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What Happened Today in History on August 8

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on August 8th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

Brigham Young is chosen to lead the Mormon Church. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,(LDS) More

Soviet Russia declared war on Japan and sent troops into Japanese-held Manchuria.

Richard M Nixon announces in a national television address delivered from the Oval Office on the evening of August 8, 1974, that he he will resign the presidency the following day, August 9, 1974, due to the Watergate scandal.

The term "Global Warming" is used for the first time in a science publication. The article by geochemist Wallace Broecker of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory: "Climatic Change: Are We on the Brink of a Pronounced Global Warming?" More

The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics takes place, marking the first time China hosts the Olympic Games.