Europa
- Battle of Bosworth Field (1485)
The Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne, ended on August 22, 1485, with the Battle of Bosworth Field. Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) defeated King Richard III, who was killed in battle, marking the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the start of the Tudor era in England. - Assassination of Michael Collins (1922)
On August 22, 1922, Michael Collins, a key figure in the struggle for Irish independence and leader in Sinn Féin, was assassinated in an ambush just months after becoming the Finance Minister of the Irish Free State. - Assassination Attempt on Charles de Gaulle (1962)
French President Charles de Gaulle survived an assassination attempt by the far-right Organisation de l’armée secrète (OAS) on August 22, 1962. The attack was motivated by de Gaulle’s policies regarding Algerian independence. - Council of Blood Established (1567)
The Duke of Alba established the “Council of Blood” in the Netherlands on August 22, 1567, beginning a period of harsh repression against those suspected of opposing Spanish rule. - First America’s Cup Yacht Race (1851)
The first America’s Cup, the oldest international sporting trophy, was held off the Isle of Wight in England on August 22, 1851. The American yacht “America” won the race. - Hitler Orders Paris Destroyed (1944): Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of Paris as Allied forces approached, but the German general in charge, Dietrich von Choltitz, disobeyed and surrendered the city instead.
- The English Civil War Begins (1642): King Charles I declared Parliament and its soldiers traitors, marking the start of the English Civil War.
America
- American Revolutionary War: Siege of Fort Stanwix (1777)
On August 22, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold used a clever ruse to convince British forces that a much larger American force was arriving. This bluff led the British to abandon their siege of Fort Stanwix in New York, marking a significant moment in the struggle for American independence. - The Inaugural America’s Cup (1851)
The yacht America won the first America’s Cup on August 22, 1851, off the coast of England. This victory by an American vessel marked the beginning of the oldest international sporting trophy competition, which remains a prestigious event in yachting. - Founding of Cadillac Motor Company (1902)
The Cadillac Motor Company, which would become a cornerstone of the American automotive industry, was founded on this day in 1902. - Pioneering Spaceflight by Joseph A. Walker (1963)
On August 22, 1963, U.S. Air Force Captain Joseph A. Walker became the first person to enter space twice. Piloting the X-15 rocket plane, Walker reached an altitude of 67 miles (108 km), highlighting the collaborative progress of NASA and the U.S. Air Force in early space exploration. - District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment Passed (1978)
The U.S. Congress passed the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment, aiming to grant the District representation in Congress. However, the amendment was never ratified by enough states to take effect. - Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th Strikeout (1989)
On this day in 1989, Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan struck out Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics, becoming the first and only Major League Baseball pitcher to record 5,000 career strikeouts. - James V. Forrestal becomes first Undersecretary of the Navy.
- Savannah, the world’s first nuclear-powered ship, completes its maiden voyage from Yorktown, VA, to Savannah, GA.
Asia
- Annexation of Korea by Japan (1910)
On August 22, 1910, Korea was formally annexed by Japan after five years as a protectorate, marking the beginning of a 35-year period of Japanese colonial rule that had profound effects on Korean society, culture, and politics. - Kashgar Earthquake (1902)
A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck the Tien Shan mountains near Kashgar (in present-day Xinjiang, China) on August 22, 1902, killing at least 6,000 people. - Treaty of Saint Petersburg (1875)
On August 22, 1875, Japan and Russia ratified the Treaty of Saint Petersburg, under which Japan exchanged its claims to Sakhalin Island for the Kuril Islands, altering territorial boundaries in Northeast Asia. - Formation of Natal Indian Congress by Gandhi (1894)
Mahatma Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) on August 22, 1894, in South Africa to fight discrimination against Indian traders, a significant step in the development of his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. - Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103 Crash (1981)
On August 22, 1981, Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103 disintegrated in mid-air and crashed in Sanyi Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan, resulting in the deaths of all 110 people on board. - China Airlines Flight 642 Crash (1999)
On August 22, 1999, China Airlines Flight 642 crashed at Hong Kong International Airport, killing three people and injuring 208 more. - Death of Warren Hastings (1818): The first Governor-General of India, Warren Hastings, died on this day.
- Gandhi’s Swadeshi Protest (1921): Gandhi burned foreign clothes in India as a protest against British rule, promoting the use of Indian-made products.
- Supreme Court of India Rules Triple Talaq Unconstitutional (2017): The Supreme Court of India declared the practice of instant triple talaq (divorce) unconstitutional, a landmark ruling for Muslim women’s rights.
Africa
- Ethnic Clashes in Kenya (2012)
On August 22, 2012, severe ethnic clashes over grazing rights erupted in Kenya’s Tana River District, resulting in the deaths of more than 52 people. This tragic event highlighted ongoing tensions over land and resources in parts of rural Kenya. - Lake Nyos Disaster in Cameroon (1986)
On August 22, 1986, deadly fumes from a volcanic eruption under Lake Nyos in Cameroon killed more than 1,700 people and thousands of livestock. The sudden release of carbon dioxide from the lake suffocated people and animals in nearby villages, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern African history. - August 22 is observed as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, a day recognized across Africa and globally to honor those affected by religious persecution.
- World Jollof Rice Day is also celebrated on August 22, highlighting the cultural significance of Jollof rice, a beloved West African dish that unites various countries in the region through food and festivity.
This day in history: 22 august