August 2024
Historical events of significance to Poland & the U.S. that occurred in the month of August
United States - 1821 (August 10th)
Missouri was admitted as the 24th state of the Union under the Missouri Compromise, which was a significant moment in the lead-up to the Civil War, balancing the interests of free and slave states.
United States - 1834 (August 1st)
While not a U.S. event per se, the abolition of slavery in the British Empire had a significant impact on the United States, influencing anti-slavery movements and providing a model for future legislative efforts in America.
Poland - 1920 (August 12th)
The Battle of Warsaw, also known as the "Miracle on the Vistula" began. During the Polish-Soviet War, Polish forces under Marshal Józef Piłsudski successfully defended Warsaw from the advancing Red Army. The battle is often credited with saving Poland from Bolshevik occupation and was a crucial victory for the newly re-established Polish state.
United States - 1920 (August 18th)
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote, was certified as ratified. This was a crucial milestone in the women's suffrage movement.
Poland - 1933 (August 11th)
The birth of Jerzy Grotowski, who was a renowned Polish theater director and theorist who significantly impacted modern theater. His innovative approaches to theatrical performances and his emphasis on the actor-audience relationship made him a prominent figure in the 20th-century theater.
United States - 1935 (August 14th)
The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression and was a key part of his New Deal program aimed at providing economic security to Americans. The Act established a range of social insurance programs, including old-age pensions, unemployment benefits and assistance for dependent children and the disabled.
Poland - 1939 (August 23rd)
The German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact as signed. This agreement, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, setting the stage for the invasion of Poland and the beginning of World War II.
Poland - 1944 (August 1st)
The Warsaw Uprising began during World War II.
The Polish Home Army (Armia Krajowa) launched an armed rebellion against Nazi German occupation forces in Warsaw. The uprising was part of the broader Polish resistance effort to liberate the city from German control. The battle continued for 63 days, ending on October 2nd, 1944, with the city's surrender and substantial destruction.
United States - 1945 (August 6th)
The U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II, leading to Japan's eventual surrender. This event marked the beginning of the nuclear age and had profound implications for international relations and military strategy.
United States -1945 (August 9th)
Three days after Hiroshima, the U.S. dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. The event was pivotal in Japan's decision to surrender, leading up to the end of World War II.
Poland - 1945 (August 15th)
Poland's Weddings to the Sea celebrating Poland's restored access to the Baltic Sea after World War II.
United States - 1963 (August 28th)
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place. This historic civil rights march saw Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. The event was a pivotal moment in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Poland - 1980 (August 14th)
The Gdańsk Agreement was signed. A major turning point in Polish history, the Gdańsk Agreement was signed between the Polish government and striking works at the Lenin (now Gdańsk) Shipyard. It led to the official recognition of the trade union "Solidarity," (Solidarność) led by Lech Wałęsa, and paved the way for the eventual end of communist rule in Poland.
United States - 2005 (August 29th)
Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, particularly New Orleans, causing catastrophic flooding and extensive damage. The disaster highlighted issues related to race, poverty, and government response.
These events are only examples of events that mark crucial moments in U.S. and Polish history, shaping the identity, politics, and international relations of both countries, that occurred in the month of August.
The Officers & Directors of the PACCF extend congratulations to all of our 2024 Scholarship recipients and wish you continued success in all of your academic pursuits.