This Day in History: August 21

1993 NASA loses communication with the Mars Observer

Almost a year after its launch, NASA lost communication with the Mars Observer. The robotic space probe was assigned with the mission of studying and exploring the Red Planet.

1991 Latvia gains full independence from the Soviet Union

The Republic of Latvia, founded in 1918, gained full independence from the Soviet Union. The Baltic state was fully included as a Soviet republic following World War II. Independence was achieved through a peaceful revolution known as the Singing Revolution, which originated in Estonia.

1986 Limnic eruption in Lake Nyos in Cameroon results in approximately 1700 fatalities

The underwater volcanic eruption resulted in a high amount of carbon dioxide being released, causing the death of about 1700 people.

1911 Theft of the Mona Lisa

The renowned painting by Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa, was stolen by an employee at the Louvre. It was recovered two years later in Italy.

1879 Establishment of Oldsmobile by Ransom Eli Olds

Ransom Eli Olds of Olds Motor Works founded Oldsmobile. The well-known car brand was initially manufactured in Lansing, Michigan. GM purchased the company in 1908 and it ceased operations in 2004.

1192 Minamoto Yoritomo becomes Seii Tai Shōgun

Minamoto Yoritomo was declared Seii Tai Shōgun on this day, effectively becoming the de facto ruler of Japan. The traditional Japanese date is July 12, 1192.

1703 The Edirne Event

The Turkish army removes Sultan Mustafa II during the Edirne Event, thereby diminishing the power held by the sultans.

1772 King Gustav III of Sweden completes a coup d'etat

By adopting a new constitution and establishing himself as an enlightened despot, King Gustav III ended 50 years of parliamentary rule in Sweden.

1888 American inventor William Seward Burroughs patents the adding machine

William Seward Burroughs, an American inventor, gained the patent for the adding machine in 1888.

1911 Theft and recovery of the "Mona Lisa"

The "Mona Lisa", stolen from the Louvre by Vincenzo Perugia in 1911, was recovered in 1913.

1959 Hawaii becomes the 50th US state

In 1959, Hawaii was recognized as the 50th state of the United States.

1991 Failed conservative coup in the Soviet Union

A conservative coup attempt in the Soviet Union was thwarted by popular resistance, led by Boris Yeltsin, in a span of three days.