What Happened on August 8?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON AUGUST 8
Explore the most important historical events that happened on August 8, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Assassination of Antonio Cánovas del Castillo
Year:
1897
Italian anarchist Michele Angiolillo assassinates Spanish Prime Minister Antonio Cánovas del Castillo
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Wright brothers
Year:
1908
Wilbur Wright makes the Wright Brothers' first public flight, at a racecourse at Le Mans, France.
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Thomas Edison
Year:
1876
Thomas Edison receives a patent for his mimeograph.
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Republic of Ploiești
Year:
1870
The Republic of Ploiești, a failed Radical-Liberal rising against Domnitor Carol of Romania.
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Tennessee
Year:
1863
Tennessee Military Governor Andrew Johnson frees his personal slaves in Greeneville, Tennessee despite them being exempt from the Emancipation Proclamation, now commemorated as Emancipation Day in the state.
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American Civil War
Year:
1863
American Civil War: Following his defeat in the Battle of Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee sends a letter of resignation to Confederate President Jefferson Davis (which is refused upon receipt).
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World War I
Year:
1918
World War I: The Battle of Amiens begins a string of almost continuous Allied victories with a push through the German front lines (Hundred Days Offensive).
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Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919
Year:
1919
The Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919 is signed. It establishes peaceful relations between Afghanistan and the UK, and confirms the Durand line as the mutual border. In return, the UK is no longer obligated to subsidize the Afghan government.
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BIRTHS ON AUGUST 8
Discover famous people and historical figures born on August 8, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Connie Stevens
Year of birth:
1938
Connie Stevens, American actress and businesswoman
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Jack Baldwin (chemist)
Year of birth:
1938
Jack Baldwin, English chemist and academic (died 2020)
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Dustin Hoffman
Year of birth:
1937
Dustin Hoffman, American actor and director
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Sheila Varian
Year of birth:
1937
Sheila Varian, American horse breeder (died 2016)
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Frank Howard (baseball)
Year of birth:
1936
Frank Howard, American baseball player and manager (died 2023)
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Cornelis Vreeswijk
Year of birth:
1937
Cornelis Vreeswijk, Dutch-Swedish singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor (died 1987)
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Alexander Watson (diplomat)
Year of birth:
1939
Alexander Watson, American diplomat, United States Ambassador to Peru
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Viorica Viscopoleanu
Year of birth:
1939
Viorica Viscopoleanu, Romanian long jumper
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DEATHS ON AUGUST 8
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on August 8, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Wilbert Robinson
Year of death:
1934
Wilbert Robinson, American baseball player, coach, and manager (born 1863)
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Jimmie Guthrie
Year of death:
1937
Jimmie Guthrie, Scottish motorcycle racer (born 1897)
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Michael Wittmann
Year of death:
1944
Michael Wittmann, German commander (born 1914)
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Erwin von Witzleben
Year of death:
1944
Erwin von Witzleben, German field marshal (born 1881)
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Launceston Elliot
Year of death:
1930
Launceston Elliot, Scottish wrestler and weightlifter (born 1874)
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Stjepan Radić
Year of death:
1928
Stjepan Radić, Croatian politician (born 1871)
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James Tissot
Year of death:
1902
James Tissot, French painter and illustrator (born 1836)
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Mary MacKillop
Year of death:
1909
Mary MacKillop, Australian nun and saint, co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (born 1842)
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HOLIDAYS ON AUGUST 8
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on August 8 around the world.
Mary MacKillop
Christian Feast Day: Mary MacKillop
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Flag flying days in Sweden
Namesday of the Queen (Sweden)
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International Cat Day
International Cat Day
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August 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian Feast Day: August 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Secret Society of Happy People
Happiness Happens Day
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Four Crowned Martyrs
Christian Feast Day: Four Crowned Martyrs
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Altmann (bishop of Passau)
Christian Feast Day: Altmann of Passau
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Armed Forces of Ukraine
Signal Troops Day (Ukraine)
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