Europa
- Cologne Cathedral Completed (1880)
On August 14, 1880, the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) in Germany was finally completed after centuries of construction. Begun in 1248, this Gothic masterpiece became the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and remains a major landmark of the city. - World War I Developments (1914)
August 1914 marked the early days of World War I, with much of Europe embroiled in conflict. While August 14 itself did not see a single defining event, the period was characterized by rapid military mobilizations, invasions, and the escalation of hostilities across the continent. Notably, the German invasion of Belgium and France was underway, and the British Expeditionary Force had landed in France. The Battle of Lorraine, involving French and German forces, was also ongoing around this date. - End of World War II Announced (1945)
On August 14, 1945, U.S. President Harry S. Truman announced Japan’s surrender, effectively ending World War II. This news was celebrated across Europe as it marked the conclusion of the deadliest conflict in the continent’s history. - 1948 London Olympics End
The first Olympic Games after World War II, held in London, concluded on August 14, 1948. These games symbolized a return to international cooperation and normalcy after years of conflict. - British Troops in Northern Ireland (1969)
On August 14, 1969, British troops were deployed to Northern Ireland to intervene in escalating sectarian violence between Protestant and Catholic communities, a key moment in the Troubles.
America
- Social Security Act Signed (1935)
On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, establishing a permanent national old-age pension system funded by employer and employee contributions. This landmark legislation created the foundation for the modern American social safety net and remains a cornerstone of U.S. social policy. - Oregon Territory Organized (1848)
The U.S. Congress officially organized the Oregon Territory on August 14, 1848, marking a significant step in the westward expansion of the United States and the governance of new lands acquired in the Pacific Northwest. - Last Public Execution in the United States (1936)
Rainey Bethea was hanged in Owensboro, Kentucky, on August 14, 1936. This event is notable as the last public execution in the United States, marking the end of an era in American criminal justice history. - Atlantic Charter Announced (1941)
On August 14, 1941, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill issued the Atlantic Charter, a pivotal joint declaration outlining Allied goals for the post-World War II world, including principles of self-determination and economic cooperation. - Northeast Blackout (2003)
A massive power outage struck the northeastern United States and parts of Canada on August 14, 2003. At the time, it was the second-largest blackout in history in terms of people affected, disrupting daily life for millions. - End of World War II Announced (1945)
On August 14, 1945, Japan agreed to unconditional surrender, effectively ending World War II. This announcement sparked widespread celebrations across the United States and marked the close of a pivotal chapter in world history.
Asia
- Independence of Pakistan (1947)
On August 14, 1947, Pakistan became an independent nation, marking the end of British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent and the partition of India. This event led to the creation of two sovereign states, India and Pakistan, and is commemorated annually as Pakistan’s Independence Day. - Japan’s Surrender in World War II (1945)
On August 14, 1945, Japan announced its acceptance of the Allied terms of surrender, effectively ending World War II in Asia. Emperor Hirohito issued a decree for all Japanese forces to cease fire, and the Japanese cabinet resigned. The official surrender ceremony would take place later, but August 14 is recognized as the day the announcement was made, leading to widespread celebrations and the end of hostilities across the continent. - Battle of Ulsan (Russo-Japanese War, 1904)
The Battle of Ulsan, a significant naval engagement between Russia and Japan during the Russo-Japanese War, began on August 14, 1904. The battle demonstrated Japan’s growing military power and was a turning point in the conflict, which eventually led to a decisive Japanese victory. - First Youth Olympic Games (2010)
On August 14, 2010, the inaugural Youth Olympic Games began in Singapore. This event, organized by the International Olympic Committee, brought together young athletes from around the world and is held every four years.
Africa
- Oued Ed-Dahab Day in Morocco
August 14 is celebrated as Oued Ed-Dahab Day in Morocco, marking the reintegration of the Oued Ed-Dahab region (also known as Rio de Oro, part of Western Sahara) into Moroccan territory in 1979. This day is recognized as a national holiday in Morocco, commemorating the country’s territorial unity. - Heroes’ Day in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe observes Heroes’ Day on August 14, honoring those who fought and sacrificed for the nation’s liberation during the struggle for independence. It is a significant public holiday, marked by ceremonies and remembrance events across the country. - Battle of Cuito Cuanavale Begins (1987, Angola)
On August 14, 1987, the pivotal Battle of Cuito Cuanavale began in Angola. This was the largest conventional battle in Africa since World War II, involving Angolan government forces and their Cuban allies against UNITA rebels supported by South Africa. The battle had far-reaching consequences for the region, influencing the eventual independence of Namibia and the end of apartheid in South Africa. - South African Losses in World War II (1945)
August 14, 1945, marked the announcement of Japan’s surrender in World War II (V-J Day). The end of the war was significant for Africa, particularly South Africa, which lost more than 11,000 soldiers during the conflict. - Historical Event: Zulu King Cetshwayo in London (1882)
On this day in 1882, the deposed Zulu King Cetshwayo traveled to London to petition for restoration to his throne, an event with lasting impact on South African and colonial history. - Attack in Burkina Faso (2017)
On August 14, 2017, a terrorist attack occurred at a restaurant in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, resulting in several fatalities and highlighting ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region.
This day in history: 14 august