On July 25, 1943, British and Canadian forces launched the first major night raids of Operation Gomorrah against Hamburg, Germany, during World War II. The bombing campaign was designed to destroy industrial facilities supporting Nazi Germany’s war effort.

The attacks created massive destruction and produced one of the most severe firestorms of the war. Thousands of civilians were killed, and large parts of Hamburg were devastated.

Operation Gomorrah caused widespread destruction in Hamburg during World War II.

On July 25, 1898, U.S. forces under General Nelson A. Miles landed at Guánica, Puerto Rico, beginning the American campaign on the island during the Spanish-American War. The invasion followed the U.S. declaration of war against Spain and was part of a wider conflict over Spain’s remaining colonies.

The campaign ended Spanish rule in Puerto Rico and changed the island’s political future. Under the Treaty of Paris later that year, Puerto Rico was transferred from Spanish control to the United States.

American forces land in Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War in July 1898.

On July 25, 1954, Italian climbers Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli reached the summit of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. Their expedition became the first successful climb of the extremely dangerous Himalayan peak.

The achievement was considered one of the greatest accomplishments in mountaineering history. K2 remains known as one of the most difficult mountains to climb because of its steep terrain and unpredictable weather.

Italian climbers complete the first successful ascent of K2 in 1954.