14 August, 1947 – Pakistan becomes independent from British rule

The South Asian country was part of British India Empire, until August 14, 1947. The new country became a part of the commonwealth and appointed Liaquat Ali Khan as its first Prime Minister.

15 August, 1969 – The Woodstock Music & Art Fair opens its doors

The iconic music festival, popularly known as Woodstock was held in Bethel, New York. Over 400,000 people attended the festival.

16 August, 1954 – First issue of Sports Illustrated hits the newsstands

The sports magazine which is famous for its annual swimsuit issue was not profitable for the first few years of its existence. The boost in spectator sports eventually helped it become successful.

17 August, 1970 – Venera 7 launched by the Soviet Union

Launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Venera 7 became the first spacecraft to land on another planet, Venus, and send data back to Earth. It entered Venus’ atmosphere in December 1970.

18 August, 1877 – Martian moon Phobos is discovered

One of the two natural satellites of Mars, Phobos, was discovered by American astronomer Asaph Hall. Phobos orbits 3700 miles from the surface of Mars, making it to orbit closest to its planet in the Solar System.

19 August, 1919 – Afghanistan gains independence from the UK

Despite trying several times to consolidate their rule over Afghanistan, the Afghan people remained hostile to British control and in 1919, King Amanullah declared Afghanistan to be an independent state.

20 August, 1940 – Leon Trotsky is attacked in Mexico

Russian revolutionary and founder of the Red Army, Leon Trotsky was attacked in his home by an undercover agent of the Peoples Commissariat for Internal Affairs.