First Crusade / Spice Girls / Inception

On This Day (July 8): Your quick daily trip back in time.

Fatih Taskiran
July 8th, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

The First Crusade: 15,000 starving Christian soldiers march around Jerusalem while its Muslim defenders look on.

Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama departed on his first voyage to become the first European to reach India by sea.

Independent Vermont introduces a new constitution that prohibits slavery.

Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse gave the first cowpox vaccination in the US.

Commodore Matthew C. Perry sails his frigate Susquehanna into Tokyo Bay, allowing Western influence and trade in Japan.

The 500th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church was celebrated in Moscow.

The Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act takes effect in South Africa, banning mixed marriages or sexual relationships.

The Spice Girls release their debut single "Wannabe" in the UK.

Chatham Square, Chinatown, New York,1900

❝

Applaud, my friends, the comedy is finished.

Ludwig van Beethoven

or to participate.