THE DAY IN HISTORY · AUGUST 15
August 15 in history
What happened on August 15: 3 moments from the Maps of History atlases, in 1914, 1945 and 1947, each linked to the map that shows it.
— Panama Canal
15 Aug 1914 — The American-built canal opens, eleven days after Britain enters the First World War. Its locks, dredges and steam shovels are the last great work of the industrial century.
READ THIS MOMENT → · SEE IT ON THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION MAP → · THE FULL STORY →
For the first time, Japan hears its Emperor’s voice on the radio: the war is over. In the colonies, other struggles are already beginning.
READ THIS MOMENT → · SEE IT ON THE WW2 MAP →
— Independence of India
15 Aug 1947 — “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.” Nehru’s tryst with destiny is real — and the trains from Punjab are already arriving full of the dead.
READ THIS MOMENT → · SEE IT ON THE INDIAN INDEPENDENCE & PARTITION MAP → · THE FULL STORY →
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