August 4th is a date marked by a myriad of historical events that have significantly influenced various aspects of global history.
From pivotal battles and groundbreaking legislative acts to tragic incidents and inspirational achievements, this date offers a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of human experience.
This article chronicles 20 notable occurrences on August 4th, spanning from ancient times to the modern era, showcasing moments of triumph, conflict, and change.
August 4th – On this Day in History
367 – Gratian Named Co-Augustus
In the year 367, Gratian, the young son of Roman Emperor Valentinian I, was elevated to the position of co-Augustus. This act, performed by his father, was meant to solidify the line of succession and ensure stability within the Roman Empire.
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At just eight years old, Gratian’s appointment was both a political and symbolic move, designed to strengthen the emperor’s authority by sharing power with his heir. Gratian would later go on to become a significant ruler in his own right, contributing to the shaping of the late Roman Empire.
1265 – Battle of Evesham
On August 4, 1265, the Battle of Evesham took place during the Second Barons’ War in England. This conflict saw the forces of Prince Edward, who would later become Edward I of England, decisively defeat the army of Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester.
De Montfort, a key figure leading the baronial opposition against King Henry III, was killed in the battle, along with many of his supporters.
This victory effectively ended the barons’ rebellion and restored royal authority. The battle is notable for its brutality and the near annihilation of the rebel leadership.
1578 – Battle of Al-Ksar al-Kebir
The Battle of Al-Ksar al-Kebir, also known as the Battle of the Three Kings, occurred on August 4, 1578, in Morocco. This confrontation involved the forces of the Portuguese king Sebastian, the Moroccan sultan Abd al-Malik, and the sultan’s rival, Abu Abdallah Mohammed II.
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King Sebastian’s intervention aimed to support Abu Abdallah and expand Portuguese influence in North Africa. However, the battle resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the Portuguese. King Sebastian and both Moroccan leaders perished, leading to a succession crisis in Portugal and a period of Spanish domination over the country.
1693 – Dom Pérignon and Champagne
August 4, 1693, is traditionally celebrated as the day Dom Pérignon, a French Benedictine monk, is credited with inventing Champagne. Working in the Abbey of Saint-Vincent at Hautvillers, Dom Pérignon sought to improve the local wines.
Legend has it that upon tasting his sparkling creation, he exclaimed, “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” While the process of making Champagne evolved over time and involved contributions from many, Dom Pérignon’s work significantly advanced the methods of production, contributing to the iconic status of Champagne in the world of wine.
1704 – Capture of Gibraltar
On August 4, 1704, during the War of the Spanish Succession, an Anglo-Dutch fleet under the command of Admiral George Rooke successfully captured Gibraltar. The strategically crucial fortress and naval base at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea was taken from the Spanish in a bold assault.
This event marked the beginning of British control over Gibraltar, which would be formalized in the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. The capture of Gibraltar provided the British Royal Navy with a vital stronghold, significantly enhancing its ability to project power in the Mediterranean region.
1789 – Abolition of Feudalism in France
On August 4, 1789, amidst the fervor of the French Revolution, the National Constituent Assembly made a monumental decision to abolish feudalism in France.
This historic act, often referred to as the “August Decrees,” marked the end of feudal privileges and the seigneurial system that had dominated French society for centuries.
The assembly’s members, driven by Enlightenment ideals and the demands of a populace suffering under oppressive feudal dues, renounced their own privileges in a dramatic and symbolic gesture.
This move paved the way for a more egalitarian society and laid the foundation for the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which would be adopted later that month.
1790 – Creation of the United States Revenue Cutter Service
On August 4, 1790, the United States Congress passed a tariff act that led to the establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service, the precursor to the modern United States Coast Guard. This service was created to enforce tariff laws and combat smuggling, ensuring that the young nation’s customs revenues were protected.
The Revenue Cutter Service was authorized to build ten cutters, small vessels adept at navigating the coastal waters and intercepting illegal activities. Over time, the service’s responsibilities expanded, and in 1915, it merged with the United States Life-Saving Service to form the Coast Guard, which continues to play a crucial role in maritime safety and law enforcement today.
1821 – First Publication of The Saturday Evening Post
The Saturday Evening Post, one of America’s most iconic publications, first appeared as a weekly newspaper on August 4, 1821. Founded in Philadelphia by Samuel Atkinson and Charles Alexander, the publication initially focused on news, literature, and advertisements.
Over the decades, it evolved into a magazine renowned for its high-quality content, including fiction, articles, and illustrations. The Post gained widespread popularity in the 20th century under the editorship of George Horace Lorimer and became known for its covers illustrated by Norman Rockwell.
These covers often depicted quintessential American scenes and contributed to the magazine’s enduring legacy in American culture.
1854 – Establishment of the Hinomaru as Japan’s Official Flag
On August 4, 1854, the Hinomaru, featuring a red circle on a white background, was officially designated as the flag to be flown on Japanese ships. This decision came during the late Edo period as Japan was opening up to international trade and sought to assert its identity on the global stage.
The flag, symbolizing the sun, was a powerful emblem of Japan’s national identity and cultural heritage. The Hinomaru later became the national flag of Japan with the promulgation of the Flag Law in 1870. It remains a potent symbol of the country’s pride and history, embodying the spirit of Japan.
1873 – Custer’s First Clash with the Sioux
On August 4, 1873, during the Indian Wars, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and the U.S. 7th Cavalry engaged in their first significant skirmish with the Sioux near the Tongue River in Montana Territory.
This encounter was part of the broader conflict between the United States and the Plains tribes, who resisted the incursion of settlers and the military into their lands.
The battle was relatively small, with only one casualty reported on each side, but it marked the beginning of a series of confrontations that would culminate in the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.
Custer’s actions and the U.S. government’s policies during this period contributed to the ongoing struggles and displacement of Native American tribes.
1892 – The Murders of Andrew and Abby Borden
On August 4, 1892, the quiet town of Fall River, Massachusetts, was shaken by the brutal murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. They were found bludgeoned to death in their home, with Andrew discovered on the living room sofa and Abby upstairs in the guest bedroom.
The primary suspect was Andrew’s daughter, Lizzie Borden, who was arrested and tried for the murders. The case captivated the nation with its shocking violence and the seeming improbability of Lizzie, a woman from a respectable family, committing such a heinous crime.
Despite substantial evidence, Lizzie was acquitted, and the mystery of who killed the Bordens remains unsolved. The case has since become a staple of American folklore, inspiring numerous books, plays, and films.
1914 – Germany Invades Belgium
On August 4, 1914, Germany invaded Belgium, triggering the United Kingdom to declare war on Germany and marking the official start of British involvement in World War I.
This invasion was part of the Schlieffen Plan, Germany’s strategic blueprint for a quick victory by advancing through Belgium to encircle and defeat France before turning to the eastern front against Russia.
The violation of Belgian neutrality outraged the international community and galvanized support for the Allies. Belgium’s resistance, though ultimately overcome, slowed the German advance and disrupted their plans, contributing to the war of attrition that World War I became. This day marked a significant escalation in the conflict that would engulf Europe and much of the world.
1916 – Liberia Declares War on Germany
On August 4, 1916, Liberia declared war on Germany, aligning itself with the Allies in World War I. As a small, West African nation founded by freed American slaves, Liberia sought to assert its place in the international community and support the efforts of its traditional ally, the United States.
The declaration of war also allowed Liberia to take measures against German commercial interests in the country, which were significant at the time.
Although Liberia’s direct military involvement in the war was limited, its participation symbolized the global nature of the conflict and the widespread opposition to German aggression.
1936 – Jesse Owens Wins the 100 Meter Dash
On August 4, 1936, at the Berlin Olympics, American athlete Jesse Owens won the gold medal in the 100-meter dash, becoming the fastest man in the world. Owens’ victory was not just a triumph of athletic prowess but also a significant political and social statement.
Competing in Nazi Germany, where Adolf Hitler aimed to showcase Aryan superiority, Owens, an African American, shattered those racist ideologies with his remarkable performance.
He went on to win three more gold medals in the long jump, 200 meters, and 4×100 meter relay, solidifying his status as a sports legend and a symbol of resistance against racial discrimination and oppression.
1944 – Anne Frank and Family Arrested
On August 4, 1944, Anne Frank and her family were arrested by the Gestapo in Amsterdam, following a tip from a Dutch informer. They had been hiding in a secret annex above Anne’s father’s business premises for over two years to escape the Nazi persecution of Jews during World War II.
The arrest marked the beginning of their tragic journey through various concentration camps. Anne Frank, her sister Margot, and their mother Edith all perished in the camps, but Anne’s father, Otto, survived. After the war, he published Anne’s diary, which she had kept during their time in hiding.
“The Diary of a Young Girl” has since become one of the most poignant and influential accounts of the Holocaust, providing a personal and human perspective on the horrors of the era.
1964 – Discovery of Civil Rights Workers’ Bodies
On August 4, 1964, the bodies of civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Chaney were discovered buried in an earthen dam near Philadelphia, Mississippi. The trio had been missing since June 21, when they were arrested by local police, released into the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, and subsequently murdered.
Their disappearance and the eventual discovery of their bodies drew national attention and outrage, highlighting the violent resistance to the civil rights movement in the South. The federal investigation, led by the FBI under the code name “Mississippi Burning,” ultimately led to the conviction of several perpetrators, though many received minimal sentences.
This tragic event galvanized public support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which were pivotal in dismantling institutionalized racial discrimination in the United States.
1964 – Gulf of Tonkin Incident
On August 4, 1964, the Gulf of Tonkin incident escalated as the U.S. Navy destroyers USS Maddox and USS Turner Joy reported being attacked by North Vietnamese forces. This incident followed a previous encounter on August 2, when the USS Maddox had been fired upon by North Vietnamese torpedo boats.
The events of August 4, however, remain controversial, with later evidence suggesting that the second attack might not have occurred. Nevertheless, President Lyndon B. Johnson used the reported attacks to justify increased U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, passed by Congress on August 7, gave Johnson broad powers to conduct military operations in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war, marking a significant escalation in the Vietnam War.
1974 – Italicus Express Bombing
On August 4, 1974, a bomb exploded on the Italicus Express train traveling between Rome and Munich, resulting in 12 deaths and 48 injuries. The attack was carried out by far-right extremists associated with the neo-fascist movement in Italy.
This tragic event was part of a larger campaign of political violence during the so-called “Years of Lead” (Anni di piombo), a period characterized by frequent acts of terrorism and social unrest in Italy.
The Italicus Express bombing shocked the nation and underscored the pervasive threat of extremist violence. Despite initial arrests and investigations, the case remains unsolved, and it continues to symbolize the dark era of domestic terrorism in Italy.
1984 – Upper Volta Becomes Burkina Faso
On August 4, 1984, the Republic of Upper Volta, a landlocked country in West Africa, officially changed its name to Burkina Faso. This significant change was initiated by President Thomas Sankara, who came to power through a coup in 1983 and aimed to break from the colonial past and instill a new sense of national identity.
“Burkina Faso” translates to “Land of Incorruptible People,” combining words from the country’s two major languages: “Burkina” from Moore and “Faso” from Dioula. Sankara’s government implemented various progressive policies, focusing on social reforms, anti-corruption measures, and economic self-sufficiency.
Although his tenure was cut short by his assassination in 1987, Sankara remains a revered figure in Burkina Faso and throughout Africa for his visionary leadership and commitment to justice and equality.
2019 – Dayton, Ohio Mass Shooting
On August 4, 2019, a mass shooting occurred in Dayton, Ohio, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuries to 27 others. The attack took place in the Oregon District, a popular nightlife area, and lasted less than 30 seconds before the shooter was killed by responding police officers.
This tragic event was part of a spate of mass shootings in the United States that year, reigniting the national debate over gun control and public safety. The quick response by law enforcement likely prevented further casualties, but the incident highlighted the persistent issue of gun violence in America and the need for comprehensive measures to address it.
In the aftermath, vigils and calls for policy changes underscored the community’s resilience and the ongoing struggle to find solutions to such senseless acts of violence.