From groundbreaking discoveries to pivotal moments in politics and culture, the week of August 12–18 has witnessed extraordinary events that shaped the world. On August 12, 1981, IBM unveiled its first personal computer, revolutionizing the tech industry, while August 15, 1945, marked V-J Day, ending World War II after Japan’s surrender. Meanwhile, August 16, 1977, saw the passing of music legend Elvis Presley, leaving an indelible mark on rock ‘n’ roll. As we explore this week’s historical milestones, we reflect on the triumphs, tragedies, and turning points that continue to influence our lives today.
August 12
- 1877 – Thomas Edison invents the phonograph, the first device to record and reproduce sound.
- 1981 – IBM introduces its first personal computer, the Model 5150, marking a milestone in the computer age.
August 13
- 1918 – Women enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps for the first time.
- 1961 – Construction begins on the Berlin Wall, dividing East and West Berlin.
August 14
- 1935 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act into law.
- 1945 – Japan surrenders unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II (V-J Day).
August 15
- 1914 – The Panama Canal officially opens, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- 1969 – The Woodstock Music and Art Fair opens in Bethel, New York, drawing hundreds of thousands.
August 16
- 1896 – Gold is discovered in the Klondike region of Canada’s Yukon, sparking the Klondike Gold Rush.
- 1977 – Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” dies at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.
August 17
- 1962 – East German border guards kill 18-year-old Peter Fechter as he attempts to cross the Berlin Wall to West Berlin.
- 1998 – President Bill Clinton admits to having an improper relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
August 18
- 1920 – The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified, granting women the right to vote.
- 1963 – James Meredith becomes the first African American to graduate from the University of Mississippi.
