Some of the significant events which took place on August 11 taken from the leaf of History:
3114 BC – The Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, used by several pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations, notably the Mayans, begins.
1347 – Alaudin Hasan Gangu assumed royalty and founded the Bahamni Dynasty.
1904 – U.S.A. Presidential Candidate: At his home in Rosemount, democrat Judge A.B. Parker was formally appointed as a presidential candidate. He accepted the nomination and gave a thirty minute speech to a crowd of 600 people who clapped enthusiastically at some of his comments and opinions.
1908 – Khudiram Bose, a Bengali revolutionary in India’s struggle for freedom was hanged.
1920 – Russia Food Shortage: In the Soviet Union there was a shortage of food and clothing. The specter of starvation stalks threateningly as far reaches give up their cry for the necessities of life, from a people who are forced to heed the demands of want.” A journalist who went across Russia noticed people were in a state of starvation from the Chinese border all across the country. Some train employees were dressed in rags with sandals made out of tree bark.
1929 – U.S.A. Babe Ruth: Babe Ruth became the first player in the history of baseball to hit 500 home runs.
1934 – U.S.A. Flood: Sun-scorched Kentucky experienced a flood temporarily. Farmers were hoping that this wet weather would put an end to the triple digit temperatures and drought. Apparently, the rain storm was a temporary convergence of hot air from the northern central states and cool air from central Canada and it lasted just a short time.
1934 – U.S.A. Alcatraz: The Prisoners that are considered the most dangerous are sent to Alcatraz “The Rock ” because it is considered to be one of the hardest prisons in the world to escape from due to the strong tides.
1944 – Philippines B29 Bombers: The Allies pounded away at the Philippines, bombed Japan with B29 planes, and liberated Guam. Super-Fortress planes flew out of China and bombed Nagasaki’s aircraft factory. Other parts of Japan were also bombed. Reports out of Tokyo said, “The manner in which the enemy carried out the attacks was extremely fierce.”
1945-Allies refuse Japan’s offer to surrender on the condition that Emperor Hirohito retains his status.
1954- Formal peace treaty ends over 7 yrs. of fighting in Indochina between the French and the Communist Viet Minh.
1956 – Control of the Suez Canal: At the Federation of Arab Trade Union meeting, President of Egypt Garnal Abdel Nasser, asserted that he wanted to have control of the Suez Canal and revive Arab nationalism. The union agreed that if Britain or France attacked Egypt, then Arabs would blow up Western military bases and oil rigs.
1961- The former Portugese territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli were merged to create the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli in India.
1965 – Watts Riots: Race riots begin in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. By the end of the riots the following week 34 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured.
1967 – Cuba Violence: In Havana, Cuba, President Fidel Castro spoke to the Latin American Solidarity Organization (LASO). Although the conference was outwardly peaceful, violence erupted behind the scenes as Cuban and Russian forces disagreed over how to proceed with the revolution in Cuba. All 165 LASO participants expressed anti- American sentiments and accused Venezuela’s government of treason.
1971 – Britain Admiral’s Cup: The British Admiral’s Cup team wins the Admiral’s Cup beating the United States (Previous holders) into 2nd place and Australia into third place. The British Prime Minister Edward Heath was the captain of the British team. 1974 – U.S.A. “At Long Last Love”: Big-time producer/director Peter Bogdanovich who was famous for “Paper Moon” and “The Last Picture Show” is now directing “At Long Last Love.” The musical is set in the 1930s and includes stars such as Burt Reynolds, Cybill Shepherd, and Madeline Kahn. It will be produced in Santa Anita in Arcadia a long time horse racing center.
1984 – Olympics Mary Decker / Zola Budd Trip: The talented controversial runner from South Africa (currently banned from Olympic competition due to apartheid policies) Zola Budd who was representing the British Team (after fast track British citizenship) at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles has caused further controversy during the final of the 3,000 meters when she collides with the American favorite Mary Decker causing the American athlete to fall and drop out of the race, the American crowd began booing and Zola Budd who many believed would be a medal winner together with Mary Decker came in seventh place.
1985 – University Costs Increase Faster than Inflation: University costs for American students have gone up by 7% annually which is more than the inflation rate. The average college costs are $9,659 for those who stay in residence. However, Bennington College in Vermont is the most expensive costing $17,210.
1988 – Al-Qaeda formed at a meeting between Osama bin Laden, Zawahiri and Dr Fadl in Peshawar, Pakistan.
1991 – U.S.A. 911 Emergency Number: The 911 emergency number, which brings police and paramedics to the sick or injured person’s side is being pioneered in Schaumburg. Other northwestern cities will also participate to test out the new system and the number is very easy to remember.
1992 – U.S.A. Mall of America: The Mall of America with 2.5 million sq ft of retail space over four floors and with more than 500 shops, opened in Bloomington, Minn. The Mall Of America also includes an indoor amusement park including roller coasters and an Aquarium.
1999 – Total Eclipse of the Sun: The total eclipse of the sun is seen around beginning in the Atlantic, a few hundred miles east of Boston, and seen throughout Europe, Asia, The Middle East, below is a small image of the path of the eclipse.
2002 – Tornado Salt Lake City: A rare tornado has struck Salt Lake City, Utah causing severe damage in the city with at least one death reported. The tornado struck the downtown area of Salt Lake City with winds exceeding 100 mph. The US has a reported 1,000 to 2,000 tornado touchdowns power year but of those very few strike city centers and even less in Utah.
2002 – US Airways: US Airways who were badly affected following the Washington-Reagan airport’s extended closure following the September 11th terrorist attacks filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, they were given a government guaranteed loan through the Air Transportation Stabilization Board and able to exit bankruptcy the following year.
2003 – NATO takes over command of the peacekeeping force in Afghanistan, marking its first major operation outside Europe in its 54-year-history.
2005 – Ford Hybrid Escape Announced: Responding to concerns about gas guzzling cars, Ford has announced its first hybrid car called the Ford Escape Hybrid. In urban traffic this car is capable of running completely on its electric power. The Mountain Democrat reports, “On top of the 133 hp of the Escape Hybrid is a 94 hp at 3,000-5,000 rpm electric motor which can assist the gas motor, operating by itself at low speeds and act(ing) as a generator to recharge the Ni-Cad battery pack. Combined, the engine and motor produce 155 hp.
2006 – Mike Douglas Dies: The popular television host, Mike Douglas died on this day, the same day as his birthday. Mike Douglas hosted a talk show that was widely popular in the 1960S and 1970s and featured such guests as John Lennon, Aretha Franklin, and a two-year old Tiger Woods. His show ran for 21 years.
2007 – Sierra Leone Elections: The African nation of Sierra Leone held its second major election since the end of the country’s civil war in 2002. The elections for the president and members of parliament marked a sense of growing stability for the country.
2008 – Iraq King of Jordan Visit: The King of Jordan became the first Arab head of state to visit Iraq since 2003 after the US invasion and overthrow of Saddam Hussein. King Abdullah talked with the prime minister and vice-president of Iraq.
2012 – Romney Names Paul Ryan as Running Mate: The Republican US presidential candidate Mitt Romney announced that US Congressman Paul Ryan from Wisconsin would be his running mate for the 2012 election. Ryan is the chairman of the House’s budget committee and is known for being very conservative.
2013 – Mali Presidential Run-Off Election: Mali citizens voted in a presidential run-off election with the aim of restoring democracy to the country and ending over a year of instability. The former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita faced off against Finance Minister Soumaila Cisse. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita won the election with an overwhelming majority.
2017 – President Donald Trump unleashed fresh threats against North Korea, warning Kim Jong Un that he “will regret it fast” if he takes any action against U.S. territories or allies. Trump also said he would not rule out military action against Venezuela following a power grab by President Nicolas Maduro.
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