A closer look at key historic events that took place on August 11:
In 2014, Robin Williams Commits Suicide
Beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead in his home in Paradise Cay, California. Williams, known for his roles in famous films, had been struggling with severe depression and anxiety. His death was widely mourned and brought attention to mental health issues and the challenges faced by those struggling with mental illness.
In 1965, Race Riots Erupt in LA
The Watts riots began in Los Angeles, triggered by allegations of police brutality against an African American motorist. The riots lasted for six days and resulted in significant property damage, numerous injuries, and 34 fatalities. The Watts riots were a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting racial tensions and socio-economic disparities in the United States.
In 1960, Chad Gains Its Independence from France
The country’s move to self-rule was part of a broader wave of decolonization across Africa.
In 1956, Jackson Pollock is Killed in Automobile Accident
Renowned abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock died in a car accident in Springs, New York on August 11. Pollock, famous for his drip painting technique, was a leading figure in the American avant-garde art movement. His death at the age of 44 cut short a career that had a profound impact on modern art.
In 1948, the First Olympic Games After WWII
The London Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XIV Olympiad, opened, marking the first Olympic Games held after the Berlin 1936 Olympics. These games were significant as they represented a return to international sports competition and were a symbol of post-war recovery and unity. The London Olympics were notable for their emphasis on amateurism and featured the participation of many countries that had not competed in previous games.
In 1919, the Weimar Constitution is Formally Declared
The Weimar Constitution was officially adopted in Germany, establishing the Weimar Republic. This constitution marked the end of the German Empire and laid the foundation for a democratic government in post-World War I Germany. The Weimar Republic faced numerous challenges and instability, but the constitution was a significant step towards democratic governance in Germany.
