This Day in History – 9 August

A look back at some of the most significant events to take place on 9 August throughout history.

History is filled with moments that changed politics, warfare, science, culture and the lives of millions. From the Roman Civil War to the independence of Singapore and the dramatic resignation of Richard Nixon, 9 August has witnessed some extraordinary events.

48 BC – Battle of Pharsalus

Roman general Julius Caesar defeated his rival Pompey the Great at the Battle of Pharsalus during the Roman Civil War.

The victory proved decisive and helped pave the way for Caesar's eventual domination of the Roman Republic.

1173 – Construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa begins

Work began on the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

The tower's distinctive tilt developed because it was built on unstable ground, eventually turning it into one of the world's most recognisable landmarks.

1483 – Sistine Chapel consecrated

The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City was consecrated by Pope Sixtus IV.

The chapel would later become world famous for Michelangelo's celebrated ceiling and its importance to the Catholic Church.

1534 – Jacques Cartier reaches the Gulf of St Lawrence

French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in the Gulf of St Lawrence during his second voyage to North America.

His expeditions played an important role in France's exploration of what would later become Canada.

1842 – Webster–Ashburton Treaty

Britain and the United States signed the Webster–Ashburton Treaty, resolving several long-running disputes over their North American border.

The agreement helped improve relations between the two countries and established much of the modern US-Canada border in the east.

1945 – Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki

One of the darkest events in modern history occurred on 9 August 1945, when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Nagasaki.

The bombing came three days after Hiroshima. Tens of thousands of people were killed, with many more subsequently dying from injuries and radiation exposure.

The attacks remain among the most controversial and consequential events of the Second World War.

1945 – Soviet Union invades Japanese-held Manchuria

On the same day, the Soviet Union launched a massive offensive against Japanese forces in Manchuria.

The Soviet entry into the war against Japan contributed to the rapid collapse of Japanese resistance in the final days of the Second World War.

1965 – Singapore becomes independent

Singapore became an independent country on 9 August 1965, separating from Malaysia.

The city-state would go on to develop into one of the world's major financial, commercial and technological centres.

Today, 9 August is celebrated annually as Singapore's National Day.

1974 – Richard Nixon resigns

One of the most significant political events in modern American history took place on 9 August 1974.

Richard Nixon resigned as President of the United States, becoming the first US president to resign from office.

His resignation followed the Watergate scandal and the collapse of political support for his presidency.

Vice-President Gerald Ford succeeded him, declaring that the country needed to move beyond the crisis.

1988 – Wayne Gretzky traded to Los Angeles

One of the biggest moments in sporting history occurred when ice hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings.

The move shocked the hockey world and helped dramatically increase the popularity of the sport in the United States.

1995 – Space Shuttle Discovery mission

NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery returned to Earth after a mission involving the deployment of a communications satellite.

The mission was another example of the rapid development of space technology during the final decades of the 20th century.

2014 – Ferguson protests begin

On 9 August 2014, Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, was fatally shot by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri.

The shooting triggered major protests and became a defining moment in the American debate surrounding policing, race and the use of force.

Why 9 August matters

The events of 9 August demonstrate just how dramatically history can change on a single date.

From ancient Rome and European exploration to the atomic age, presidential scandal, independence and modern civil rights protests, the day has witnessed moments that continue to influence the world today.

History is not simply about remembering dates. It is about understanding how the decisions and events of the past shaped the world we live in now.

📚 Real Terryo Daily Round Up

Every day, we look back at the people, events and moments that helped shape our world.

What historical event from 9 August do you think had the greatest impact?