What happened in July 1970?
The top front-page story of each day in July 1970, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Jul 1📞 Picture-Telephone Service – Commercial Picturephone calls began in Pittsburgh, marking a significant advancement in communication technology.
- Jul 2🚀 NASA Prepares Skylab – NASA announced plans for Skylab, an orbiting workshop expected to enable long-duration space missions.
- Jul 3🌍 Peking Welcomes Sihanouk – Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia received a grand welcome in Peking after returning from an official visit to North Korea.
- Jul 4🎆 Armstrong Turns 70 – Louis Armstrong celebrated his 70th birthday on July 4, coinciding with Independence Day festivities across the U.S.
- Jul 5🚀 Skylab Plans Announced – NASA announced plans to enhance scientific research in space following Soviet cosmonauts' record 18-day orbit.
- Jul 6🌊 Typhoon Batters Japan – Typhoon Olga struck western Japan, causing significant damage and leading to the cancellation of events at the Osaka world exposition.
- Jul 7🚇 London Subway Power Failure – A power failure disrupted London's subway service, trapping 200,000 people underground in sweltering heat for an hour.
- Jul 8⚾ Robinson Hits Grand Slam – Brooks Robinson's grand slam in the 10th inning led the Baltimore Orioles to a 6-2 victory over the New York Yankees.
- Jul 9📜 Hong Kong Bans Concubines – Hong Kong's Legislative Council passed a law banning concubinage, marking a significant cultural shift in the region.
- Jul 10🏆 Bossi Wins Boxing Title – Carmelo Bossi of Italy outpoints Freddie Little to win the world junior middleweight boxing title in Monza.
- Jul 11🌍 Bishop Walsh Freed – Bishop James E. Walsh walked free from a Chinese prison after nearly 12 years, showcasing resilience and faith amid adversity.
- Jul 12🌍 World Bank Opens Tokyo Office – The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development will open a Tokyo office in November to enhance ties with Japan.
- Jul 13🏆 Nicklaus Wins British Open – Jack Nicklaus won the British Open at St. Andrews, Scotland, defeating Doug Sanders by one stroke in an intense playoff.
- Jul 14🏆 Black Academy Hall of Fame – The Black Academy of Arts and Letters announced the induction of three prominent black Americans into its newly established Hall of Fame.
- Jul 15🏛️ Queen Speaks in Manitoba – Queen Elizabeth II addressed a large crowd in Manitoba, emphasizing open-mindedness for a promising future for French Manitobans.
- Jul 16🔬 Boost for Family Planning – Senate votes to spend nearly $1 billion over five years to extend family planning services and research on birth control.
- Jul 17🔭 New Palomar Telescope – A one-ton mirror for the first telescope added at Mount Palomar Observatory in 22 years is being installed and will be operational soon.
- Jul 18🌳 Reforestation Plans – French officials plan vast reforestation programs as brush and forest fires smolder along the Riviera.
- Jul 19🌊 Wallenda Walks Wire – Karl Wallenda, 65, walked a high wire 700 feet above Tallulah Gorge, performing stunts and pausing to stand on his head.
- Jul 20🚀 NASA's Future Plans – NASA outlines ambitious post-Apollo projects amid budget cuts, emphasizing the need for public support.
- Jul 21🌕 Apollo 11 Anniversary – Apollo 11 astronauts celebrated the first anniversary of the moon landing, rededicating their achievement to world peace.
- Jul 22🔬 15 Nations Pesticide Pact – Fifteen European nations approved measures to protect the environment against pesticide misuse.
- Jul 23🚀 NASA Extends G.E. Job – General Electric received a $10 million contract extension for support services in testing the Saturn rocket for NASA.
- Jul 24🛩️ Agnew Introduces Jumbo Jet – Vice President Agnew introduced the McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 Trijet, hailed as larger, cleaner, and quieter.
- Jul 25🏇 Suzie Jackson Wins – Suzie Jackson of Wilmington, Del., achieved both championship and reserve honors at the Chagrin Valley Horse Show riding Sudha Quill and Ambitions.
- Jul 26🌍 New Moroccan Constitution – Morocco's referendum on a new constitution passed with 98.35% approval, establishing a single-chamber parliament with limited powers.
- Jul 27🎨 Salzburg Festival Opens – The 50th annual Salzburg Festival was inaugurated by President Franz Jonas, featuring 111 performances over 36 days.
- Jul 28⛵ U.S. Yacht Third – The U.S. yacht Trumpeter finished third in the round-Britain yacht race after enduring challenging Channel gales.
- Jul 29🔬 NASA Leadership Change – Dr. Thomas O. Paine resigned as head of NASA, having led the agency during the historic moon landing achievements.
- Jul 30🌍 Britain Recognizes Yemen – Britain formally recognized the republican government of Yemen, marking a significant diplomatic shift.
- Jul 31🌍 Quake in Iran Kills 100 – A powerful earthquake struck northeast Iran, resulting in over 100 fatalities and extensive destruction across numerous villages.
Happy Birthday! 1970 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1970 in real headlines. See the 1970 book →
Born in July? Pick the day
Every birthday in July has its own On This Day in Headlines book: