A closer look at key historic events that took place on August 18:

In 2008, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Resigns from Office
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf resigned from office under the threat of impeachment. Facing mounting political pressure and declining support, Musharraf, who had taken power in a 1999 military coup, stepped down to avoid the impeachment process. His resignation marked the end of nearly nine years of his rule.

In 2005, Indonesia Suffers a Massive Power Outage
Indonesia experienced one of the largest power outages in its history, affecting over 100 million people on the islands of Java and Bali. The outage, which lasted up to 12 hours in some areas, was caused by a failure in the power grid and led to significant disruptions in daily life, transportation, and business activities.

In 1936, Federico García Lorca Is Murdered
Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca was murdered by Nationalist forces during the early days of the Spanish Civil War. Lorca, a prominent figure in Spanish literature and a supporter of the Spanish Republic, was targeted for his political beliefs and his homosexuality. His death remains one of the most tragic events in 20th-century Spanish history.

In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment Is Ratified
The Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution  granted women the right to vote. This landmark event was the culmination of decades of activism by suffragists and marked a significant victory for women’s rights in the United States, profoundly impacting American society and politics.

In 1786, the City of Reykjavík Becomes the Capital of Iceland
Reykjavík was officially designated as the capital of Iceland. The city, which was then a small trading post, gradually grew into the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Today, Reykjavík is the largest city in Iceland and serves as the hub of its government and industry.

In 1612, the Pendle Witch Trials Begin
The Pendle witch trials began in Lancashire, England, with the trial of 12 accused witches on August 18. The trials are among the most famous witchcraft trials in English history, leading to the execution of 10 individuals. The events surrounding the Pendle witches reflect the widespread fear of witchcraft in early 17th-century England.