August 5 in History

Historical Events on August 5

1861 American Civil War: In order to help pay for the war effort, the United States government levies the first income tax as part of the Revenue Act of 1861 (3% of all incomes over US $800; rescinded in 1872).

1914 World War I: The German minelayer SS Königin Luise lays a minefield about 40 miles (64 km) off the Thames Estuary (Lowestoft). She is intercepted and sunk by the British light-cruiser HMS Amphion.

1914 In Cleveland, Ohio, the first electric traffic light is installed.

1940 World War II: The Soviet Union formally annexes Latvia.

1962 Apartheid in South Africa: Nelson Mandela is jailed. He would not be released until 1990.

1964 Vietnam War: Operation Pierce Arrow: American aircraft from carriers USS Ticonderoga and USS Constellation bomb North Vietnam in retaliation for strikes against U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin.

1974 Vietnam War: The U.S. Congress places a $1 billion limit on military aid to South Vietnam.

1979 In Afghanistan, Maoists undertake an attempted military uprising.

1981 President Ronald Reagan fires 11,359 striking air-traffic controllers who ignored his order for them to return to work.

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Famous Birthdays on August 5

1877 Tom Thomson

1906 John Huston

1930 Neil Armstrong

1968 Marine Le Pen

All Births

Famous Deaths on August 5

1901 Victoria, Princess Royal

1962 Marilyn Monroe

1984 Richard Burton

1998 Todor Zhivkov

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