In 1974, Gerald R. Ford is sworn in as President of the United States
Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as the 38th President of the United States on August 9, following the resignation of Richard Nixon over the Watergate scandal. Ford, previously Nixon’s Vice President, became the only U.S. President to have never been elected to either the presidency or vice presidency. His term was marked by efforts to restore public confidence in the executive branch and deal with the aftermath of the Watergate crisis.
In 1969, the Tate Murders take Place
Members of the Manson Family, a cult led by Charles Manson, committed a series of brutal murders at the home of actress Sharon Tate in Los Angeles. Tate, who was eight months pregnant, and four others were killed in what became known as the Tate-LaBianca murders. The shocking nature of these crimes, coupled with the subsequent trial of Manson and his followers, garnered significant media attention and highlighted issues of violence and mental instability.
In 1945, an Atomic Bomb is Dropped on Nagasaki
The United States dropped their second atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Nagasaki, following the earlier bombing of Hiroshima. The bomb, known as “Fat Man,” led to massive destruction and loss of life, contributing to Japan’s decision to surrender and ending World War II. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain controversial, with debates continuing over their ethical and strategic implications.
In 1814, the Treaty of Fort Jackson is Signed
The Treaty of Fort Jackson ended the Creek War between the United States and the Creek Nation. The treaty resulted in significant territorial losses for the Creeks, who ceded about 23 million acres of land to the U.S. The agreement was a pivotal moment in the expansion of U.S. territory in the southeastern region and marked the end of hostilities in that conflict.
In 1173, the Leaning Tower of Pisa Begins Construction
Construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began on August 9, in the Italian city of Pisa. Initially intended as a freestanding bell tower for the adjacent cathedral, the structure began to lean due to unstable foundation soil. The tower’s unintended tilt became one of its most famous features, and it remains a major tourist attraction and architectural marvel to this day.
In 45 BCE, Pompey is Defeated by Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar decisively defeated the forces of Pompey the Great at the Battle of Pharsalus, marking a significant turning point in the final stages of the Roman civil wars. This victory solidified Caesar’s control over Rome and led to the end of the Roman Republic’s traditional political structures. Pompey’s defeat and subsequent assassination in Egypt left Caesar as the unchallenged ruler of Rome, setting the stage for the rise of the Roman Empire.
