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Ruth Ellis was the last woman hanged for murder in Britain in 1955. The worst riot in US history began in New York City in 1863, the worst flood in US history hit Kansas in 1951, and the first matches of the football World Cup were held in 1930. The Hollywood sign was dedicated in 1923, Live Aid concert was held in 1985, lightning struck power lines and put New York City into a 25-hour blackout in 1977, the largest tank battle in history ended in 1943, and Vice President George HW Bush became president of the United States for a day in 1985. American actor Harrison Ford was born in 1942.
Ruth Ellis hanged for murder – last time a woman was hanged for murder in Britain. (1955) Ellis, a 28-year-old former model, shot David Blakely, her 25-year-old lover, after he failed to visit her as he promised. It took a jury less than 30 minutes to deliberate and find her guilty. The relationship had been abusive — Ellis miscarried once after Blakely punched her in the stomach — and there was much controversy surrounding her death sentence. Thousands of people have signed petitions to stop her hanging. She was hanged in Holloway Prison in London.
The worst riot in US history began in New York City. (1863) The rioters, mostly working-class men, opposed the military draft. In what became known as the “New York draft riot,” rioters argued that the draft unfairly affected the working class – the wealthy could pay $300 US dollars – about $5,300 US dollars today – to avoid the draft. The riot lasted three days and left around 120 dead and more than 2,000 wounded, although another estimate puts the much higher death toll at 2,000, with 8,000 injured. Property damage from the riots was estimated at $1 million to $5 million US dollars.
The worst flood in US history (at the time) hit Kansas. (1951) More than 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rain fell in eastern Kansas in one month. The flooding reached its peak on this day, leaving 500,000 people homeless and 24 people dead. The flooding also destroyed 2 million acres (8,094 square kilometers) of agricultural land and caused US$760 million in damage.
The first matches of the football World Cup were held. (1930) In the first games, France beat Mexico 4-1 and the United States beat Belgium 3-0. In that first series, the United States made it to the semifinals. The first series was won by the Uruguay team, who defeated Argentina 4-2.
The Hollywood sign has been dedicated. (1923) The sign originally read “HOLLYWOODLAND,” but the last four 50-foot (15.2-meter) letters were removed in 1949 after a renovation, which also reduced the size of the letters to 45 feet (14 meters) tall. The sign was initially set up as an advertisement, but became a tourist attraction after being left standing.
Live Aid concert was held, benefiting starving people in Ethiopia. (1985) Concerts are held in several cities: Sydney, Moscow, London and Philadelphia. Nearly US$223 million was raised as 400 million people in 60 countries watched the concerts, which were broadcast live on TV.
Lightning struck power lines and put New York City into a 25-hour blackout. (1977) Most of the city was affected by the blackout which resulted in looting and rioting throughout the city.
The largest tank battle in history has come to an end. (1943) The Germans began the attack, known as the “Battle of Kursk”, against the Russians on July 5th. In nine days of battle, some 6,000 tanks, 5,000 aircraft and two million people fought in the battle. The Russians have won.
Vice President George HW Bush became president of the United States for a day. (1985) Vice President Bush stepped forward when President Ronald Reagan underwent colon surgery to remove polyps.
American actor Harrison Ford is born. (1942) Ford rose to fame in his role as Hans Solo in the Star Wars films. His other notable films include Indiana Jones, The Fugitive and Presumed Innocent. Ford is ranked as the third highest-grossing star at the box office, with his films earning more than $6 billion US dollars worldwide.
