Today in history August 11

  1. 3114 BCE – The Mayan calendar begins
    On August 11, 3114 BCE, according to the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, the Mayan calendar started its count of days. This date is significant as it marks the mythical creation date in Mayan culture. The Mayan calendar is a complex system combining several cycles of time, including the Tzolk’in and Haab’ calendars. It was used for agricultural, religious, and ceremonial purposes. The calendar’s precision and sophistication are considered one of the greatest achievements of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
  2. 1492 – Christopher Columbus leaves Spain
    On August 11, 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail from Palos de la Frontera, Spain, embarking on his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. He led three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María, aiming to find a new route to Asia. This voyage ultimately led to the European discovery of the Americas. Columbus’s journey marked the beginning of widespread European exploration and colonization of the New World. His departure is a pivotal moment in world history, affecting global trade, culture, and geopolitics.
  3. 1792 – The Storming of the Tuileries Palace
    On August 11, 1792, during the French Revolution, tensions escalated leading to the storming of the Tuileries Palace in Paris. This event was part of the larger revolutionary movement against the monarchy. The palace was where King Louis XVI and his family were residing under house arrest. The attack led to the suspension of the king’s powers and the eventual abolition of the monarchy. This day marked a critical turning point towards the establishment of the French Republic.
  4. 1919 – The first transatlantic airship flight
    On August 11, 1919, the British airship R34 completed the first-ever transatlantic airship flight. The R34 flew from East Fortune, Scotland, to Mineola, New York, demonstrating the potential of airships for long-distance travel. The journey took about 108 hours and covered approximately 3,200 miles. This accomplishment showcased advancements in aviation technology following World War I. It paved the way for future developments in both passenger and military air travel.
  5. 1942 – The Battle of Guadalcanal begins
    On August 11, 1942, the Battle of Guadalcanal began during World War II, marking the first major offensive by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan. The battle took place in the Pacific Theater, on the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. It was a crucial campaign for control of the sea routes and airfields in the region. The battle lasted several months and was marked by intense jungle warfare and naval battles. The eventual Allied victory was a significant strategic turning point in the Pacific War.
  6. 1965 – Watts Riots start in Los Angeles
    On August 11, 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The unrest lasted for six days and was triggered by an incident of police brutality against an African American motorist. The riots reflected broader issues of racial inequality, poverty, and police-community relations in the United States. Over 1,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, and 34 people died during the violence. The Watts Riots became a symbol of the civil rights struggles and social upheaval of the 1960s.
  7. 1984 – The discovery of the AIDS virus
    On August 11, 1984, scientists at the Pasteur Institute in France announced the discovery of the virus responsible for AIDS, later named HIV. This breakthrough was critical in understanding the disease, which had caused a global health crisis. The identification of HIV enabled the development of diagnostic tests and eventually treatments. Although there was initial controversy regarding the discovery’s credit, it marked a major step forward in medical research. The announcement increased global awareness and intensified efforts to combat the epidemic.
  8. 1999 – NATO launches air strikes in Yugoslavia
    On August 11, 1999, NATO intensified air strikes against Yugoslavia during the Kosovo conflict. These strikes aimed to stop human rights abuses and ethnic cleansing in Kosovo by Serbian forces. The intervention was controversial and involved complex international diplomacy. The bombings contributed to the eventual withdrawal of Yugoslav troops from Kosovo. This event underscored NATO’s role in post-Cold War international security efforts and set precedents for humanitarian military interventions.
  9. 2000 – The USS Cole bombing investigation
    On August 11, 2000, investigations intensified into the attack on the USS Cole, a U.S. Navy destroyer bombed in October 2000 while docked in Yemen. The bombing killed 17 American sailors and injured many others. The attack was linked to the terrorist group al-Qaeda, highlighting the growing threat of international terrorism. It prompted changes in naval security protocols and counterterrorism strategies. The USS Cole bombing was a precursor to the larger global conflicts involving terrorism in the 21st century.
  10. 2017 – Solar eclipse visible across the United States
    On August 11, 2017, a partial solar eclipse was visible in parts of the United States, a precursor event to the total solar eclipse that occurred later that month on August 21. The eclipse attracted widespread public interest and scientific observation. Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light. These events provide valuable opportunities for research in astronomy and solar physics. The August 2017 eclipses prompted educational outreach and tourism related to celestial phenomena.

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