1789day.year
France: abolition of feudalism by the National Constituent Assembly.
The National Constituent Assembly abolishes feudal privileges in France on August 4, 1789.
In the midst of the French Revolution, the National Constituent Assembly decrees the abolition of feudal rights and dues on August 4, 1789. This historic session eliminates seigneurial justice, tithes, and exclusive hunting rights held by the nobility and clergy. The sweeping reform ends centuries of peasant obligations, signaling a radical shift toward equality before the law. Debts owed to landlords are canceled, and communal land is reallocated, relieving heavy burdens on rural communities. The decree lays the foundation for modern French society and inspires revolutionary movements across Europe.
1789
France
abolition of feudalism
National Constituent Assembly
1821day.year
The Saturday Evening Post is published for the first time as a weekly newspaper.
The Saturday Evening Post begins its long-running publication as a weekly newspaper in 1821.
On August 4, 1821, the first issue of The Saturday Evening Post was released as a weekly newspaper in Philadelphia.
Originally focusing on literary works, local news, and essays, it quickly gained a dedicated readership.
Under various editors, the Post featured prominent writers and illustrators, shaping American culture through the 19th and 20th centuries.
Its evolution from a small newspaper to a national magazine reflected shifts in media consumption and printing technology.
The Saturday Evening Post would later become famous for its cover art by Norman Rockwell and its influence on popular journalism.
Today, it remains one of America's most enduring periodicals.
1821
The Saturday Evening Post
1892day.year
The father and stepmother of Lizzie Borden are found murdered in their Fall River, Massachusetts home. She will be tried and acquitted for the crimes a year later.
The brutal murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River spark a sensational trial involving their daughter Lizzie.
On August 4, 1892, the bodies of Andrew and Abby Borden were discovered in their Fall River, Massachusetts home, each fatally struck by an axe.
Their daughter, Lizzie Borden, became the prime suspect amid public fascination over the gruesome crime.
Despite a sensational trial the following year, she was acquitted, and the murders remain officially unsolved.
The case has inspired books, films, and folklore, including the well-known nursery rhyme.
Fall River's community grappled with fear and intrigue as the trial unfolded, highlighting themes of gender and class.
To this day, the Borden murders endure as one of America's most enduring criminal mysteries.
1892
Lizzie Borden
Fall River, Massachusetts
1964day.year
Civil rights movement: Civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney are found dead in Mississippi after disappearing on June 21.
The bodies of civil rights activists Schwerner, Goodman, and Chaney were discovered in Mississippi, galvanizing the movement.
On August 4, 1964, the bodies of activists Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Chaney were recovered from an earthen dam in Neshoba County, Mississippi. The trio had been kidnapped and murdered by Ku Klux Klan members while investigating the burning of a black church earlier that summer. Their deaths sparked national outrage, drawing attention to the violent resistance against civil rights efforts in the Deep South. The federal government's subsequent investigation and prosecution marked a turning point in civil rights enforcement. This tragedy contributed to the momentum that led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, cementing federal commitment to ending segregation.
1964
Civil rights movement
Civil rights
Michael Schwerner
Andrew Goodman
James Chaney
Mississippi
June 21
1972day.year
Ugandan President Idi Amin announces that Uganda is no longer responsible for the care of British subjects of Asian origin, beginning the expulsions of Ugandan Asians.
Ugandan President Idi Amin orders the expulsion of British subjects of Asian origin, forcing around 80,000 people to leave the country.
On August 4, 1972, Ugandan President Idi Amin announced that Uganda would no longer be responsible for the care of its British subjects of Asian origin, effectively beginning the expulsion of approximately 80,000 people. Most were British passport holders whose families had settled in Uganda during the colonial era. Amin’s decree gave them 90 days to leave, confiscating their property and bank accounts. The expulsions devastated Uganda’s economy, as many expelled were business owners and skilled professionals. Thousands sought refuge in the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and other countries. This forced migration reshaped East African demographics and became one of the largest state-sponsored expulsions of the 20th century.
1972
Ugandan President
Idi Amin
Uganda
Asian origin
expulsions of Ugandan Asians
1987day.year
The Federal Communications Commission rescinds the Fairness Doctrine which had required radio and television stations to give equal time to opposing views.
The FCC votes to repeal the Fairness Doctrine, ending the requirement for broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints.
On August 4, 1987, the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal the Fairness Doctrine, ending the requirement that broadcast stations present contrasting viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance. Enacted in 1949, the Fairness Doctrine had obligated radio and television broadcasters to devote airtime to opposing opinions and to do so in a manner that was honest, equitable, and balanced. Its repeal reflected shifting attitudes toward deregulation and free speech during the Reagan era. Critics argued that removing the rule would lead to more partisan and polarized media content. Supporters claimed it would reduce government interference and encourage greater diversity of voices. The repeal reshaped American broadcasting and contributed to the rise of ideologically driven talk radio and cable news.
1987
Federal Communications Commission
Fairness Doctrine
2019day.year
Nine people are killed and 26 injured in a shooting in Dayton, Ohio. This comes only 13 hours after another mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, where 23 people were killed.
Back-to-back mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton kill over 30 and spark national debate on gun violence.
On 3 August 2019, a gunman opened fire at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, killing 23 people and injuring over 20 others in one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.
Less than 13 hours later, on 4 August, another gunman attacked patrons in Dayton’s Oregon District, killing nine and wounding 26 more.
The near-simultaneous tragedies reignited heated national discussions on gun control, mental health, and domestic extremism.
Vigils and demonstrations were held across the country as survivors, families, and communities mourned the sudden loss of life.
Law enforcement agencies collaborated to share lessons learned and review security protocols for public spaces.
These incidents underscored longstanding concerns over firearm accessibility and the need for comprehensive violence prevention strategies.
2019
Dayton, Ohio
El Paso, Texas