Europa
- Gibraltar Captured by Britain (1704)
On August 4, 1704, during the War of the Spanish Succession, Anglo-Dutch forces captured Gibraltar from Spain. This strategic territory at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea was later ceded to Britain in the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 and remains a British Overseas Territory to this day. - Britain Enters World War I (1914)
A pivotal moment in European and world history occurred on August 4, 1914, when Great Britain declared war on Germany. This decision followed Germany’s invasion of neutral Belgium, whose sovereignty Britain had guaranteed. The declaration marked Britain’s entry into World War I, transforming the conflict into a truly global war and setting the stage for years of devastating fighting across Europe. - Anne Frank Arrested in Amsterdam (1944)
On August 4, 1944, Anne Frank, her family, and their companions were discovered by the Gestapo in their hiding place in Amsterdam. They were arrested and deported to concentration camps; only Anne’s father, Otto Frank, survived the Holocaust. Anne Frank’s diary, published posthumously, became one of the world’s most important personal accounts of the Holocaust. - Champagne and Dom Pérignon (1693): According to legend, French monk Dom Pierre Pérignon invented Champagne on this day, though historians dispute the exact date. Nevertheless, Pérignon made significant contributions to the development of sparkling wine.
- Portuguese Defeat at Alcácer Quibir (1578): King Sebastian of Portugal led an expedition into Morocco, resulting in a disastrous defeat and his death at the Battle of Alcácer Quibir, which led to a period of crisis and eventual Spanish rule over Portugal.
- Operation Hurry (1940): The British operation aimed at reinforcing Malta during World War II ended successfully on this day.
America
- Founding of the U.S. Coast Guard (1790)
On August 4, 1790, Congress authorized Alexander Hamilton’s proposal to build ten cutters to protect the nation’s revenue, marking the official establishment of the Revenue Marine Service—later known as the Revenue Cutter Service and, eventually, the United States Coast Guard. This date is celebrated as the Coast Guard’s official birthday. - First Plans for Chicago (1830)
The city of Chicago’s original plans were laid out on August 4, 1830, setting the foundation for what would become one of America’s largest and most influential cities. - Completion of the First Trans-Atlantic Cable (1858)
On this day, the USS Niagara and the British ship Agamemnon completed the first trans-Atlantic telegraph cable, enabling rapid communication between North America and Europe for the first time. - Civil War Events (1864)
Several significant military actions occurred during the U.S. Civil War on August 4, 1864: - Union operations against Confederate defenses near Atlanta stalled due to disputes among Union generals, giving the Confederates time to strengthen their positions.
- Federal troops failed to capture Fort Gaines, one of the Confederate forts defending Mobile Bay.
- A Union landing party raided a meeting of civilians forming a coastal guard at McIntosh Court House, Georgia, capturing prisoners and horses.
- Second Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)
U.S. destroyers USS Maddox and USS Turner Joy mistakenly reported coming under attack in the Gulf of Tonkin on August 4, 1964. This incident led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Asia
- Major Events in Asian History on August 4
Goguryeo–Sui War (598 CE)
On August 4, 598, during the Goguryeo–Sui War, Emperor Wéndi of the Sui dynasty ordered his youngest son, Yang Liang, to respond to a Goguryeo incursion into Liaoxi. This event reflects the ongoing military conflicts between ancient Chinese dynasties and the Korean kingdoms, which shaped the region’s history. - APSARA: Asia’s First Nuclear Research Reactor (1956, India)
On August 4, 1956, India achieved a major scientific milestone when APSARA, the country’s—and Asia’s—first nuclear research reactor, went critical. This pool-type reactor, developed with the help of the United Kingdom, marked the beginning of nuclear research in India and across the continent. - Udai Singh II, Founder of Udaipur, Born (1522, India)
August 4 marks the birth anniversary of Udai Singh II, the Maharana of Mewar and founder of the city of Udaipur in present-day Rajasthan, India. He was a significant figure in Indian history for his resistance against Mughal expansion and for establishing Udaipur as a major city. - Chemical Weapons Incident in Qiqihar, China (2003)
On August 4, 2003, chemical warfare agents, specifically mustard gas, were discovered leaking from drums at a construction site in Qiqihar City, China. The drums were remnants from the Japanese occupation during World War II, highlighting the lingering dangers of wartime legacies in Asia. - Enver Pasha’s Death (1922): Enver Pasha, a prominent Ottoman military officer and leader during World War I, died on August 4, 1922.
- Events in Japanese and Chinese History (1945): Although not tied to August 4 specifically, August 1945 was a pivotal month in Asia with the end of World War II, Japanese surrenders, and the start of Allied occupation in various parts of Asia.
Africa
- Renaming of Upper Volta to Burkina Faso (1984)
On August 4, 1984, the West African country formerly known as the Republic of Upper Volta officially changed its name to Burkina Faso. This transformation was led by President Thomas Sankara, who had come to power through a military coup the previous year. The new name, meaning “Land of Upright People,” symbolized a new national identity and direction following years of political instability and several coups since independence from France in 1960. - Military Coup in Upper Volta (1983)
A year earlier, on August 4, 1983, a military coup brought Captain Thomas Sankara to power in Upper Volta. His leadership marked a turning point in the country’s history, leading to major social, economic, and political reforms, and ultimately the country’s renaming one year later. - Battle of Al Kasr al Kebir (1578)
On August 4, 1578, the Battle of Al Kasr al Kebir (also known as the Battle of the Three Kings) took place in Morocco. Moroccan forces decisively defeated the Portuguese army, resulting in the death of King Sebastian of Portugal and a significant shift in regional power. This battle had lasting consequences for both Morocco and Portugal, including a succession crisis in Portugal. - Wreck of the Grosvenor (1782)
On August 4, 1782, the British East Indiaman Grosvenor was wrecked off the coast of what is now the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Of the 150 people on board, 136 survived the initial wreck, but only 17 made it to Cape Town after a difficult journey. The Grosvenor is remembered as one of South Africa’s most famous maritime disasters, with legends about its lost treasures.
This day in history: 4 august