13 August, 1961 – Construction of Berlin Wall starts

The construction on the Berlin Wall, a wall that divided West Berlin from East Berlin started. It was built by the German Democratic Republic or East Germany.

14 August, 1947 – Pakistan becomes independent from British rule

The South Asian country was part of British India Empire, until the British held region was partitioned into India and Pakistan. The 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 was held in Bethel, New York. Over 400,000 people attended the festival, which is thought to be a key moment in the anti-establishment movement that was gaining popularity in US.

16 August, 1898 – Patent for Loop-the-Loop roller coaster is awarded

The United States’ patent office awarded the patent for the loop-the-loop roller coaster to inventor Edwin Prescott. First installed in Coney Island, the roller coaster was able to carry four people at a time.

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

Launched from 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. Hall also discovered Deimos, the other Martian Moon.

19 August, 1919 – Afghanistan gains independence from the UK

The country came under British control in 1859. Despite trying to consolidate their rule, the Afghan people remained hostile and in 1919, King Amanullah declared Afghanistan to be independent.