Exploring the annals of history is always a fascinating journey, offering glimpses into the significance of various dates. Here are a few intriguing historical tidbits to dive into this week.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY |
♦ 2012: On July 31 – At the London Olympics, swimmer Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian in history after winning his 19th Olympic medal.
♦ 2010: Facebook surpassed 500 million active users, marking a major milestone in social media history on August 4
♦ 1998: On July 31 – The first Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets had recently been released in the U.K., fueling Harry Potter fever around the world. Both Harry Potter and author J. K. Rowling share the same birthday.
♦ 1990: Iraq invades Kuwait Aug. 2, sparking the 7-month Persian Gulf War.
♦ 1989: Nintendo launches the Game Boy hand-held device on July 31.
♦ 1984: The African republic of Upper Volta changes its name Aug. 4 to Burkina Faso.
♦ 1981: On Aug. 5, U.S. President Reagan fires thousands of striking air traffic controllers.
♦ 1971: On July 31, astronauts drive the first lunar rover on the surface of the Moon.
♦ 1930: Calvin Coolidge is sworn in U.S. president upon Herbert Hoover's Aug. 3 death.
1861: The U.S. government first levies income tax Aug. 5 - 3% on earnings over $800.
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