Daily Archives: August 8, 2025

74,000 killed as U.S. drops second atomic bomb on Japan at Nagasaki 80 years ago this hour (Aug 9 1945)

1940s, World War II

Video: 'The World at War: The Bomb: February-September 1945 (24 of 26)' (Aug. 9, 1945, at 45:38)

(Thursday, August 9, 1945, 11:02 a.m. JST; during World War II) — Three days after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, a specially adapted American B-29 bomber called Bockscar under the command of Maj. Charles W. Sweeney, exploded a nuclear device today over Nagasaki, Japan, killing an estimated 74,000 people. Continue reading 74,000 killed as U.S. drops second atomic bomb on Japan at Nagasaki 80 years ago this hour (Aug 9 1945) →

President Truman signs United Nations Charter 80 years ago this hour (Aug 8 1945)

1940s, U.S. Presidents, World War II

(Wednesday, August 8, 1945, 12:30 p.m. EWT; during World War II) — U.S. President Harry S. Truman today signed the United Nations Charter, the foundational treaty of the intergovernmental organization known as the United Nations.

Truman shown aerial photographs of Hiroshima bombing aftermath 80 years ago this hour (Aug 8 1945)

1940s, U.S. Presidents, World War II


Video: 'American Experience - Truman (1997) - Part 3' (Aug. 8, 1945, at 41:11)

(Wednesday, August 8, 1945, 10:45 a.m. EWT; during World War II) — Secretary of War Henry Stimson showed President Harry S. Truman aerial photographs of Hiroshima following Monday’s atomic bombing. Continue reading Truman shown aerial photographs of Hiroshima bombing aftermath 80 years ago this hour (Aug 8 1945) →

Soviet Union invades Manchuria after declaring war on Japan 80 years ago this hour (Aug 9 1945)

1940s, World War II

Video: 'The World at War: The Bomb: February-September 1945 (24 of 26)' (Aug. 9, 1945, at 45:16)

(Thursday, August 9, 1945, 12:01 a.m. Trans-Baikal time; during the Soviet–Japanese War (1945) of World War II) — Having declared war on Japan an hour ago (in conjunction with the Allies), the Soviet Union today commenced their invasion simultaneously on three fronts to the east, west and north of Manchuria (the Soviets would also occupy northern Korea). Continue reading Soviet Union invades Manchuria after declaring war on Japan 80 years ago this hour (Aug 9 1945) →

Million+ witness funeral procession for former President Grant in New York City 140 years ago this hour (Aug 8 1885)

1880s, U.S. Presidents

Video: 'U.S. Grant Funeral'

(Saturday, August 8, 1885, procession began: 8:30 a.m. at City Hall with arrival at Riverside Park and internment at about 4:30 p.m. local time) — More than one million people witnessed the funeral procession of former President Ulysses S. Grant (who had died July 23, 1885) today in New York City. Continue reading Million+ witness funeral procession for former President Grant in New York City 140 years ago this hour (Aug 8 1885) →

Soviet Union declares war on Japan 80 years ago this hour (Aug 8 1945)

1940s, World War II

Video: 'The World at War: The Bomb: February-September 1945 (24 of 26)' (Aug. 8, 1945, at 45:05)

(Wednesday, August 8, 1945, 11:00 p.m. Trans-Baikal time; during World War II) — Soviet foreign minister Vyacheslav Molotov tonight informed Japanese ambassador Naotake Sato that the Soviet Union had declared war on the Empire of Japan, and that from August 9, 1945, the Soviet government would consider itself to be at war with Japan.