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On This Day

August 15

YEAR 2025

US president Donald Trump meets with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the first such summit since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

US president Donald Trump meets with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the first such summit since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

YEAR 2013

The Smithsonian announces the discovery of the olinguito, the first new carnivorous species found in the Americas in 35 years.

The Smithsonian announces the discovery of the olinguito, the first new carnivorous species found in the Americas in 35 years.

YEAR 1998

Apple introduces the iMac computer.

Apple introduces the iMac computer.

YEAR 1995

In South Carolina, Shannon Faulkner becomes the first female cadet matriculated at The Citadel (she drops out less than a week later).

In South Carolina, Shannon Faulkner becomes the first female cadet matriculated at The Citadel (she drops out less than a week later).

YEAR 1995

Tomiichi Murayama, Prime Minister of Japan, releases the Murayama Statement, which formally expresses remorse for Japanese war crimes committed during...

Tomiichi Murayama, Prime Minister of Japan, releases the Murayama Statement, which formally expresses remorse for Japanese war crimes committed during World War II.

YEAR 1985

Signing of the Assam Accord, an agreement between representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement to end the movement...

Signing of the Assam Accord, an agreement between representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement to end the movement.

YEAR 1975

Takeo Miki makes the first official pilgrimage to Yasukuni Shrine by an incumbent prime minister on the anniversary of the end of World War II.

Takeo Miki makes the first official pilgrimage to Yasukuni Shrine by an incumbent prime minister on the anniversary of the end of World War II.

YEAR 1974

Yuk Young-soo, First Lady of South Korea, is killed during an apparent assassination attempt upon President Park Chung Hee.

Yuk Young-soo, First Lady of South Korea, is killed during an apparent assassination attempt upon President Park Chung Hee.

YEAR 1971

President Richard Nixon completes the break from the gold standard by ending convertibility of the United States dollar into gold by foreign investors...

President Richard Nixon completes the break from the gold standard by ending convertibility of the United States dollar into gold by foreign investors.

YEAR 1971

Bahrain gains independence from the United Kingdom.

Bahrain gains independence from the United Kingdom.

YEAR 1970

Patricia Palinkas becomes the first woman to play professionally in an American football game.

Patricia Palinkas becomes the first woman to play professionally in an American football game.

YEAR 1963

President Fulbert Youlou is overthrown in the Republic of the Congo, after a three-day uprising in the capital.

President Fulbert Youlou is overthrown in the Republic of the Congo, after a three-day uprising in the capital.

YEAR 1948

The First Republic of Korea (South Korea) is established in the southern half of the peninsula.

The First Republic of Korea (South Korea) is established in the southern half of the peninsula.

YEAR 1947

India gains independence from British rule after near 190 years of British company and crown rule and joins the Commonwealth of Nations.

India gains independence from British rule after near 190 years of British company and crown rule and joins the Commonwealth of Nations.

YEAR 1947

Founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah is sworn in as first Governor-General of Pakistan in Karachi.

Founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah is sworn in as first Governor-General of Pakistan in Karachi.

YEAR 1945

Emperor Hirohito broadcasts his declaration of surrender following the effective surrender of Japan in World War II; Korea gains independence from the...

Emperor Hirohito broadcasts his declaration of surrender following the effective surrender of Japan in World War II; Korea gains independence from the Empire of Japan.

YEAR 1944

World War II: Operation Dragoon: Allied forces land in southern France.

World War II: Operation Dragoon: Allied forces land in southern France.

YEAR 1943

World War II: Battle of Trahili: Superior German forces surround Cretan partisans, who manage to escape against all odds.

World War II: Battle of Trahili: Superior German forces surround Cretan partisans, who manage to escape against all odds.

YEAR 1942

World War II: Operation Pedestal: The oil tanker SS Ohio reaches the island of Malta barely afloat carrying vital fuel supplies for the island's defen...

World War II: Operation Pedestal: The oil tanker SS Ohio reaches the island of Malta barely afloat carrying vital fuel supplies for the island's defenses.

YEAR 1914

World War I: The First Russian Army, led by Paul von Rennenkampf, enters East Prussia.

World War I: The First Russian Army, led by Paul von Rennenkampf, enters East Prussia.