Henry Ford Leaves Edison to Start Automobile Company
On August 15, 1899, Henry Ford made a pivotal decision to leave his position at the Edison Illuminating Company to pursue his passion for automobiles. Ford, who had been working as an engineer and gaining valuable experience at Edison, was driven by his vision of creating an affordable and practical automobile for the masses. His […]
Blackout Hits Northeast United States
On August 14, 2003, a massive power outage struck the Northeast United States and parts of Canada, marking one of the largest and most widespread blackouts in North American history. The blackout began in the early afternoon and lasted for up to 48 hours in some areas, affecting approximately 50 million people across eight U.S. […]
China Supports the Allied Powers
On August 14, 1917, during the First World War, China formally declared war on Germany. This pivotal moment occurred as part of China’s effort to support the Allied Powers and assert itself on the global stage. The declaration came after years of diplomatic maneuvering and growing frustration with Germany’s aggression in the Asia-Pacific region. China’s […]
A Daughter Poisons Her Father
On August 14, 1751, Francis Blandy, a wealthy merchant residing outside London, England, fell into a coma and died under mysterious circumstances. His death was later attributed to poisoning, which shocked the local community and led to a dramatic and tragic series of events. Francis Blandy’s sudden and untimely death raised immediate suspicions among his […]
Berlin is Divided
On August 13, 1961, the Berlin Wall was erected, marking a significant and symbolic division of the city of Berlin and, by extension, Europe itself. The Wall, constructed by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), physically and ideologically separated East Berlin from West Berlin, as well as East Germany from West Germany. This dramatic move […]
“Hound Dog” Recorded by Big Mama Thornton
On August 13, 1952, blues singer Big Mama Thornton recorded the song “Hound Dog” for the first time, laying the foundation for one of the most iconic tracks in the history of rock and roll. Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song was originally intended for Thornton, whose powerful voice and commanding stage […]
Aztec Capital Falls to Cortés
On August 13, 1521, the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlán fell to the forces of Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, marking a significant turning point in the history of the Americas. The fall of Tenochtitlán signaled the end of the powerful Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish colonization in Mexico. Cortés’s conquest was the culmination […]
Skeleton of Tyrannosaurus rex Discovered
On August 12, 1990, the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex, famously known as “Sue,” was discovered in South Dakota’s Hell Creek Formation. This significant paleontological find was made by fossil hunter Sue Hendrickson, whose discovery marked a pivotal moment in the study of dinosaurs. The fossil was named “Sue” in her honor, and it would […]
“The Wizard of Oz” Movie Premieres in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
On August 10, 1939, the classic film The Wizard of Oz premiered in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, marking the beginning of its journey to becoming one of the most beloved films in cinematic history. Directed by Victor Fleming and produced by MGM, the film was based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel of the same name. The […]
Cleopatra Dies by Suicide
On August 10, 30 B.C., Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, died by suicide in Alexandria. Cleopatra’s death marked the end of an era for Egypt and the final chapter in the storied history of the Ptolemaic dynasty. Her demise followed a series of tumultuous events that had led […]