On August 18, history witnessed significant events that shaped the world in various ways. From major power outages to landmark publications, this date holds a rich tapestry of moments worth exploring.
2005: Indonesia's Massive Power Outage
On this day in 2005, Indonesia experienced one of the largest power outages in recent history, affecting approximately 100 million people across the Java-Bali region. Despite the scale of the disruption, power was restored to most areas within six hours.
1958: Lolita Debuts in the United States
The controversial novel Lolita by Russian-American author Vladimir Nabokov was first published in the U.S. on August 18, 1958. The novel, which details a middle-aged man’s obsession with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores Haze, whom he secretly refers to as Lolita, sparked widespread debate and remains a significant work in American literature.
1920: Tennessee Ratifies the 19th Amendment
On August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to pass the 19th Amendment, providing the necessary majority to ratify the amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. This pivotal moment marked a major victory in the women's suffrage movement.
1877: Discovery of Martian Moon Phobos
American astronomer Asaph Hall discovered Phobos, one of Mars' two natural satellites, on this day in 1877. Named after the Greek god of fear, Phobos is unique for its close orbit around Mars, circling the planet in just 7 hours and 39 minutes, the fastest of any moon in the Solar System. Hall also discovered Deimos, Mars’ other moon.
1612: The Pendle Witch Trials Commence
The infamous Pendle witch trials began on August 18, 1612, in the United Kingdom. Over two days, 11 individuals—9 women and 2 men—were tried for practicing witchcraft. The trials, which are among the most famous in British history, concluded with 10 of the accused being found guilty and executed on August 20.
Notable Births on August 18
- 1983: Cameron White, Talented Australian cricketer.
- 1962: Felipe Calderón, Influential Mexican politician and 56th President of Mexico.
- 1933: Roman Polanski, Controversial French/Polish director, producer, and actor.
- 1910: Herman Berlinski, Distinguished Polish/American composer.
- 1750: Antonio Salieri, Renowned Italian composer.
- 2009: Kim Dae-jung, Nobel laureate and influential South Korean politician, 8th President of South Korea.
- 1990: B. F. Skinner, Pioneering American psychologist and author.
- 1945: Subhas Chandra Bose, Revered Indian politician and freedom activist.
- 1850: Honoré de Balzac, Prolific French author and playwright.
- 1227: Genghis Khan, Fearsome Mongol emperor.
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