Today in History: The Spanish Civil War began in 1936

The following is a chronological list of notable events that occurred on July 17 throughout history:

180 CE – Execution of the Scillitan Martyrs
Twelve North African Christians were executed in Carthage on July 17, 180 CE.

1429 – Coronation of Charles VII in Reims
Charles VII was crowned at Reims Cathedral on July 17, 1429.

1717 – Premiere of Handel’s “Water Music”
Handel debuted Water Music on the River Thames on July 17, 1717.

1791 – Champ de Mars Massacre
National Guard troops opened fire on demonstrators in Paris on July 17, 1791.

1821 – Spanish cession of Florida to the U.S.
Spain delivered Florida formally on July 17, 1821.

1902 – Willis Carrier designs first modern air conditioning system
Carrier developed the first modern AC system on July 17, 1902.

1917 – British royal family adopts “Windsor” surname
King George V issued a royal proclamation renaming the House, and its surname, “Windsor,” on July 17, 1917.

1918 – Execution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family
The Romanov family was executed on July 17, 1918.

1936 – Outbreak of the Spanish Civil War
The military uprising began on July 17, 1936 (noted as the civil war’s start).

1955 – Opening of Disneyland
Disneyland officially opened in Anaheim on July 17, 1955.