Europa
- Battle of Amiens Begins (1918)
On August 8, 1918, British and Imperial forces, in cooperation with the French, launched a major attack against German positions near the River Somme, east of Amiens, France. This marked the start of the “Hundred Days Offensive,” which ultimately led to the end of World War I. The battle was a significant victory for the Allies and dealt a major blow to German morale—so much so that German commander Erich Ludendorff described it as “the black day of the German Army” (“der Schwarze Tag”). - The Great Train Robbery (1963)
On August 8, 1963, one of the most famous heists in British history took place. A gang of thieves intercepted a Royal Mail train in England and stole £2.6 million in banknotes. The event became known as the “Great Train Robbery” and captured the public’s imagination due to its scale and audacity. - The Beatles’ Abbey Road Photo (1969)
On August 8, 1969, photographer Iain Macmillan took the iconic photo of The Beatles crossing Abbey Road in London. This image became the cover of their “Abbey Road” album and remains one of the most recognizable photographs in music history. - Treaty of London Signed (1945)
On August 8, 1945, the United States, USSR, Britain, and France signed the Treaty of London, which established the legal basis and procedures for the Nuremberg Trials—prosecuting major Nazi war criminals after World War II. - Soviet Union Declares War on Japan (1945): While not in Europe, this event involved the USSR, a major European power, declaring war on Japan and invading Manchuria, signaling the final stages of World War II.
- Wright Brothers Demonstration in France (1908): Wilbur Wright publicly demonstrated powered flight at Le Mans, France, marking a milestone in aviation history.
- President Harry Truman Signs the United Nations Charter (1945): Truman, who played a key role in postwar European reconstruction, signed the UN Charter, reinforcing global cooperation after the devastation of WWII.
America
- President Richard Nixon Announces Resignation (1974)
On August 8, 1974, U.S. President Richard Nixon announced his resignation in a televised address, becoming the first American president to do so. This decision was a direct result of the Watergate scandal and the near certainty of impeachment. Vice President Gerald Ford was sworn in as president the following day. - Emancipation Day in Tennessee (1863)
August 8 is celebrated as Emancipation Day in Tennessee and some neighboring states. On this day in 1863, Military Governor Andrew Johnson freed his personal slaves in Greeneville, Tennessee, even though they were exempt from the Emancipation Proclamation. This event is commemorated annually as a pivotal moment in the region’s history of emancipation. - First Night Baseball Game at Wrigley Field (1988)
The Chicago Cubs hosted the first scheduled night baseball game in the history of Wrigley Field on August 8, 1988. However, the game was rained out in the fourth inning. - Space Shuttle Columbia Launches STS-28 Mission (1989)
On August 8, 1989, Space Shuttle Columbia launched the STS-28 mission, a secret five-day military mission for the U.S. Department of Defense. - FBI Search at Mar-a-Lago (2022)
The FBI executed a search warrant at former President Donald Trump’s residence in Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida, on August 8, 2022, as part of an ongoing investigation. - Hawaii Wildfires (2023)
On August 8, 2023, devastating wildfires broke out on the island of Maui, Hawaii, resulting in the destruction of 17,000 acres and the deaths of at least 101 people.
Asia
- 8888 Uprising in Myanmar (1988)
On August 8, 1988, the “8888 Uprising” began in Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar. This was a massive pro-democracy protest led by students against the country’s military one-party regime. Hundreds of thousands joined the demonstrations, which were met with violent repression. The uprising continued for over a month, ultimately ending with a military coup and the establishment of a new junta. The event is named for its start date: 8/8/88. - Founding of ASEAN (1967)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand. The organization was established by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to promote political and economic cooperation, regional peace, and stability. ASEAN has since expanded to include ten member states. - Quit India Movement Launched (1942)
On August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement in Mumbai (then Bombay), calling for an end to British colonial rule in India. This mass civil disobedience movement became a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence. - Soviet Union Declares War on Japan (1945)
On August 8, 1945, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and began its invasion of Japanese-occupied Manchuria and Sakhalin Island. This action played a significant role in the final days of World War II in Asia. - Ceasefire Day (End of Iran–Iraq War)
In Iraqi Kurdistan, August 8 is observed as Ceasefire Day, marking the end of the Iran–Iraq War in 1988. - Father’s Day (Bā Bā Day) in Taiwan and parts of China: August 8 is celebrated as Father’s Day (Bā Bā Day) because the pronunciation of “eight-eight” (bā-bā) sounds similar to the word for “father” in Mandarin.
- Battle of Qianshi (685 BC): An ancient conflict during the Spring and Autumn period in China, where Duke Zhuang of Lu was defeated at Qianshi.
- Coronation of Krishnadeva Raya (1509): Krishnadeva Raya was crowned Emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire in South India.
Africa
- Nane Nane Day (Peasants Day) in Tanzania
August 8 is celebrated as Nane Nane Day in Tanzania, a national holiday honoring farmers and their crucial role in the country’s economy and society. “Nane Nane” means “eight eight” in Swahili, referring to the date 8/8. The day features agricultural exhibitions and events across the nation. - Cease-fire Treaty in the Angola Border War (1988)
On August 8, 1988, Angola, Cuba, and South Africa signed a cease-fire treaty, marking a significant step toward ending the protracted border war that had begun in 1966. This agreement was pivotal in the process that eventually led to Namibia’s independence and the withdrawal of Cuban and South African troops from Angola. - Formation of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) (1963)
On August 8, 1963, the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) was formed following a split from the Zimbabwe African People’s Union. ZANU would become a major force in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and is the country’s current ruling party. - Emancipation Day Celebrated in African American Communities
August 8 is observed as Emancipation Day in parts of the southern United States, particularly among Black communities in Tennessee and Kentucky. The tradition began because future U.S. President Andrew Johnson freed his slaves in Tennessee on August 8, 1863. This day has been marked for over 150 years as a celebration of freedom and community, with gatherings, parades, and cultural events.
This day in history: 8 august