This Day in History – August 25

Every day carries a story, and August 25 is no exception. From landmark political events to cultural milestones, this date has witnessed wars, liberation, inventions, natural disasters, and artistic triumphs. Let’s take a quick journey through the key moments that shaped history on this day.

Major Events

• 1835 – Great Moon Hoax: The New York Sun claims life on the Moon, thrilling readers before being exposed as fake.
• 1875 – First Channel Swim: Captain Matthew Webb swims the English Channel in 21h 45m.
• 1896 – Outlaw Killed: Bill Doolin, Wild Bunch gang member, shot dead in Oklahoma.
• 1914 – WWI Atrocity: Germans burn the Belgian town of Louvain, killing hundreds and destroying historic libraries.
• 1921 – FDR Struck by Polio: Franklin D. Roosevelt diagnosed at 39, leaving him partially paralyzed.
• 1931 – Yangtze River Flood: Levees break near Gaoyou, China; 10–15,000 die in a single night.
• 1939 – Wizard of Oz: The iconic film premieres across the U.S.
• 1944 – Paris Liberated: Allied forces free Paris after four years of Nazi rule.
• 1945 – John Birch Killed: U.S. Army captain killed in China, inspiring the John Birch Society.
• 1950 – Truman Acts: U.S. President seizes railroads to halt a nationwide strike.
• 1958 – Instant Ramen Born: Momofuku Ando introduces Chicken Ramen in Japan.
• 1962 – Hit Song: Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion” tops U.S. charts.
• 1979 – Hurricane David Forms: Deadly storm begins near Cape Verde, later killing thousands.
• 1982 – U.S. Marines in Lebanon: 800 deployed to Beirut for peacekeeping.
• 1984 – Truman Capote Dies: Author of In Cold Blood passes at 59.
• 1985 – Samantha Smith Dies: 13-year-old peace activist dies in a plane crash.
• 2009 – Ted Kennedy Dies: Long-serving U.S. Senator passes after 47 years in office.

Born on August 25

• 1918 – Leonard Bernstein, composer of West Side Story.
• 1927 – Althea Gibson, tennis trailblazer and Grand Slam champion.
• 1930 – Sean Connery, Oscar-winning actor and first James Bond.

Died on August 25

• 1984 – Truman Capote, author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
• 1985 – Samantha Smith, Cold War peace symbol.
• 2001 – Aaliyah, R&B star, dies in Bahamas plane crash at 22.
• 2009 – Ted Kennedy, iconic U.S. senator.