In 2008, War between Russia and Georgia breaks Out
Armed conflict erupted between Russia and Georgia over the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The war lasted five days and resulted in significant casualties and displacement of civilians.
In 1998, the East Africa Embassy bombings take place
Simultaneous truck bomb explosions occurred at the United States embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on August 7. The attacks, orchestrated by the terrorist group al-Qaeda, resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands of injuries.
In 1978, a federal health emergency in Love Canal is declared
President Jimmy Carter declared a federal health emergency at the Love Canal neighborhood in Niagara Falls, New York. The declaration came after the discovery of toxic waste buried beneath the neighborhood, leading to widespread health problems, in the worst environmental disaster involving chemical wastes in U.S. history.
In 1974, a daredevil walks on a high wire between the World Trade Center
French high-wire artist Philippe Petit performed an illegal tightrope walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The daring act was 411 meters above the ground and captivated audiences worldwide.
In 1960, Côte d’Ivoire gains independence
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) officially gained independence from French colonial rule. The country, located in West Africa, celebrated its newfound sovereignty under the leadership of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
In 1942, U.S. Marines land on Guadalcanal in Japan
U.S. Marines launched the first major Allied offensive in the Pacific Theater of World War II by landing on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The campaign, which lasted for 6 months, marked a crucial turning point in the war against Japan.
In 1888, Jack the Ripper kills his first victim
Mary Ann Nichols, commonly believed to be Jack the Ripper’s first victim, was found murdered in London’s Whitechapel district on August 7. Her death marked the beginning of a series of brutal killings attributed to the infamous unidentified serial killer.
In 1782, the Purple Heart is created
General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, later known as the Purple Heart. The award was created to honor soldiers for their bravery and merit in service to the United States.
