No one really likes counting down the dates during summer (as it is right now in the northern hemisphere), but you should take the time today to think about August 14th! Whether or not it’s an important day for you personally, there are more than a few reasons why this date has gone down in history. If you’re celebrating a birthday today, we’ll run down which famous people you share the occasion with, too!
On this day
1Kublai Khan suffered a major loss.
In 1281, famed Mongolian general and fifth Yuan emperor Kublai Khan lost a fleet of 3,500 vessels in a typhoon near Japan. This was during his second Mongol invasion of Japan.
2The Viet Minh movement launched an uprising.
In 1945, Ho Chi Minh’s Viet Minh movement launched an uprising against French rule. This occurred after the Japanese surrender, and led to Ho Chi Minh becoming President of Vietnam until he died in 1969. He was seen as a communist dictator.
3Pakistan had a big day!
In 1947, Pakistan finally gained its independence from Great Britain! The day is celebrated every year on August 14th – marking one of the most significant splits away from the British Empire that had endured for decades.
4Alan Turing made history.
In 1952, Alan Turing published his paper on mathematical biology titled “The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis.” The paper ended up being groundbreaking and helped make Turing a household name in the sciences! Turing was, of course, instrumental in helping to break the infamous Enigma Code during World War II.
5The Solidarity movement began in Poland.
Poland’s Solidarity movement kick-started on this day back in 1980, with 17,000 workers who went on strike at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk. The group’s leader, Lech Wałęsa, would go on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, and even became President of Poland in 1990.
Special Days Falling on August 14th
August 14th may feel like just another regular day, but around the world, it is a day to be honored and celebrated. Here are some of the most important things about August 14th!
Anniversary of the Recovery Oued Ed-Dahab
Every August 14th is an important date in Morocco! The nation celebrates the recovery of Oued Ed-Dahab to honor the day this area returned to Morocco. The western part of the Sahara was occupied by Spain for nearly a century. When Morocco eventually gained it back, it marked an important final step in the country cleaning its independence from Spain, which it has had officially since 1979!
Falklands Day
The Falklands Islands were first spotted in 1592, and this day celebrates the territory’s founding each year. While Falklands Day was celebrated every year for a long time, now, the people of the Islands focus mostly on Liberation Day to honor the end of the Falklands War.
World Lizard Day
Lizards are fascinating – so why shouldn’t they have a day all to themselves? Today’s a great chance for schools to encourage kids to learn more about these gorgeous green reptiles. What’s really interesting, however, is that there doesn’t seem to be a reason why the day came into force at all! But, why argue?
This month in history
The Smithsonian Institution opened its doors – or, at least, its concept came to fruition. Back in August 1846, the US Congress passed an act creating the Smithsonian. Now, it is one of the most famous museums in all of the world, attracting tourists from all over to visit its colossal collections of artifacts and wonders!
Famous Birthdays on August 14th
- Francis Ford, American actor, born 1881
- Millard Mitchell, Cuban actor, born 1903
- Stanley Adams, American lyricist and songwriter, born 1907
- Dick Tiger, Nigerian boxer, born 1929
- Steve Martin, American comedian, author, and actor, born 1945
If you were born on August 14th…
…you’re a Leo! You are strong, determined, and occasionally pretty stubborn! However, you’re also a lot of fun to be around, remarkably generous, and love lavishing yourself and others with the best that life had to bring you. Just be careful not to get taken advantage of! Here’s some more details over at our special Leo facts page – who knows, you might find something new out about yourself!
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