August 24 is a date marked by numerous significant events that have shaped world history.
From pivotal battles and landmark treaties to groundbreaking inventions and cultural milestones, this day holds a rich tapestry of historical moments.
In this article, we explore 20 notable events that occurred on August 24, arranged chronologically, offering a snapshot of the diverse and impactful occurrences that have left their mark on history.
August 24th – On this Day in History
410 AD: Sack of Rome by the Visigoths
On August 24, 410 AD, the Visigoths, led by King Alaric I, captured and sacked the city of Rome. This event marked the first time in nearly 800 years that Rome had fallen to a foreign enemy.

The sack lasted for three days, during which the Visigoths looted and plundered the city, but they also showed relative restraint compared to other invaders of the period.
The sack of Rome is often cited as a significant marker in the decline of the Western Roman Empire, symbolizing the diminishing power and influence of Rome over the Western territories.
1215: Pope Innocent III Declares Magna Carta Invalid
On August 24, 1215, Pope Innocent III issued a papal bull declaring the Magna Carta invalid. The Magna Carta, originally agreed upon by King John of England and a group of rebel barons, was intended to make peace between the unpopular king and the rebels by ensuring certain rights and limiting the power of the monarchy.
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However, Pope Innocent III, who had supported King John, annulled the charter, stating that it was a threat to the authority of the Church and the monarchy.
This annulment led to further conflicts and eventually the reissue of the Magna Carta in subsequent years, solidifying its place in history as a foundational document for constitutional governance.
1349: Massacre of Jews in Mainz
On August 24, 1349, one of the worst massacres of Jews in history occurred in Mainz, Germany. Amidst the chaos of the Black Death, which was ravaging Europe, Jews were often scapegoated and blamed for the spread of the plague.
In Mainz, anti-Semitic hysteria led to the murder of approximately 6,000 Jews by the city’s residents. This tragic event is part of a series of violent pogroms that swept through Europe during this period, highlighting the deep-seated prejudices and the perilous position of Jewish communities in medieval Europe.
1456: Completion of the Gutenberg Bible
On August 24, 1456, the printing of the Gutenberg Bible was completed by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany. This milestone marked the first major book printed using movable type and the beginning of the Gutenberg Revolution.

The Gutenberg Bible is celebrated for its high aesthetic and technical quality, and its production represents a monumental shift in the history of publishing, enabling the mass production of books and the rapid dissemination of knowledge.
This invention played a critical role in the spread of the Renaissance, Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution.
1572: St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre
On August 24, 1572, the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre began in Paris, marking one of the bloodiest episodes in the French Wars of Religion.
Sparked by the assassination of Huguenot leader Admiral Gaspard de Coligny and fueled by religious tensions between Catholics and Protestant Huguenots, the massacre saw thousands of Huguenots brutally murdered by Catholic mobs.
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The violence quickly spread from Paris to other parts of France, resulting in a significant loss of life and further entrenching the deep divisions between Catholics and Protestants in France. This event had profound impacts on the religious and political landscape of Europe.
1608: Captain William Hawkins Lands in Surat, India
On August 24, 1608, Captain William Hawkins, an English sea captain and representative of the British East India Company, landed in Surat, India. This event marked the beginning of formal relations between the British and the Mughal Empire.
Hawkins’ arrival initiated significant trade negotiations and set the stage for the eventual establishment of British trade dominance in the region. Although initially met with resistance, Hawkins’ diplomatic efforts were pivotal in securing the first English trading post in India. This marked the beginning of a significant period of British influence and control over the Indian subcontinent.
1662: Act of Uniformity
On August 24, 1662, the Act of Uniformity came into effect in England. This Act mandated the use of the Book of Common Prayer in all Anglican church services, enforcing religious conformity and consolidating the Anglican Church’s practices.
As a result, thousands of clergymen who refused to comply were ejected from their positions, leading to a significant religious and social upheaval known as the Great Ejection.
The Act of Uniformity was a crucial element of the Clarendon Code, a series of laws intended to strengthen the position of the Church of England and suppress nonconformity, thereby shaping the religious landscape of England for generations.
1814: British Forces Capture Washington, D.C.
On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces captured Washington, D.C., and set fire to multiple public buildings, including the White House and the Capitol. This act of aggression was in retaliation for the American attack on York (modern-day Toronto) in Canada.
The burning of Washington was a significant psychological blow to the United States, symbolizing the vulnerability of the young nation. However, the event also galvanized American resistance and unity.
Despite the extensive damage, the British occupation of Washington was brief, and the city was soon rebuilt, emerging as a symbol of American resilience and determination.
1821: Signing of the Treaty of Córdoba
On August 24, 1821, the Treaty of Córdoba was signed in the town of Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico. This treaty ratified the Plan of Iguala and confirmed Mexico’s independence from Spain after an 11-year war of independence.
The treaty was signed by the Spanish Viceroy Juan O’Donojú and Mexican revolutionary leader Agustín de Iturbide. It established Mexico as a constitutional monarchy under a Spanish monarch, though this aspect was later amended to form a republic. The Treaty of Córdoba marked the end of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico and the beginning of a new era of Mexican sovereignty and self-governance.
1857: The Panic of 1857
On August 24, 1857, the Panic of 1857 began, triggering one of the most severe economic crises in United States history. The panic was precipitated by the failure of the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company, followed by a collapse in grain prices and the overextension of credit.
The crisis quickly spread to the financial markets, causing widespread bank failures, business bankruptcies, and a significant downturn in the economy.
The Panic of 1857 exposed the vulnerabilities of the American banking system and highlighted the need for economic reform. It had profound impacts on the U.S. economy, leading to increased calls for stronger financial regulation and greater economic stability.
1891: Thomas Edison Patents the Motion Picture Camera
On August 24, 1891, Thomas Edison was granted a patent for the motion picture camera, known as the Kinetograph. This invention was a pivotal development in the field of motion pictures, enabling the recording and playback of moving images.
Edison’s Kinetograph used celluloid film to capture a sequence of images, which could then be viewed through the Kinetoscope, a peep-hole viewing device. This groundbreaking technology laid the foundation for the film industry, revolutionizing entertainment and communication.
Edison’s work on the motion picture camera opened new avenues for storytelling and artistic expression, influencing countless filmmakers and shaping the modern cinematic experience.
1909: Concrete Pouring Begins for the Panama Canal

On August 24, 1909, workers began pouring concrete for the construction of the Panama Canal, a monumental engineering project that would eventually connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal’s construction was a massive undertaking, involving the excavation of millions of cubic meters of earth and the construction of enormous locks.
The project, initially started by the French and later taken over by the United States, faced numerous challenges, including harsh tropical conditions, disease, and complex engineering problems.
The commencement of concrete pouring marked a significant milestone in the canal’s construction, which was completed in 1914. The Panama Canal remains one of the most important and impressive feats of civil engineering, significantly impacting global trade and maritime navigation.
1932: Amelia Earhart’s Non-Stop Flight Across the United States
On August 24, 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly non-stop across the United States, traveling from Los Angeles, California, to Newark, New Jersey. This remarkable achievement demonstrated Earhart’s exceptional piloting skills and her determination to push the boundaries of aviation.
The flight, which covered approximately 2,447 miles in just over 19 hours, set a new record for the fastest transcontinental flight by a woman. Earhart’s accomplishments not only advanced the field of aviation but also inspired a generation of women to pursue careers in aviation and other male-dominated fields. Her pioneering spirit and courage continue to be celebrated as symbols of female empowerment and perseverance.
1942: Battle of Eastern Solomons
On August 24, 1942, the Battle of Eastern Solomons, a crucial naval engagement of World War II, began in the Pacific Theater. The battle was fought between the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy near the Solomon Islands, as part of the larger Guadalcanal Campaign.
Both sides sought to reinforce their respective ground troops on Guadalcanal, leading to a series of intense air and naval clashes. The battle resulted in the sinking of the Japanese aircraft carrier Ryūjō and significant losses for both navies.
The United States emerged strategically victorious, as the Japanese were unable to land reinforcements, thereby maintaining the Allies’ strategic foothold in the region. The Battle of Eastern Solomons was a pivotal moment in the Pacific War, showcasing the importance of air power and carrier-based operations.
1949: Establishment of NATO
On August 24, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formally established, marking a significant development in post-World War II international relations. NATO was created as a collective defense alliance aimed at countering the threat of Soviet expansion in Europe.
The founding members included the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations, who committed to mutual defense in the event of an attack on any member state.
The establishment of NATO solidified the division of Europe into Eastern and Western blocs and played a central role in the Cold War’s geopolitical landscape. Over the years, NATO has evolved and expanded, continuing to serve as a cornerstone of international security and cooperation.
1954: Communist Control Act Goes Into Effect
On August 24, 1954, the Communist Control Act was enacted in the United States, officially outlawing the Communist Party and criminalizing membership in or support for communist organizations. This legislation was part of the broader Red Scare, a period of intense anti-communist sentiment and fear of Soviet influence during the Cold War.
The Act declared that the Communist Party’s goals were to overthrow the U.S. government by force or violence, and it aimed to suppress the spread of communist ideology within the country.
The passage of the Communist Control Act reflected the era’s political climate, characterized by suspicion, loyalty investigations, and widespread efforts to root out perceived subversives. Its implementation had significant impacts on civil liberties, as it led to increased surveillance and persecution of individuals and groups associated with leftist ideologies.
1967: Youth International Party Disrupts New York Stock Exchange
On August 24, 1967, the Youth International Party, led by counterculture activists Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, staged a dramatic protest at the New York Stock Exchange. The activists disrupted trading by throwing dollar bills from the visitors’ gallery onto the trading floor, causing chaos as traders scrambled to grab the money.
This protest was part of the broader anti-establishment and anti-war movements of the 1960s, aimed at critiquing the capitalist system and drawing attention to economic inequality. The action received significant media coverage, highlighting the power of theatrical, direct-action protests to capture public attention and convey political messages.
The Youth International Party’s antics symbolized the era’s rebellious spirit and the growing discontent among young Americans with the status quo.
1981: Mark David Chapman Sentenced for the Murder of John Lennon
On August 24, 1981, Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the murder of John Lennon, former member of The Beatles. Lennon was shot and killed by Chapman on December 8th, 1980, outside his apartment building in New York City.
Chapman’s sentencing marked the culmination of a high-profile case that shocked the world and deeply affected Lennon’s fans and the music community. During his trial, Chapman pleaded guilty and was diagnosed with various mental health issues.
Lennon’s assassination and Chapman’s subsequent sentencing brought renewed focus on issues of gun control, mental health, and celebrity culture. Chapman’s incarceration continues to be a point of interest and controversy, with his periodic parole hearings attracting significant public and media attention.
1989: Pete Rose Banned from Baseball
On August 24, 1989, Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti announced the permanent ban of Pete Rose, one of the game’s greatest players, for betting on baseball games. An investigation concluded that Rose, while manager of the Cincinnati Reds, had placed numerous bets on MLB games, including those of his own team.
Rose’s banishment was a significant scandal, as he held numerous records and was a beloved figure in the sport. The decision to ban Rose from baseball underscored the sport’s strict stance against gambling to preserve its integrity.
Despite his accomplishments on the field, Rose’s eligibility for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame remains a contentious issue, with ongoing debates about whether his gambling activities should overshadow his contributions to the game.
2006: Pluto Reclassified as a Dwarf Planet
On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the criteria for classifying planets, resulting in Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet. This decision came after extensive debate among astronomers about what constitutes a planet.
According to the new definition, a planet must orbit the Sun, be spherical in shape due to its own gravity, and have cleared its orbit of other debris. Pluto, which shares its orbital zone with other objects in the Kuiper Belt, did not meet the third criterion.
The reclassification of Pluto, which had been considered the ninth planet since its discovery in 1930, sparked significant public interest and controversy. The decision underscored the dynamic and evolving nature of scientific understanding and nomenclature in astronomy, prompting discussions about the characteristics and categorization of celestial bodies.