Interesting Facts of August 18th
- The Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote, was ratified on August 18, 1920 when Tennessee became the 36th state to approve it, ensuring the amendment's adoption.
- American civil rights activist James Meredith became the first black person to graduate from the University of Mississippi on August 18, 1963, a landmark achievement following a violent clash that forced federal intervention to uphold his rights.
- The Axe Murder Incident occurred at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on August 18, 1976; two United States Army officers were killed by North Korean forces, leading to a military confrontation between North and South Korea and the United States.
- Hurricane Alicia hit the Gulf Coast of the United States, particularly affecting Texas on August 18, 1983. The category 3 hurricane caused billions of dollars in damage and led to the deaths of 21 people.
- The first-ever joint military exercise between Russia and China, named Peace Mission 2005, began on August 18, 2005. It symbolized a significant shift in the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.