What Happened on August 12?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON AUGUST 12
Explore the most important historical events that happened on August 12, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Flag of Hawaii
Year:
1898
The Hawaiian flag is lowered from ʻIolani Palace in an elaborate annexation ceremony and replaced with the flag of the United States to signify the transfer of sovereignty from the Republic of Hawaii to the United States where it is formally recognized as Hawaii.
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Quagga
Year:
1883
The last quagga dies at the Natura Artis Magistra, a zoo in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Joseph Lister
Year:
1865
Joseph Lister, British surgeon and scientist, performs the first antiseptic surgery.
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Isaac Singer
Year:
1851
Isaac Singer is granted a patent for his sewing machine.
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Battle of Halen
Year:
1914
World War I: The Battle of Halen a.k.a. Battle of the Silver Helmets a clash between large Belgian and German cavalry formations at Halen, Belgium.
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World War I
Year:
1914
World War I: France, the United Kingdom and the British Empire declare war on Austria-Hungary.
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Waffen-SS
Year:
1944
Waffen-SS troops massacre 560 people in Sant'Anna di Stazzema.
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Nazi Germany
Year:
1944
Nazi German troops end the week-long Wola massacre, during which time at least 40,000 people are killed indiscriminately or in mass executions.
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BIRTHS ON AUGUST 12
Discover famous people and historical figures born on August 12, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Buck Owens
Year of birth:
1929
Buck Owens, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died 2006)
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Jacques Tits
Year of birth:
1930
Jacques Tits, Belgian-French mathematician and academic (died 2021)
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Bob Buhl
Year of birth:
1928
Bob Buhl, American baseball player (died 2001)
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Dan Curtis
Year of birth:
1928
Dan Curtis, American director and producer (died 2006)
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Porter Wagoner
Year of birth:
1927
Porter Wagoner, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died 2007)
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George Soros
Year of birth:
1930
George Soros, Hungarian-American businessman and investor, founded the Soros Fund Management
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Harry Babcock (American football)
Year of birth:
1930
Harry Babcock, American football player and first overall draft pick (died 1996)
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Dallin H. Oaks
Year of birth:
1932
Dallin H. Oaks, American lawyer, jurist, and religious leader
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DEATHS ON AUGUST 12
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on August 12, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Pyotr Boborykin
Year of death:
1921
Pyotr Boborykin, Russian playwright and journalist (born 1836)
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William Thompson (archer)
Year of death:
1918
William Thompson, American archer (born 1848)
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Arthur Griffith
Year of death:
1922
Arthur Griffith, Irish journalist and politician, 3rd President of Dáil Éireann (born 1871)
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Sándor Bródy (writer)
Year of death:
1924
Sándor Bródy, Hungarian journalist and author (born 1863)
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H. P. Berlage
Year of death:
1934
Hendrik Petrus Berlage, Dutch architect, designed the Beurs van Berlage (born 1856)
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Leoš Janáček
Year of death:
1928
Leoš Janáček, Czech composer and educator (born 1854)
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John Philip Holland
Year of death:
1914
John Philip Holland, Irish engineer, designed HMS Holland 1 (born 1840)
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William Renshaw
Year of death:
1904
William Renshaw, English tennis player (born 1861)
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HOLIDAYS ON AUGUST 12
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on August 12 around the world.
Glorious Twelfth
Glorious Twelfth (United Kingdom)
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August 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day: August 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Sirikit
HM the Queen Mother's Birthday and National Mother's Day (Thailand)
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International Youth Day
International Youth Day (United Nations)
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Russian Air Force Day
Russian Air Force Day (Russia)
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Euplius of Catania
Christian feast day: Euplius
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Muiredach of Killala
Christian feast day: Muiredach (or Murtagh)
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Herculanus of Brescia
Christian feast day: Herculanus of Brescia
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