What Happened on August 14?

August 14 is National Creamsicle Day — a classic orange-vanilla treat! The same date FDR signed Social Security in 1935, Japan accepted surrender terms in 1945, and Roosevelt and Churchill issued the Atlantic Charter in 1941.

• 1281 — A typhoon wrecks a Mongol invasion fleet off Japan

  In August 1281, fierce storms — later called kamikaze, or "divine winds" — destroyed much of Kublai Khan's second invasion fleet near Japan. Read the full story →

• 1880 — Cologne Cathedral is finally completed

  On August 14, 1880, Germany celebrated the completion of Cologne Cathedral — a Gothic masterpiece begun in 1248. Read the full story →

• 1900 — Allied forces lift the siege of Beijing's foreign legations

  On August 14, 1900, an international relief force reached Beijing and ended the Boxer Rebellion siege of the foreign legation quarter. Read the full story →

• 1935 — President Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act

  On August 14, 1935, Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, creating a national safety net for retirees and the unemployed. Read the full story →

• 1941 — Roosevelt and Churchill announce the Atlantic Charter

  On August 14, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill issued the Atlantic Charter — goals for a freer postwar world. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Doc Holliday (1851–1887) · Magic Johnson (1959) · Steve Martin (1945) · Halle Berry (1966)

Days & observances

National Creamsicle Day · V-J Day (U.S. observance) · National Navajo Code Talkers Day · World Lizard Day