Europa
- Battle of Dupplin Moor (1332)
During the Wars of Scottish Independence, the Battle of Dupplin Moor took place, where the Scots under Domhnall II, Earl of Mar, were defeated by Edward Balliol, a claimant to the Scottish throne. - First Ascent of the Eiger (1858)
The Eiger, a prominent peak in the Swiss Bernese Alps, was ascended for the first time by Irishman Charles Barrington with guides Christian Almer and Peter Bohren. This marked a milestone in European mountaineering history. - Birth of Enid Blyton (1897)
Enid Blyton, one of the most prolific and influential English children’s authors, was born. Her works have been translated into nearly 90 languages with millions of copies sold worldwide. - Weimar Constitution Declared (1919)
The Weimar Constitution was officially adopted in Germany, establishing the Weimar Republic. This marked the transition from imperial rule to a democratic government in post-World War I Germany. - London Olympics Open (1948)
The first Olympic Games after World War II opened in London. Known as the “Austerity Games” due to post-war economic constraints, these Olympics symbolized recovery and unity in Europe. They were also the first Games to be broadcast on television. - Last Total Solar Eclipse of the Millennium (1999)
On August 11, 1999, Europe witnessed the last total solar eclipse of the millennium. The eclipse was visible across much of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is considered one of the most viewed eclipses in history due to its path through densely populated areas.
America
- 1807 – Birth of David Rice Atchison
David Rice Atchison, who was President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate and is sometimes (though inaccurately) claimed to have served as Acting President for one day in 1849, was born on this day. - 1866 – First U.S. Roller Skating Rink Opens
The first roller skating rink in the United States opened in Rhode Island, constructed in the dining room of the Atlantic House resort hotel. - 1898 – Spanish–American War: U.S. Troops Enter Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
American forces under General Theodore Schwan entered Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, without a battle, marking a key moment in the Spanish–American War. - 1929 – Babe Ruth Hits 500th Home Run
Baseball legend Babe Ruth became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 500 career home runs, achieving this milestone at League Park in Cleveland, Ohio. - 1965 – Watts Riots Begin in Los Angeles
The Watts riots, a major event in the American Civil Rights era, broke out in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The unrest lasted six days, resulting in 34 deaths and over a thousand injuries. - 1992 – Mall of America Opens
The Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States, opened its doors to shoppers in Bloomington, Minnesota. - 1999 – Salt Lake City Tornado
A rare tornado struck downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, killing one person. It was only the second tornado in recorded history to cause a fatality in the state. - 1841 – Frederick Douglass, the famed abolitionist, gave his first speech before a northern audience after escaping slavery.
- King Philip’s War Ends (1676) – Metacom (King Philip), leader of the Wampanoag, was killed, effectively ending the conflict between Native Americans and English settlers in New England.
Asia
- Battle of Otlukbeli (1473)
The Ottoman Empire, led by Mehmed the Conqueror, decisively defeated Uzun Hassan of the Aq Qoyunlu in eastern Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). This battle was pivotal in consolidating Ottoman power in the region. - Establishment of Penang (1786)
Captain Francis Light established the British colony of Penang, marking a significant moment in the colonial history of Southeast Asia, particularly in what is now Malaysia. - Soviet Invasion of South Sakhalin (1945)
On August 11, 1945, Soviet forces launched an invasion of the Japanese-controlled portion of Sakhalin Island. This was part of the final Soviet offensives against Japan in World War II, contributing to Japan’s eventual surrender. - Vostok 3 Launch (1962)
The Soviet Union launched Vostok 3, piloted by cosmonaut Andriyan Nikolayev. He became the first person to orbit the Earth 64 times over four days, further advancing the Soviet space program and the global Space Race. - Pan Am Flight 830 Bombing (1982)
A bomb exploded on Pan Am Flight 830, en route from Tokyo to Honolulu, killing one passenger and injuring 15 others. This incident highlighted ongoing security concerns in international aviation. - NATO Takes Command in Afghanistan (2003)
NATO assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, marking its first major operation outside Europe and a significant moment in the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. - Hambali Arrested in Bangkok (2003)
Riduan Isamuddin, known as Hambali and a key leader of the Southeast Asian terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah, was arrested in Bangkok, Thailand. His capture was a major development in the fight against terrorism in Asia. - Iran Earthquakes (2012)
Twin earthquakes struck near Tabriz, Iran, killing at least 306 people and injuring over 3,000. The disaster underscored the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. - Alexandria Train Collision (2017)
Two passenger trains collided in Alexandria, Egypt, resulting in at least 41 deaths and 179 injuries, highlighting ongoing challenges in rail safety in the region. - Luna 25 Launch (2023)
Russia launched Luna 25 from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, marking the country’s renewed efforts in lunar exploration. - Last Total Solar Eclipse of the Millennium (1999): The eclipse was visible across much of Asia, drawing widespread attention and scientific observation.
- MT Solar 1 Oil Spill (2006): The tanker sank off the Philippines, causing the country’s worst oil spill.
Africa
- Chad Gains Independence (1960)
On August 11, 1960, Chad officially gained its independence from France. This event marked a significant milestone in the wave of decolonization that swept across Africa in the mid-20th century, as Chad became a sovereign nation with François Tombalbaye as its first head of state. - Battle of Waterberg/Herero Defeat (1904)
On August 11, 1904, German-Italian General von Trotha defeated the Herero people in what was then German South West Africa (now Namibia). This battle was a key event in the Herero and Namaqua genocide, one of the darkest chapters in colonial African history. - Death of Cape Governor Ryk Tulbach (1771)
Ryk Tulbach, governor of the Cape Colony (in present-day South Africa) and namesake of the town Tulbagh, died on this day. His tenure was noted for administrative reforms and expansion of the colony.
This day in history: 11 august