This Day In History : September 7

1822 Brazil

Brazil Declares Independence

Brazil declared its independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822. This event is known as "Dia da Independência" or Independence Day in Brazil. It was led by Dom Pedro I, the son of the Portuguese king, who proclaimed Brazil's independence and later became the country's first emperor. This declaration marked the end of over three centuries of Portuguese colonial rule and the beginning of Brazil as a sovereign nation.

Also on This Day in History September 7

Discover what happened on September 7 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, September 7
  • 1875 E.F. Hutton

    American financier who co-founded the E.F. Hutton & Co.

  • 1914 James Alfred Van Allen

    American physicist (discovered Van Allen radiation belts)

  • 1908 Michael Ellis DeBakey

    Lebanese-American cardiac surgeon and artificial heart pioneer

  • 1855 William Friese-Greene

    British photographer and inventor (motion pictures)

  • 1889 Albert Plesman

    Dutch aviation pioneer and founder (KLM)

Deaths on This Day, September 7
  • 1922 William Stewart Halsted

    American pioneering surgeon (introduced anesthesia and antisepsis while addicted to cocaine and opium)

  • 1799 Jan Ingenhousz

    Dutch-English physiologist (discovering photosynthesis)

  • 1870 Cowper Phipps Coles

    English inventor (revolving gun turret)

  • 1991 John H. Lawrence

    American physician (nuclear medicine pioneer)

  • 1955 Ernst Rabel

    Austrian-American lawyer, human rights activist, and author (The Conflict of Laws: A Comparative Study)

1967

In 1967, the first successful U.S. biological research satellite was launched

In 1967, the first successful U.S. biological research satellite, known as Biosatellite 2, was launched on September 7. This mission aimed to study the effects of space conditions on biological organisms, including plants, insects, and microorganisms. Biosatellite 2 provided valuable data on how spaceflight impacts living systems, contributing to the understanding of space biology and the potential challenges for human space exploration.
1923

The experimental mercury boiler turbine invented by General Electric

In 1923, an experimental mercury boiler turbine invented by General Electric began generating about 1,500 kW of electricity at the Hartford Electric Light Company's Dutch Point Station in Hartford, Connecticut. This innovation aimed to improve the efficiency of electricity generation by utilizing mercury as the working fluid instead of steam.
1927

Philo Farnsworth demonstrates the first use of his electronic television in San Francisco

Philo Farnsworth demonstrated the first use of his electronic television on September 7, 1927, in San Francisco. This historic demonstration took place at his laboratory at 202 Green Street and showcased the potential of electronic television, which utilized a completely electronic system to capture, transmit, and display images, unlike earlier mechanical systems.
1980

Cape Verde adopts its constitution

Cape Verde adopted its constitution on September 7, 1980. This marked a significant step in the country's development as a sovereign state following its independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975. The constitution established the framework for the nation's government and legal system, promoting democratic governance and the rule of law in Cape Verde.
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