On This Day in History – August 14
August 14 marks major turning points in world history—from the end of wars and the formation of nations to the lives of influential people in arts, science, and politics. Here’s a look at the most memorable events and milestones tied to this date.
Major Events
- 1842 – The Second Seminole War officially ends, marking the removal of most Seminole people from Florida.
- 1893 – France introduces motor vehicle registration, requiring all cars to carry a license plate.
- 1901 – The first claim for a powered flight is made by Gustave Whitehead, two years before the Wright brothers.
- 1941 – U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill issue the Atlantic Charter, outlining post-war goals.
- 1945 – Japan agrees to unconditional surrender, effectively ending World War II; V-J Day is celebrated.
- 1947 – Pakistan gains independence from British rule, becoming the first modern Islamic republic.
- 1971 – Bahrain declares independence from the United Kingdom.
- 2003 – A widespread blackout affects over 50 million people in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada.
- 2013 – Egypt’s military cracks down on supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi, killing hundreds in Cairo.
Famous Birthdays
- Doc Holliday (1851–1887) – American gambler, dentist, and gunslinger of the Wild West.
- Ernest Thayer (1863–1940) – American writer and poet best known for Casey at the Bat.
- John Galsworthy (1867–1933) – British novelist and Nobel Prize winner for The Forsyte Saga.
- Wim Wenders (1945– ) – German filmmaker known for Wings of Desire and Paris, Texas.
- Steve Martin (1945– ) – American comedian, actor, and writer known for his work in film and stand-up.
- Magic Johnson (1959– ) – American basketball legend and entrepreneur.
- Halle Berry (1966– ) – American actress and Oscar winner for Monster’s Ball.
- Mila Kunis (1983– ) – Ukrainian-American actress known for That ’70s Show and Black Swan.
- Tim Tebow (1987– ) – American former NFL quarterback and sports broadcaster.
- Marsai Martin (2004– ) – American actress and producer known for Black-ish.
Notable Deaths
- William Crookes (1832–1919) – British chemist and physicist who discovered thallium.
- Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) – German playwright and poet known for The Threepenny Opera.
- Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988) – Italian founder of Ferrari automobiles and racing legend.
- Elias Canetti (1905–1994) – Bulgarian-born writer and Nobel Prize laureate.
- Lina Medina (1933– ) – Peruvian woman known for being the youngest confirmed mother in history (alive as of last update; include with care).
- Czesław Miłosz (1911–2004) – Polish-American poet and Nobel laureate.
- Joe Heller (1923–1999) – American novelist and author of Catch-22.
- Julia Child (1912–2004) – American chef and television personality (often noted on both Aug 13 & 14 in memorials).
- Patrick Swayze (1952–2009) – American actor and dancer known for Dirty Dancing and Ghost.
- Peter Fonda (1940–2019) – American actor and son of Henry Fonda, known for Easy Rider.
Holidays
- Independence Day (Pakistan) – Celebrates the country’s independence from British rule in 1947.
- V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) – Celebrated in parts of the world to mark the end of World War II.
- National Navajo Code Talkers Day (United States) – Honors the contributions of Navajo soldiers during WWII.
- Day of Mourning (Egypt) – Commemorates the victims of the 2013 sit-in crackdown.
- World Lizard Day – A lighthearted celebration of reptile awareness and conservation.
Fun Facts
- The 2003 blackout in the U.S. and Canada was the largest in North American history, impacting cities like New York, Cleveland, and Toronto.
- Steve Martin, born on this day, began his career as a magician before becoming a comedy icon.
- V-J Day parades and celebrations spontaneously erupted across the U.S. when news of Japan’s surrender broke on August 14, 1945.
- Magic Johnson, born August 14, remains one of the most celebrated players in NBA history.
- World Lizard Day is an unofficial but popular event among reptile enthusiasts.