Tidbits
Because History Matters
August 1, 1914 – True Date World War I Began
While July 28, 1914, is considered official start of World War I, August 1 is when Austria & Hungary declared war on Serbia. Germany and Russia declare war on each other.
France ordered a general mobilization as the first German army units start to cross into Luxenberg. The Great War had begun. By year’s end, over 1 million soldiers from all sides were killed.
In the beginning all countries thought their soldiers would win, but that was not to be.
August 1, 1943 – Operation Title Wave Begins. The idea was to destroy the oil-rich city of Ploiesti, Romania. The city was nicknamed ‘Hitler’s gas station’. Operation Tidal Wave used 177 B24 bombers. Although the raid cut oil output by 40%, the damage was quickly repaired. Only 88 of the of the 177 bombers returned. The allies would never again try such a raid. Finally, Ploiesti was put out of commission by Russian ground troops.
August 2, 1776 – Signing of the Declaration of Independence Fifty-six members of Congress sign the Declaration of Independence. Five of the delegates were absent. These included Generals George Washington, John Sullivan, James Clinton and Christopher Gadsden, and Virginia Governor Patrick Henry.
August 3, 1923 – The United States De facto President
Calvin Coolidge becomes the 30th president of the United States after the death of President Warren G. Harding. Harding’s presidency was racked with scandals. President Coolidge immediately set about the task of restoring dignity to the office of President of the United States. Though not technically elected as president, Calvin
Coolidge was extremely popular. He did not believe in government interference with business and industry. Coolidge opposed the United States becoming part of the League of Nations. He favored isolationism and did not want to get involved in the muddy politics of Europe and the rest of the world.
August 4, 1936 – Hitler’s Theory of a Superior Race
The great athlete, Jesse Owens ruins Hitler’s day. Just days after Adolf Hitler opened the Summer Olympics in Berlin Germany, Jesse Owens won his first of four Olympic gold medals. So much for Hitler’s notion of an Aryan master race.
August 5, 1861 – United States First Income Tax
Abraham Lincoln imposes the first federal income tax when he signs the Revenue Act. The act would impose a 3% tax on incomes over $800. That is equivalent to about $16,000 today. The income tax was repealed in 1871. In 1909, the 16th amendment would impose the federal income tax that is still used today. Isn’t that just wonderful news?
August 5, 1962 – Movie Star Dies – Murder or Suicide?
Maryland Monroe is found dead in her home in California. The L.A. police determined it was from an overdose of sedatives. It was probably from an overdose of sedatives, but I don’t believe that Marilyn Monroe took them willingly.
August 6, 1945 – The Bomb that Ended World War II
The United States drops the first Atomic Bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Nagasaki would be next. A few days later, Japan surrenders unconditionally. World War II is officially over.
