Iraq Invades Kuwait
On August 2, 1990, at approximately 2 a.m. local time, Iraqi forces launched a full-scale invasion of Kuwait, a small, oil-rich neighbor to the south. This surprise attack marked the beginning of a major international conflict, as Iraq, led by President Saddam Hussein, sought to assert control over Kuwait’s vast oil reserves and strategic location. […]
The 1985 Delta Flight 191 Crash
On August 2, 1985, a devastating plane crash occurred at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in Texas, resulting in the loss of 135 lives. Delta Flight 191, a Boeing 727 en route from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Dallas, Texas, was struck by an extremely violent thunderstorm. The sudden and intense wind gusts, associated with a supercell thunderstorm, […]
The Death of President Warren G. Harding
On August 2, 1923, President Warren G. Harding passed away unexpectedly at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. At the age of 58, Harding succumbed to a stroke while on a national tour that had taken him through Alaska and the West Coast. His sudden death shocked the nation, coming at a time when his […]
World War I: Germany Declares War on Russia
On August 1, 1914, Germany declared war on Russia, marking a significant moment that sparked the beginning of World War I. This declaration initiated a chain reaction among global powers, resulting in one of the most devastating conflicts in history. The Events Leading to World War I The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary […]
The University of Texas Tower Shooting
On August 1, 1966, a tragic mass shooting occurred at the University of Texas at Austin. Charles Whitman, a former Marine, climbed the university’s iconic tower and opened fire, killing 14 people and wounding 31 others. This horrific event, now known as the University of Texas Tower Shooting, is remembered as one of the first […]
MTV Launched
MTV, the first 24-hour music television station, launched in the United States with the words “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.” On August 1, 1981, a seismic shift occurred in the music and entertainment industries with the launch of MTV (Music Television). The debut was marked by John Lack’s now-iconic declaration, “Ladies and gentlemen, rock […]
Labor Leader Jimmy Hoffa is Reported Missing
Jimmy Hoffa, the influential and controversial labor leader, was reported missing on July 31, 1975. Last seen in the parking lot of the Machus Red Fox restaurant in suburban Detroit, Hoffa’s disappearance has since become one of the most enduring mysteries in U.S. history. Known for his role in building the Teamsters into one of […]
Delta Flight 723 Crashes in Fog at Boston Logan
On July 31, 1973, Delta Flight 723, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9, crashed during its final approach in thick fog at Boston Logan International Airport. The crash resulted in the deaths of all but one of the 89 people on board, who later succumbed to injuries. This tragic event highlighted the dangers of flying in poor […]
Ranger 7 Photographs Moon
Ranger 7 made history on July 31, 1964, by sending back the first close-up photographs of the moon, marking a significant milestone in the American space program. This mission was part of NASA’s Ranger program, which aimed to achieve high-quality lunar photography to aid in planning for manned lunar landings. The successful transmission of over […]
“The Blair Witch Project” Released in Theaters
“The Blair Witch Project” was released in theaters on July 30, 1999, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. This film, notable for its low-budget production and use of found footage style, revolutionized the horror genre and filmmaking in general. It employed guerrilla marketing tactics and early internet promotions to create an aura of mystery, making […]