August 22 Events in History

August 22 has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history, shaping the political, social, and cultural landscapes across the globe.

From pivotal battles and groundbreaking treaties to notable achievements and daring escapades, this day encapsulates a rich tapestry of historical milestones.

In this article, we delve into twenty remarkable occurrences that took place on August 22, exploring their impact and legacy. Join us as we journey through time, uncovering the stories behind these historical events that have left an indelible mark on our world.

August 22nd – On this Day in History

392 – Arbogast has Eugenius elected Western Roman Emperor

In the year 392, the Western Roman Empire experienced a significant political upheaval. Arbogast, a powerful Frankish general serving as magister militum (master of soldiers), found himself at odds with the reigning Emperor Valentinian II.

Following Valentinian’s mysterious death, which many attributed to Arbogast’s machinations, the general took a bold step to consolidate his influence. He elevated Eugenius, a former teacher of rhetoric and relatively obscure figure, to the position of Western Roman Emperor. This move was strategic, aiming to install a puppet ruler who could be easily controlled.

Also Read: August 21 Events in History

However, Eugenius’s reign, marked by his attempt to restore traditional Roman religious practices, set the stage for a conflict with the Eastern Emperor Theodosius I, who was a staunch Christian. This political maneuvering ultimately led to the Battle of the Frigidus in 394, where Arbogast and Eugenius were defeated.

476 – Odoacer is Proclaimed King of Italy by His Troops

The year 476 is often cited as the end of the Western Roman Empire, marked by the rise of Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain of uncertain ethnic origin. On August 22, Odoacer’s troops, a mix of various barbarian groups, proclaimed him King of Italy.

This event followed the deposition of the last Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus, whom Odoacer forced to abdicate. Instead of declaring himself emperor, Odoacer opted for the title of king, signaling a shift from Roman imperial rule to barbarian kingship in the former western provinces.

Also Read: August 23rd – On this Day in History

Odoacer’s reign brought stability to Italy and marked the transition to the early medieval period. His recognition by the Eastern Roman Emperor Zeno as a patrician further legitimized his rule, blending Roman traditions with the new barbarian order.

565 – Columba Reports Seeing a Monster in Loch Ness

On August 22, 565, the Irish monk Saint Columba reportedly encountered a mysterious creature in the waters of Loch Ness in Scotland. According to the hagiographies, Columba was traveling through the Scottish Highlands when he came across locals burying a man who had been attacked by a “water beast.”

Columba, invoking the name of God, commanded the creature to halt its attack on another swimmer, and it miraculously obeyed. This incident is one of the earliest recorded sightings of what later became known as the Loch Ness Monster.

While the veracity of this account remains a topic of folklore and legend, it has significantly contributed to the enduring fascination with Loch Ness and its purported inhabitant, inspiring countless expeditions and studies.

1138 – Battle of the Standard Between England and Scotland

Battle of the Standard

The Battle of the Standard, fought on August 22, 1138, near Northallerton in Yorkshire, was a significant conflict during the civil war known as The Anarchy in England.

The battle pitted the forces of King David I of Scotland against the English troops loyal to King Stephen, who was contending for the English throne against Empress Matilda. Named for the religious banners carried by the English forces, the battle was a decisive victory for England.

The English army, under the command of William of Aumale, utilized a defensive strategy, forming a solid infantry line around the standard, which held the banners of various saints. Despite their numerical superiority, the Scottish forces were unable to break the English lines and were forced to retreat. This battle curtailed Scottish incursions into Northern England and solidified Stephen’s position, albeit temporarily, during a tumultuous period of English history.

1485 – The Battle of Bosworth Field

The Battle of Bosworth Field, fought on August 22, 1485, was the climactic battle of the Wars of the Roses, a series of dynastic conflicts between the houses of Lancaster and York. This battle marked the end of Richard III’s reign and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty with the ascension of Henry VII.

Battle of Bosworth  Field

Richard III, the last Plantagenet king, faced the forces of Henry Tudor near Market Bosworth in Leicestershire. Despite initial advantages, Richard’s army was ultimately outmaneuvered and defeated, partly due to the defection of key nobles such as Thomas Stanley.

Richard III was killed in the battle, famously shouting “A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!” as chronicled by William Shakespeare. Henry’s victory ushered in a new era of relative stability and ended decades of feudal strife, laying the foundations for the powerful Tudor monarchy.

1559 – Bartolomé Carranza, Spanish Archbishop of Toledo, is Arrested for Heresy

On August 22, 1559, Bartolomé Carranza, the Archbishop of Toledo, was arrested by the Spanish Inquisition on charges of heresy. Carranza was a prominent and influential figure in the Catholic Church, having participated in the Council of Trent and supported the Counter-Reformation efforts against Protestantism. His arrest stemmed from suspicions that his writings and teachings contained Protestant ideas, which was a serious accusation in Catholic Spain.

Despite his high standing, Carranza’s arrest was part of the broader effort by the Spanish Inquisition to root out any form of heretical thought and ensure strict adherence to orthodox Catholic doctrine.

Carranza’s trial was lengthy, lasting nearly seventeen years, and he spent much of this time imprisoned. He was eventually found guilty of some charges but was released in 1576, shortly before his death. His arrest and trial highlight the intense religious scrutiny and conflict of the period.

1639 – Madras (now Chennai), India, is Founded by the British East India Company

On August 22, 1639, the British East India Company established the settlement of Madras, which is now known as Chennai, on the southeastern coast of India.

This foundation marked the beginning of British colonial influence in the region. The East India Company, seeking to expand its trade operations in India, secured a grant of land from the local Nayak rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The Company constructed Fort St. George, which became the nucleus of the growing settlement and served as the headquarters for the British presence in southern India. Madras quickly developed into a major trading port and administrative center.

The establishment of Madras was a significant step in the expansion of British power in India, which eventually led to the colonization of the entire subcontinent. Today, Chennai is a bustling metropolis and one of India’s major cultural and economic centers.

1654 – Jacob Barsimson Arrives in New Amsterdam (Now New York City), the First Known Jewish Immigrant to America

On August 22, 1654, Jacob Barsimson arrived in New Amsterdam (present-day New York City), becoming the first known Jewish immigrant to America. Barsimson’s arrival marked the beginning of Jewish presence in what would become the United States.

He came from Holland, where many Jews had sought refuge from persecution in Portugal and Spain. His immigration was part of a broader movement of Jews seeking new opportunities and freedoms in the New World. Barsimson was soon followed by a group of 23 Jewish refugees from Recife, Brazil, who fled the Portuguese reconquest of Dutch Brazil.

Despite initial resistance from the Dutch authorities in New Amsterdam, who were reluctant to allow Jews to settle, the small Jewish community gradually established itself. Their presence laid the foundation for the vibrant and diverse Jewish community that would develop in the United States over the centuries.

1711 – The Quebec Expedition Begins as the British Attempt to Capture Quebec City

On August 22, 1711, the Quebec Expedition, part of Queen Anne’s War, commenced as British forces aimed to capture Quebec City from the French. Queen Anne’s War was the North American theater of the War of the Spanish Succession, involving numerous colonial powers vying for control of territories.

The British expedition, led by Admiral Hovenden Walker and General Jack Hill, consisted of a fleet of ships and thousands of soldiers. The plan was to sail up the Saint Lawrence River and launch an assault on Quebec, the capital of New France. However, the expedition faced numerous challenges, including poor navigation and harsh weather conditions.

Tragically, the fleet encountered a severe storm, and several ships were wrecked on the rocks near the mouth of the Saint Lawrence River, resulting in significant loss of life. The failed expedition was a major setback for the British and highlighted the difficulties of waging war in the challenging terrain and climate of North America.

1770 – James Cook Names and Lands on Possession Island, Claiming the East Coast of Australia for Britain as New South Wales

James Cook

On August 22, 1770, British explorer Captain James Cook named and landed on Possession Island, claiming the eastern coast of Australia for Britain and naming it New South Wales. Cook’s voyage aboard the HMS Endeavour was part of a broader scientific and exploratory mission to chart the unknown territories of the Pacific Ocean.

Upon reaching the eastern coast of Australia, Cook sailed northward along the coastline, mapping it meticulously. When he arrived at Possession Island, located in the Torres Strait, he formally took possession of the land in the name of King George III. This act of claiming the territory was significant as it marked the beginning of British interest and eventual colonization of Australia.

Cook’s detailed maps and reports provided valuable information that paved the way for future settlements. The colonization of Australia had profound and lasting impacts on the indigenous populations and the development of the continent.

1848 – The United States Annexes New Mexico

On August 22, 1848, the United States formally annexed New Mexico as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War.

This treaty significantly altered the territorial boundaries of both countries, with Mexico ceding approximately half of its territory, including what are now California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Texas.

The annexation of New Mexico was a critical component of America’s Manifest Destiny ideology, which held that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent.

It brought new opportunities for trade, settlement, and economic development, but it also introduced significant challenges, including the integration of a diverse population and the displacement and marginalization of Native American tribes.

The annexation set the stage for New Mexico’s eventual statehood in 1912 and played a crucial role in shaping the region’s history and cultural landscape.

1864 – First Geneva Convention is Adopted

On August 22, 1864, the First Geneva Convention was adopted, marking a significant milestone in the development of international humanitarian law. The convention was the result of efforts by Henry Dunant and the International Committee for the Relief of the Wounded, which later became the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The treaty established rules for the treatment of wounded soldiers and the protection of medical personnel during armed conflicts. It stipulated that all wounded and sick soldiers should be treated humanely without discrimination, and it recognized the neutrality of medical staff and facilities.

The adoption of the First Geneva Convention represented a major step towards the codification of the laws of war and the protection of human rights in conflict situations. It laid the groundwork for subsequent international treaties and conventions that expanded on these principles and sought to mitigate the horrors of war.

1902 – Theodore Roosevelt Becomes the First U.S. President to Ride in an Automobile

On August 22, 1902, Theodore Roosevelt made history by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to ride in an automobile. This event marked a significant moment in the early history of automobiles and their acceptance into mainstream society.

Roosevelt rode in a Columbia Electric Victoria Phaeton during a tour of Hartford, Connecticut. The automobile, an innovative and relatively new mode of transportation at the time, symbolized the technological progress and modernization of the early 20th century.

Roosevelt’s use of the automobile underscored his progressive attitude and willingness to embrace new technologies. This event also highlighted the growing importance of the automobile industry in the United States, which would soon revolutionize transportation, industry, and American life.

Roosevelt’s ride was a precursor to the widespread adoption of automobiles, which became a defining feature of the American landscape in the following decades.

1910 – Japan Annexes Korea

On August 22, 1910, Japan formally annexed Korea, ending centuries of Korean independence and initiating a period of harsh colonial rule that lasted until the end of World War II.

The annexation followed years of increasing Japanese influence and control over Korean affairs, which had been cemented by the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905, making Korea a protectorate.

The 1910 annexation treaty was signed under duress and with considerable opposition from the Korean people. Japanese rule was marked by efforts to assimilate Koreans into Japanese culture, suppression of Korean language and traditions, and exploitation of Korea’s natural and human resources for Japan’s benefit.

The annexation and subsequent colonial rule had profound and lasting impacts on Korean society, economy, and national identity. Resistance to Japanese rule fostered a strong sense of nationalism that would later fuel Korea’s struggle for independence and shape its modern history.

1941 – German Troops Begin the Siege of Leningrad

On August 22, 1941, German troops began the Siege of Leningrad, one of the most brutal and prolonged sieges in military history. The siege lasted for 872 days, from September 8, 1941, to January 27, 1944, during World War II. German forces, along with their Finnish allies, encircled Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), cutting off all supply routes to the city.

Siege of Leningrad

The siege aimed to starve the city’s population into surrender. Leningrad’s residents endured extreme deprivation, with food and fuel shortages leading to widespread famine and suffering. Despite the harsh conditions, the city’s defenders and civilians showed remarkable resilience and determination, continuing to resist the German assault.

The eventual lifting of the siege was a significant turning point in the Eastern Front of World War II, symbolizing Soviet endurance and contributing to the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany. The Siege of Leningrad remains a powerful testament to human endurance and the horrors of war.

1961 – Ida Siekmann, the First Person to Die at the Berlin Wall, Attempts to Escape from East Berlin to West Berlin

On August 22, 1961, Ida Siekmann became the first person to die attempting to cross the Berlin Wall. The Berlin Wall had been erected just days earlier, on August 13, by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), to prevent the mass emigration of its citizens to the West.

Siekmann, a 58-year-old nurse, lived on the third floor of a building located at 48 Bernauer Straße, right on the border between East and West Berlin. Desperate to join her sister in West Berlin, Siekmann attempted to escape by jumping from her apartment window into a West Berlin street. Tragically, she did not survive the fall.

Her death underscored the brutal reality of the Berlin Wall, which soon became a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany. Over the next 28 years, many others would die attempting to cross the Wall, highlighting the human cost of the political divide.

1962 – An Attempt to Assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle Fails

On August 22, 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in what became known as the Petit-Clamart attack. The plot was orchestrated by the Organisation Armée Secrète (OAS), a paramilitary group vehemently opposed to de Gaulle’s policy of granting independence to Algeria, which was then a French colony.

As de Gaulle’s motorcade traveled through the Paris suburb of Petit-Clamart, the assailants opened fire, riddling the president’s car with bullets. Remarkably, neither de Gaulle nor his wife, Yvonne, who was with him in the car, were injured. The resilience and calm displayed by de Gaulle during the attack further solidified his reputation as a formidable and stoic leader.

This assassination attempt was one of several during de Gaulle’s presidency, reflecting the intense opposition and turbulent political climate of the time. The failure of the attack and the subsequent crackdown on the OAS marked a significant moment in France’s transition to peace and stability following the Algerian War.

1968 – Pope Paul VI Arrives in Bogotá, Colombia, for the First Visit of a Pope to Latin America

On August 22, 1968, Pope Paul VI made a historic visit to Bogotá, Colombia, becoming the first pope to set foot in Latin America. This visit was part of the 39th International Eucharistic Congress and marked a significant moment in the Catholic Church’s relationship with the region, which has the largest Catholic population in the world.

Pope Paul VI’s visit aimed to address social issues and promote peace amidst widespread poverty, political instability, and social unrest in Latin America. His presence underscored the Church’s commitment to social justice and its role in addressing the needs of the marginalized.

During his visit, the Pope delivered numerous speeches and held masses attended by millions, emphasizing themes of unity, charity, and human dignity. This landmark visit paved the way for subsequent papal visits to the region and reinforced the Catholic Church’s influence and outreach in Latin America.

1989 – Nolan Ryan Strikes Out Rickey Henderson, Becoming the First Major League Baseball Pitcher to Record 5,000 Strikeouts

On August 22, 1989, Nolan Ryan, a legendary figure in Major League Baseball, achieved a historic milestone by striking out Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics, thereby becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to record 5,000 career strikeouts.

This remarkable achievement took place during a game at Arlington Stadium, home of the Texas Rangers, where Ryan’s feat was celebrated by fans and players alike. Known for his incredible fastball and longevity in the sport, Ryan’s career spanned 27 seasons, during which he established numerous pitching records.

The 5,000th strikeout was a testament to his enduring skill and dominance on the mound. Henderson, known for his speed and batting prowess, graciously acknowledged Ryan’s achievement, reflecting the mutual respect between two of baseball’s greatest players. Nolan Ryan’s career strikeout record, which eventually totaled 5,714, remains one of the most enduring and celebrated records in baseball history.

2004 – Versions of “The Scream” and “Madonna” by Edvard Munch are Stolen at Gunpoint from a Museum in Oslo, Norway

On August 22, 2004, armed robbers executed a daring daylight heist at the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, stealing two iconic paintings by Edvard Munch: “The Scream” and “Madonna.” The robbery occurred during visiting hours, shocking museum-goers and staff as the thieves threatened them with firearms before seizing the artworks and fleeing the scene.

“The Scream,” in particular, is one of the most famous paintings in the world, known for its haunting expression and evocative style, symbolizing existential angst. The theft of these masterpieces was a significant cultural loss and prompted a massive international investigation. The paintings’ disappearance sparked widespread media coverage and concerns about the security of valuable artworks in museums.

After a series of intensive efforts by law enforcement, both paintings were recovered in 2006, largely unharmed, much to the relief of the art world. The theft and subsequent recovery highlighted the vulnerabilities of cultural institutions and the importance of safeguarding artistic heritage.