On This Day in History
August 11
Apple Becomes the First U.S. Company Valued Over $2 Trillion
Apple Inc. became the first publicly traded U.S. company to reach a $2 trillion market capitalization, marking a historic milestone in global business and technology valuation.
Solar Eclipse Visible Across U.S. and Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible across parts of Europe, the Middle East, and India. It was one of the most widely viewed solar eclipses in human history due to population density and media coverage.
Birth of Chris Hemsworth, Australian Actor
Chris Hemsworth, Australian actor best known for his portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was born. He became one of Hollywood’s highest-grossing and internationally recognized actors.
Last U.S. Troops Leave Vietnam Demilitarized Zone
The United States completed withdrawal of its combat troops from the Vietnam Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), marking a significant step toward ending U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Death of Arne Tiselius, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Arne Tiselius, Swedish chemist and Nobel laureate, died. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1948 for his research in electrophoresis and adsorption analysis, critical to biochemistry and medicine.
Earthquake Strikes Hokkaido, Japan
A 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Hokkaido, Japan, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds. It caused widespread damage and led to stronger building codes and early warning system improvements.
Start of Watts Riots in Los Angeles
The Watts riots began in Los Angeles following the arrest of a Black motorist, escalating into six days of unrest. The uprising exposed deep racial tensions and led to national debates on policing and inequality.
Founding of IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center
IBM established the Thomas J. Watson Research Center, named after its legendary CEO. It became a global hub for technological innovation, playing a key role in the development of computing and AI.
Chad Gains Independence from France
Chad declared independence from France, becoming a sovereign republic after decades of colonial rule. François Tombalbaye became its first president as part of a wave of African decolonization.
Death of Jackson Pollock, Abstract Expressionist Painter
Jackson Pollock, pioneer of abstract expressionism and known for his unique drip painting style, died in a car accident. His work revolutionized modern art and influenced countless artists.
Pakistan Gains Independence from British Rule (De Facto)
On this day, Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly met for the first time, marking a de facto declaration of independence from British rule. Muhammad Ali Jinnah was elected as its first president.
First Civilian Prisoners Arrive at Auschwitz Concentration Camp
The first group of civilian prisoners arrived at Auschwitz, a Nazi concentration camp in occupied Poland. It later became the site of mass extermination during the Holocaust.
Death of Edith Wharton, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author
Edith Wharton, acclaimed American author and the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, died. Her novels, including *The Age of Innocence*, offered critical insight into American upper-class society.
Babe Ruth Becomes First MLB Player to Hit 500 Home Runs
Baseball legend Babe Ruth became the first Major League Baseball player to hit 500 career home runs. His achievement set a historic benchmark in professional sports.
Birth of Alex Haley, Author of Roots
Alex Haley, African-American writer and author of the influential book *Roots: The Saga of an American Family*, was born. His work had a lasting impact on public understanding of African-American history and ancestry.
Death of Andrew Carnegie, Steel Magnate and Philanthropist
Andrew Carnegie, industrialist and philanthropist, died. Known for building the U.S. steel industry, he later gave away most of his fortune to libraries, education, and peace efforts.
Death of Florence Nightingale, Founder of Modern Nursing
Florence Nightingale, British nurse and social reformer, died at age 90. Her work during the Crimean War revolutionized hospital care and established nursing as a respected profession.
Birth of Enid Blyton, Prolific British Children’s Author
Enid Blyton, author of beloved children’s series such as *The Famous Five* and *The Secret Seven*, was born. Her books have sold over 600 million copies worldwide and remain influential in early childhood reading.
Founding of Los Angeles, California Confirmed by Spanish Records
Spanish records confirm that August 11 was the founding date of El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, later known as Los Angeles. It began as a small settlement of 44 settlers and grew into a major global city.
Treaty of Verdun Divides Charlemagne’s Empire
The Treaty of Verdun was signed by the three surviving sons of Louis the Pious, dividing the Carolingian Empire into three kingdoms. It laid the foundation for modern European states such as France and Germany.