Europa
- Battle of the Bogside Begins (1969, Northern Ireland)
On August 12, 1969, significant clashes erupted between Catholic residents and the Royal Ulster Constabulary in the Bogside area of Derry, Northern Ireland. The three days of rioting that followed became known as the Battle of the Bogside. This unrest marked a pivotal escalation in the Troubles and led to the deployment of British troops to restore order. - Birth of George IV (1762, United Kingdom)
George Augustus Frederick, later King George IV of the United Kingdom, was born on August 12, 1762. He was the eldest son of King George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. - European Political Context (1939, Pre-World War II)
On August 12, 1939, as tensions in Europe mounted on the eve of World War II, the Anglo-French military mission began talks in Moscow with the Soviet Union. This was part of frantic diplomatic efforts to form alliances and avert war, just weeks before the outbreak of hostilities.
America
- 1676 – End of King Philip’s War
The conflict known as King Philip’s War, a major Native American uprising against English settlers in New England, effectively ended on August 12, 1676, with the death of Metacom (also called King Philip), the Wampanoag leader. His death marked a turning point, ending large-scale Native resistance in the region. - 1833 – Founding of Chicago
On August 12, 1833, the town of Chicago was officially founded, with an initial population of about 200 people. Chicago would grow to become one of the largest and most influential cities in the United States. - 1898 – Protocol of Peace Ends Spanish–American War
The United States and Spain signed the “Protocol of Peace” on August 12, 1898, effectively ending combat in the Spanish–American War. The formal peace treaty, the Treaty of Paris, would be signed later, but this agreement marked the end of hostilities and signaled the emergence of the U.S. as a global power. - 1908 – First Ford Model T Built
The first production model of the Ford Model T was completed at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan, on August 12, 1908. The Model T would revolutionize transportation and manufacturing in America. - 1981 – IBM Personal Computer Released
IBM introduced its first personal computer, the IBM 5150, at a press conference in New York on August 12, 1981. This event is widely regarded as the beginning of the personal computing revolution. - 1990 – Discovery of “Sue” the T. rex
On August 12, 1990, the most complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex, later named “Sue,” was discovered near Faith, South Dakota. “Sue” would become one of the most famous dinosaur fossils in the world. - 1876: Birth of Mary Roberts Rinehart, influential American author.
- 1909: Indianapolis Motor Speedway opens, home of the Indianapolis 500.
- 1939: World premiere of “The Wizard of Oz” in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
- 1944: Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., eldest son of Joseph and Rose Kennedy, is killed in a plane explosion during WWII.
- 1877: American astronomer Asaph Hall discovers Deimos, one of Mars’ moons, at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C..
Asia
- 1765 – Treaty of Allahabad (India)
On August 12, 1765, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed between Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and Robert Clive of the British East India Company. This treaty marked the beginning of Company rule in India, granting the British the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, and is considered a turning point in the subcontinent’s colonial history. - 1945 – Key Events in Japan and East Asia (World War II)
In August 1945, a series of critical events unfolded as World War II drew to a close in Asia: - On August 12, the Japanese government signaled acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration, offering to surrender with the condition that the Emperor’s sovereignty be preserved.
- The Soviet Union intensified its military campaign against Japan, including the invasion of South Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands.
- In China, the first major Japanese surrender ceremony took place at Zhijiang Airport in Hunan Province.
- These events directly preceded Japan’s formal surrender and the end of World War II in Asia.
- 1099 – Battle of Ascalon (Crusader States and Fatimid Egypt)
On August 12, 1099, the Battle of Ascalon was fought near present-day Israel, where Crusader forces under Godfrey of Bouillon defeated the Fatimid army. While not strictly within modern Asian national boundaries, it was a pivotal battle in the region’s medieval history. - 1985 – Japan Airlines Flight 123 Disaster: On August 12, 1985, Japan experienced the world’s deadliest single-aircraft accident when JAL Flight 123 crashed into Mount Takamagahara, killing 520 people.
- Postwar Developments: In the days following August 12, 1945, the Allied occupation of Japan began, and Emperor Hirohito issued a decree for Japanese forces to cease fire, effectively ending hostilities in Asia.
Africa
- 1964 – South Africa Banned from the Olympics
On August 12, 1964, South Africa was officially banned from the Olympic Games due to its apartheid policies. This was a major moment in the international campaign against apartheid and highlighted the global condemnation of racial segregation in South Africa. - 2012 – Nigerian Military Action Against Boko Haram
On August 12, 2012, Nigerian troops killed 20 suspected Boko Haram militants during a raid in Maiduguri. One soldier was killed and two others were injured in the operation, reflecting the ongoing struggle against insurgency in northeastern Nigeria. - 2013 – Nigeria Signs UN Arms Trade Treaty
On August 12, 2013, Nigeria became the first African country to sign the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty. This marked a significant step in efforts to curb the flow of illicit arms to terrorists, pirates, and bandits across the continent. - 1883 – The Last Known Quagga Dies
The last known quagga, a subspecies of the plains zebra native to South Africa, died in captivity at the Natura Artis Magistra zoo in Amsterdam on August 12, 1883. The extinction of the quagga is a poignant symbol of human impact on African wildlife. - International Youth Day
August 12 is recognized as International Youth Day, a United Nations observance celebrated across Africa and globally. The day focuses on youth issues and empowerment, with many African countries marking the occasion through events and initiatives. - Uganda (2010): Human Rights Watch reported on the Lord’s Resistance Army’s abduction and forced recruitment of hundreds across central Africa, with ongoing concerns highlighted on August 12, 2010.
- African Church of St. Thomas (1794, Diaspora): On August 12, 1794, Absalom Jones and his followers dedicated the African Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, a milestone for African American religious autonomy.
This day in history: 12 august