The first car race takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
18 August 1868
The French astronomer, Pierre Janssen discovers helium.
17 August 1962
Peter Fechter is shot and bleeds to death while trying to cross the new Berlin Wall.
16 August 2012
Police in South Africa fatally shoot 34 miners and wound 78 more during an industrial dispute at Marikana near Rustenburg.
15 August 1695
French forces end the bombardment of Brussels.
14 August 1975
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the longest-running release in film history, opens in London.
13 August 1645
Sweden and Denmark sign Peace of Brömsebro.
12 August 1865
Joseph Lister performs 1st antiseptic surgery.
11 August 1972
The last United States ground combat unit leaves South Vietnam (Vietnam War).
10 August 1557
The Battle of St. Quentin in which the Spanish have a victory over the French in the Italian War of 1551–59.