On this day: August 8
On this day, August 8, many significant events have taken place throughout history. Let’s take a look at some of the key moments that have shaped the world we live in today.
1863: Emancipation Proclamation Signed
On August 8, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all enslaved people in Confederate states were to be set free. This proclamation was a major turning point in the Civil War and paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.
1945: The Atomic Bomb is Dropped on Hiroshima
On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, killing tens of thousands of people instantly and causing widespread destruction. This event marked the beginning of the end of World War II, as Japan surrendered just days later.
1963: The Great Train Robbery
On August 8, 1963, a gang of robbers pulled off one of the most audacious heists in British history when they stopped a Royal Mail train and made off with over £2.6 million in cash. The robbers were eventually caught and sentenced to lengthy prison terms, but the crime remains one of the most infamous in British criminal history.
1988: The Opening of the Seoul Olympics
On August 8, 1988, the Summer Olympics officially began in Seoul, South Korea. The games were a major success and helped to showcase South Korea’s economic and technological progress on the world stage.
2008: The Opening of the Beijing Olympics
On August 8, 2008, the Summer Olympics kicked off in Beijing, China. The games were the most expensive in history and featured a spectacular opening ceremony that wowed audiences around the world.
2017: The Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville
On August 8, 2017, white supremacists and neo-Nazis gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia for the “Unite the Right” rally. The event quickly turned violent, culminating in a car being driven into a group of counter-protesters, killing one woman and injuring many others. The rally sparked a national conversation about racism and hate groups in America.
Conclusion
August 8 has been a day of both triumph and tragedy throughout history. From the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation to the horrific events in Charlottesville, this date has seen a wide range of events that have shaped the world we live in today.
