This Day in History: August 18

2005 Massive Power Outage in Indonesia

Regarded as one of the most significant power outages in modern history, the Java-Bali blackout impacted approximately 100 million individuals. Within a timespan of 6 hours, electrical power was restored to most of the affected regions.

1958 Lolita's First Publication in the US

The extremely contentious novel, written by Russian-American author Vladimir Nabakov, tells the story of an adult man's obsession with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores Haze, who he privately refers to as Lolita.

1920 Passage of the 19th Amendment by the State of Tennessee

The Tennessee legislature's decision raised the number of states approving the 19th amendment to 36. This provided the necessary majority for ratification of the amendment, which guaranteed universal suffrage to women.

1877 Discovery of the Martian Moon Phobos

Phobos, one of Mars' two natural satellites, was discovered by American astronomer Asaph Hall, who also found Deimos, the other Martian Moon. Named after the Greek god of fear, Phobos, being only 3700 miles away from the surface of Mars, holds the record for the closest orbit to its planet in the Solar System. As a result, Phobos completes an orbit around Mars in just 7 hours and 39 minutes.

1612 Start of the Pendle Witch Trials

In the UK's most well-documented and closely observed witch trials, 11 people - 9 women and 2 men - were prosecuted for practising witchcraft. This trial extended over two days with 10 of the accused found guilty and executed on August 20

1737 Public Admission to the Salon de Paris

This marks the first year the public could attend the Salon de Paris art exhibition at the Louvre.

1838 Departure of the United States Exploring Expedition to the Pacific Ocean and Antarctica

Under the leadership of Charles Wilkes, the United States Exploring Expedition sets off for the Pacific Ocean and Antarctica.

1914 President Woodrow Wilson's "Proclamation of Neutrality"

Amid the escalating global tensions, US President Woodrow Wilson issued the "Proclamation of Neutrality".

1919 Formation of the Anti-Cigarette League of America

The Anti-Cigarette League of America was established in Chicago, Illinois, marking a significant event in the movement against smoking.

1920 Deciding Vote in Ratification of the 19th Amendment

State Representative Harry T. Burn, at the age of 24, cast the deciding vote in Tennessee, leading to the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted suffrage to women. This decision was influenced by a letter from his mother.

1940 Battle of Britain: The "Hardest Day" air battle

The infamous "Hardest Day" air battle of the Battle of Britain took place. It was one of the largest ever air battles, with the Luftwaffe and the RAF losing approximately 69 and 68 aircraft, respectively.