This Day in History: August 03

1492 Christopher Columbus sets sail on first voyage

Accompanied by Juan de la Cosa as his second-in-command, Christopher Columbus embarked on his famed first voyage. Armed with three ships, the Santa Maria, Pinta, and Niña, they sailed from Palos de la Frontera, Spain towards the "Indies".

1596 David Fabricius uncovers Mira's light variation

David Fabricius made a significant discovery in 1596: the variability in the light of Mira. This marked the first time a variable star was identified.

1914 Germany initiates World War I

In a staggering move that would set the course for history, Germany invaded Belgium and declared war on France, sparking the raucous beginnings of World War I.

1934 Adolf Hitler consolidates power in Germany

Adolf Hitler, in a strong assertion of power, merged the offices of the German Chancellor and President in 1934. With this, he declared himself the "Führer" or leader.

1972 US Senate approves Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty

In an effort to limit the use of missile systems capable of defending against nuclear weapons, the US Senate ratified the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with the Soviet Union.

2022 US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan

The first time a speaker visited Taiwan in 25 years was marked in 2022 by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, an act which led to a condemnation from the Chinese Communist Party.

2005 Mahmoud Ahmadinejad assumes the presidency in Iran

Professionally an engineer and a teacher, Ahmadinejad assumed the role of the 6th president of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2005.

2005 Military coup in Mauritania

Also in 2005, Mauritania saw a drastic change in power with a military coup unseating long-time President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya. Colonel Ely Ould Mohamed Vall took over the transitional government, holding the position until elections were held later that same year.

1960 Niger gains independence from France

Formerly a French colony in the early 20th century, the West African nation of Niger achieved its independence in 1960. It was then when Hamani Diori became the country's first president.

1946 First theme park opens in Santa Claus, Indiana, USA

The world got its first ever theme park in 1946, located in Santa Claus, Indiana, USA. Now known as Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, it originally opened its doors as Santa Claus Land.

1900 Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is established

The American tire industry was changed forever in 1900 when Harvey Samuel Firestone founded the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio. The company continued to make its mark in the industry even after it was acquired by Japan's Bridgestone Corporation in 1988.