On this day: July 28

1976 Tangshan Earthquake Levels City in Deadly July Quake

On the night of July 28, 1976, a catastrophic earthquake struck Tangshan in Hebei province, China, destroying much of the city and causing an immense loss of life; estimates of the death toll vary and the full human cost remains subject to historical debate.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Sets Europe on Course for War

On 28 July 1914, weeks after the killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, a decision that triggered a chain of alliances and mobilizations across Europe leading to the outbreak of World War I.

1976 Tangshan Earthquake Levels City in Deadly July Quake

On July 28, 1976, a powerful earthquake struck Tangshan in Hebei province, China, causing widespread destruction and a catastrophic loss of life. The disaster collapsed much of the city and triggered a national emergency whose full human toll remains disputed.