900, the Governor of Shanxi province in North China orders the execution of 45 foreign Christian missionaries and local church members, including children.
Interestingly on this day in 1922, Johnny Weissmuller swims the 100 meters freestyle in 58.6 seconds, breaking the world swimming record and the ‘minute barrier’.
Sally on this day in 1937, the silent film archives of Fox Film Corporation are destroyed by the 1937 Fox vault fire.
It was on this day in 2002 that the African Union is established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The organization’s first chairman is Thabo Mbeki, President of South Africa.
In 2006 on this day, Italy win their fourth World Cup title, defeating France 5–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time.
In 2011, South Sudan gains independence and secedes from Sudan.
In the same year 2011, on this day, a rally takes place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to call for fairer elections in the country.
Most remarkably on this day in 2025, earth completes its shortest recorded day due to a slight acceleration in rotation, with July 9 lasting approximately 1.3 to 1.6 milliseconds less than 24 hours.
Until tomorrow when Today in History will come to you, keep pointing in the right direction.
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