Anniversaries of July 17th: From the fall of the Romanovs to the expansion of the United States, a journey through historical and contemporary milestones

On a day like today, July 17, history takes us through different moments that marked important milestones in the course of humanity. One of the most relevant commemorations that took place on this date dates back to the year 1918, when in the town of Ekaterinburg, Tsar Nicholas II and most of the Russian imperial family were shot in the early hours by order of the Bolshevik authorities. This tragic episode marked the end of an era in Russia and, eighty years later, their remains were finally interred in the Cathedral of St. Petersburg, thus closing a dark chapter in the country's history. On the other hand, in 1821, Spain formalized the transfer of the two Floridas to the United States under the Adams-Onís Treaty. This territorial cession took place within the framework of a series of negotiations that also included the handover of Texas in exchange for renouncing Oregon. This exchange of territories not only redefined the borders of both countries, but also had political and strategic implications that endure to this day. These events, though separated by decades and in completely different contexts, remind us of the importance of geopolitics and historical decisions in shaping the current world. The fall of the Russian monarchy and the territorial expansion of the United States are just two examples of how past events have shaped the present in which we live. Furthermore, in a more contemporary turn, we come across news of an assassination attempt against former U.S. President Donald Trump. This event, which has sparked controversy and debate in the public opinion, has led to him being considered a hero, a survivor, and even a martyr by some. The movements of the attacker before the assassination attempt, such as target practice, a visit to a gun store, and the purchase of a ladder, have left society perplexed and raised questions about the security of political figures in an increasingly tumultuous world. In summary, the commemorations of July 17 invite us to reflect on the complexity of history and its implications in the present. From the fall of an ancient dynasty to the most recent events impacting the international political sphere, each of these events reminds us of the importance of understanding the past to better comprehend our current world and forge a more promising future.