July 8th

The space shuttle Atlantis launches into space for the last time from the Kennedy Space Center. It is the 135th and final flight of the space shuttle program, which started in 1981. For its final mission, the Atlantis is carrying 8,000 lbs of spare parts and supplies to the International Space Station. The space shuttle program officially ends when the Atlantis returns two weeks later.

Kim Jong-il takes office as the Supreme Leader of North Korea. Popularly known as "Dear Leader" in his country, Kim Jong-il took North Korea's highest office after the death of his father, Kim Il-sung. He ruled the country with an iron fist until his death in 2011, when his son, Kim Jong-un took his place. Kim Jong-il's tenure was marred by widespread human rights violations and severe famine in the country.

Kurt Waldheim was inaugurated as president of Austria.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded the first official gold album. It was for the Oklahoma soundtrack.

General Douglas MacArthur was named commander-in-chief of the United Nations forces in Korea.

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

Wall Street Journal published for the first time. Three financial reporters named Charles Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles Bergstresser created The Wall Street Journal to supersede a previous periodical called the Customers' Afternoon Letter.

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

Dr Benjamin Waterhouse gives 1st cowpox vaccination in the US to his son to prevent smallpox.

Vermont introduces new constitution making it 1st US state to abolish slavery.

The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was given in Philadelphia, Pa.

Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama departs on his first voyage - becomes first European to reach India by sea.

First Crusade: 15,000 starving Christian soldiers march in religious procession around Jerusalem as its Muslim defenders look on.