In History, Today on August 18

The Democratic National Convention formally nominated Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate for the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Protesters in Hong Kong held a massive rally against the extradition bill, with organizers claiming over 1.7 million participants. The protests were part of a larger movement advocating for democratic reforms.

The first terrorist attack in Finland's history occurred in Turku, where a man stabbed ten people, resulting in two deaths.

A series of coordinated attacks were carried out near Eilat, Israel, resulting in the deaths of eight Israelis. The attacks heightened tensions between Israel and militant groups in the region.

Pervez Musharraf, the President of Pakistan, resigned from office to avoid impeachment. His resignation marked the end of nearly nine years of military rule.

Massive power outage in Indonesia affects over 100 million people, making it one of the largest blackouts in history.

A major civil rights march took place in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 30th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech, highlighting ongoing struggles for equality and justice in America.

The Ruby Ridge standoff began in Idaho, involving Randy Weaver, his family, and federal agents, leading to a deadly confrontation.

The August Coup began in the Soviet Union, an attempt by members of the government to take control from Mikhail Gorbachev. This event accelerated the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Leading Polish opposition leader Tadeusz Mazowiecki was elected as the first non-communist Prime Minister in Eastern Europe since the end of World War II, marking a significant step in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

The Korean axe murder incident occurred in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, leading to heightened tensions between North and South Korea.

The Woodstock Music & Art Fair concluded after four days of music and peace in Bethel, New York.

South Africa was banned from the Olympic Games due to its apartheid policies. This ban lasted until 1992, when South Africa was allowed to compete again after the end of apartheid.

James Meredith became the first African American to graduate from the University of Mississippi.

Adolf Hitler ordered a temporary halt to the T4 euthanasia program, which was responsible for the systematic killing of individuals deemed 'unworthy of life' due to severe disabilities or illnesses.

In Montreal, Canada, the famous Battle of Britain speech by Prime Minister Winston Churchill is broadcast, signaling the resolve of the United Kingdom in the ongoing air campaign against Nazi Germany.

The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote.

The Great Fire of 1891 occurs in Mysterious Valley (Vallée-Mystérieuse), Yukon Territory, Canada, devastating the indigenous communities. The blaze was caused by dry weather and faulty fire management.

In one of the early uses of photochemical processes, the American astronomer Asaph Hall discovers Phobos, a moon of Mars. This came just six days after discovering Mars' other moon, Deimos.

French astronomer Pierre Janssen discovered helium in the solar spectrum during a total solar eclipse in Guntur, India.

The Wilkes Expedition, or the United States Exploring Expedition, departs from Hampton Roads, Virginia. This was one of the first globally significant scientific exploration missions undertaken by the United States, and it took place from 1838 to 1842. It was commanded by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes and explored the Pacific Ocean, including Antarctica, which was then largely uncharted by the United States.

The battle of Lagos occurs during the Seven Years' War, where the British fleet under Admiral Boscawen defeats a French fleet off the coast of Portugal.

The Spanish conquistador and explorer Sebastián de Belalcázar founds the city of Pasto.

Virginia Dare became the first English child born in the Americas, in the Roanoke Colony.

The marriage of Henry of Navarre (the future King Henry IV of France) and Margaret of Valois took place, intended to help reconcile Catholics and Huguenots in France.

Genghis Khan, the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, died. His death marked the beginning of the division of his empire among his descendants, leading to the establishment of several khanates.

Henry I was crowned King of England. He was the fourth son of William the Conqueror and ascended the throne after his elder brother William II died. Henry's reign was marked by administrative reforms and his issuing of the Charter of Liberties, which is considered a precursor to the Magna Carta.

The Battle of Marj Rahit took place, a significant conflict during the Second Fitna, a period of civil war within the Islamic Caliphate. The battle was fought between the Umayyad forces led by Marwan I and the supporters of Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, resulting in a decisive Umayyad victory.