At least 220 people are killed and over 5,000 are wounded when 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate explodes in Beirut, Lebanon.
History
3 August 1977
Tandy Corporation announces the TRS-80, one of the world’s first mass-produced personal computers.
2 August 1858
The Government of India Act 1858 replaces Company rule in India with that of the British Raj.
31 July 1970
Black Tot Day: The last day of the officially sanctioned rum ration in the Royal Navy.
30 July 1419
First Defenestration of Prague: A crowd of radical Hussites kill seven members of the Prague city council.
28 July 1868
The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution is certified, establishing African American citizenship and guaranteeing due process of law.
26 July 1945
The Labour Party wins the United Kingdom general election of July 5 by a landslide, removing Winston Churchill from power.