Rodrigo de Borja is elected as Pope Alexander VI.
In History, Today on August 11
Today we explore events from the year 1492 to the year 2020. Events span the globe, from the countries of Malaysia, United States, South Vietnam, United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Russia, Papal States, England, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
1492
Rome, Papal States
1675
London, England
The foundation stone of the Royal Greenwich Observatory in London, England is laid.
1786
Penang, Malaysia
Captain Francis Light establishes the British colony of Penang in Malaysia.
1906
Brownsea Island, England
The first official Boy Scout camp ends on Brownsea Island in England.
1929
Cleveland, United States
Babe Ruth becomes the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs in his career.
1934
San Francisco, United States
The first civilian prisoners arrive at the Federal prison on Alcatraz Island.
1965
Los Angeles, United States
The Watts Riots begin in Los Angeles, California, lasting for six days.
1972
Saigon, South Vietnam
The last United States ground combat unit leaves South Vietnam.
1984
Washington, D.C., United States
United States President Ronald Reagan jokes about bombing Russia during a microphone sound check, causing a minor international incident.
1999
London, United Kingdom
A total solar eclipse is visible from Europe and Asia.
2003
Kabul, Afghanistan
NATO takes over command of the peacekeeping force in Afghanistan, marking its first major operation outside Europe.
2006
London, United Kingdom
British authorities arrest 24 suspects in connection with a plot to blow up transatlantic airliners using liquid explosives.
2012
London, United Kingdom
The 2012 Summer Olympics in London conclude, with the United States leading the medal count.
2014
Paradise Cay, United States
American actor and comedian Robin Williams is found dead at his home in California, leading to widespread mourning and discussions on mental health.
2016
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
The World Health Organization declares the end of the yellow fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.
2017
Charlottesville, United States
The Unite the Right rally began in Charlottesville, Virginia, leading to violent clashes and the death of a counter-protester.
2020
Moscow, Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the approval of the world's first COVID-19 vaccine, named Sputnik V, despite concerns over its safety and efficacy due to limited testing.