Today in History--July 5th

1687--Isaac Newton's Principia

Isaac Newton publishes Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, in which he outlined (among other things) his three laws of natural motion, and his law of universal gravitation. It is a turning point in modern science.

1775--the Olive Branch Petition

In the American colonies, the Second Continental Congress dispatches the Olive Branch Petition, a last-ditch attempt to preserve the peace, to Britain's King George III. (It doesn't work.)

1809--the Battle of Wagram

Napoleon Bonaparte scores a bloody but decisive victory against Austria. With 300,000 total participants (and 75,000 casualties) the battle is the largest seen in Europe up until that time.

1863--the retreat from Gettysburg

After suffering a disastrous defeat outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia retreats from Union territory. They would never advance so far north again.

1937--Spam is introduced to the American public

Hormel Foods introduces spiced ham, or simply Spam, to American markets. Though released during the Great Depression, the "food" would not gain widespread popularity until after World War II.

1946--the debut of the Bikini

Five days after a nuclear test on Bikini Atoll in the Pacific, French fashion designer Jeacques Heim debuts a new swimsuit with that name. It is an instant scandal, especially when its designer declares no two-piece bathing suit could be called a bikini "unless it could be pulled through a wedding ring."

1948--the NHS

After two years of legislation and political promises, the British government finally releases the National Health Service, the oldest single-payer healthcare system in the world.

1954--Elvis's first single

After two years of unsuccessful demos and audition, Elvis Presley finally finds success with a recording of Arthur Crudup's 1946 Blues hit, "That's All Right." It becomes the A-side of his first single...and music would never be the same.

1971--the Voting Rights Act

After years of protests, President Richard Nixon signed the 26th Amendment into law, lowering voting age in the United States from 21 to 18.

1975--Arthur Ashe wins Wimbledon

Five days before his 32nd birthday, Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win the Wimbledon singles title. To this day he is considered one of the best tennis players of all time.

1996--Dolly, the world's most famous sheep

A team at the University of Edinburgh, led by Sir Ian Wilmut and Keith Campbell, announce the birth of Dolly, the world's first animal born from a cloned embryo.