On this day: July 1

The 1518 Strasbourg Dancing Plague: the first documented outbreak of contagious dancing

In July 1518, residents of Strasbourg (then in the Holy Roman Empire) experienced a sudden outbreak of uncontrollable dancing that lasted weeks and affected dozens; contemporary records describe people dancing in the streets until exhaustion, illness, or death.

The 1518 Strasbourg Dancing Plague: Europe's first well-documented mass hysteria

In July 1518, residents of Strasbourg (then in the Holy Roman Empire) experienced a prolonged outbreak of compulsive dancing, later recorded by municipal and medical sources and often cited as the earliest well-documented case of mass psychogenic illness.

Russian Oscar-class Submarine Sinks During 2000 Naval Exercise

On 1 July 2000 an Oscar-class Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine sank during a Black Sea training exercise; the incident caused casualties and prompted official investigations into safety and crew procedure.

British punk erupts after heated 1977 TV appearance

A contentious television spot in July 1977 — widely reported as inflammatory toward mainstream Britain — accelerated public attention and media coverage of the burgeoning UK punk scene, intensifying debates about youth culture, music and social unrest.

U.S. Implements Large-Scale Draft as World War I Intensifies

On July 1, 1917, the United States began large-scale conscription under the Selective Service Act to raise forces for the escalating conflict in Europe, marking a major shift from a small volunteer army to mass mobilization.

Supreme Court Expands Abortion Rights in 1971 Ruling

On July 1, 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that broadened constitutional protection for abortion access, marking an important step in the legal trajectory that culminated in later landmark rulings. The case reshaped how courts evaluate state restrictions on abortion.