What Happened on August 8?
August 8 is International Cat Day — celebrate feline friends — on the same date Nixon announced his resignation in 1974, the Beatles crossed Abbey Road in 1969, and the Soviet Union declared war on Japan in 1945.
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1588 — English fleet fights the Spanish Armada
On August 8, 1588 (July 29 Old Style), English ships engaged the Spanish Armada in decisive fighting in the English Channel. Read the full story →
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1945 — Soviet Union declares war on Japan
On August 8, 1945, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan, invading Japanese-held Manchuria the next day. Read the full story →
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1963 — The Great Train Robbery takes place in England
On August 8, 1963, thieves stopped a Royal Mail train in Buckinghamshire and stole a huge haul of cash — the Great Train Robbery. Read the full story →
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1969 — The Beatles photograph the Abbey Road zebra crossing
On August 8, 1969, the Beatles walked across a London zebra crossing for the cover of Abbey Road — one of music's most copied photos. Read the full story →
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1974 — President Nixon announces he will resign
On August 8, 1974, President Richard Nixon announced he would resign the next day because of the Watergate scandal. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Roger Federer (1981) · Dustin Hoffman (1937) · Emiliano Zapata (1879–1919) · Paul Dirac (1902–1984)
Days & observances
International Cat Day · National Frozen Custard Day · National Happiness Happens Day · National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day