This Day in History: July 31

1998 The British government bans landmines

The parliament passed the Landmines Act after the public pressured them. This marked a major shift in the British administration's policy.

1992 Thai Airways International Flight 311 crashes near Kathmandu, Nepal

The unfortunate crash occurred as the flight neared Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. All 113 people onboard were tragically killed.

1991 The US and USSR sign the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, also known as START I, was signed, limiting the number of nuclear weapons and missiles the signatories could deploy. It was enforced in December 1994, and expired in 2009, 15 years later.

1981 Arnette R. Hubbard makes history in the US National Bar Association

Arnette R. Hubbard became the first woman to preside over the US National Bar Association, the largest group of association of African-American lawyers and judges in the country.

1917 The Third Battle of Ypres begins

Known as the Battle of Passchendaele, this was a major World War I battle that took place between July 31 and November 6 for control of the Belgian city of Ypres.

30 BC Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony wins minor victory over Octavian

Mark Antony won a minor victory over Octavian, but his army subsequently deserted, leading to Octavian's invasion of Egypt.

1620 Pilgrim Fathers leave the Netherlands for America

Leaving Leiden, Netherlands, the Pilgrim Fathers embarked on a voyage to England, the initial stage of their journey to America.

1917 World War I: Battle of Passchendaele commences

The Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres, began and resulted in approximately 500,000 casualties.

1961 Israel welcomes its one millionth immigrant

In a significant milestone, Israel welcomed its one millionth immigrant into the country.

2007 Operation Banner in Northern Ireland concludes

The presence of the British Army in Northern Ireland, known as Operation Banner, came to an end. It was the longest-running operation in the history of the British Army.