AD 25day.year
Guangwu claims the throne as Emperor of China, restoring the Han dynasty after the collapse of the short-lived Xin dynasty.
In AD 25, Liu Xiu ascended as Emperor Guangwu, marking the Han dynasty's revival and the end of the Xin dynasty.
After nearly a decade of upheaval following Wang Mang's usurpation, Liu Xiu seized power and proclaimed himself Emperor Guangwu of Han.
His coronation on August 5th symbolized the restoration of imperial authority and set in motion economic and social reforms.
He lowered taxes and redistributed land to stabilize the peasantry and rebuild agriculture.
The Eastern Han dynasty under Guangwu regained international prestige and fostered advancements in culture and scholarship.
His policies laid the groundwork for two centuries of relative peace known as the Golden Age of the Eastern Han.
Emperor Guangwu's reign remains a testament to political resilience and visionary leadership in Chinese history.
AD 25
Guangwu
Emperor of China
Han dynasty
Xin dynasty
1100day.year
Henry I is crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey.
On August 5, 1100, Henry I was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey, beginning a reign marked by legal reforms and consolidation.
Following the sudden death of his brother William II, Henry I moved swiftly to secure the throne.
His coronation at Westminster Abbey solidified his claim and garnered noble support.
As king, Henry introduced the Charter of Liberties, a precursor to constitutional limits on royal power.
He strengthened administrative systems and royal justice, earning the epithet 'Beauclerc' for his learning.
His reign saw the stabilization of England's finances and territorial control in Normandy.
Henry I's accession on August 5 laid the groundwork for the Plantagenet dynasty's future evolution.
1100
Henry I
King of England
Westminster Abbey
1583day.year
Sir Humphrey Gilbert establishes the first English colony in North America, at what is now St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert established England’s first North American colony at St. John's, Newfoundland, under a charter from Queen Elizabeth I.
Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s 1583 expedition marked England’s first formal attempt at permanent settlement in North America. Departing from Plymouth with five ships, Gilbert aimed to expand English trade and influence in the New World. Harsh weather, shortages of fresh water, and navigational challenges tested the resolve of the colonists. Upon arrival, Gilbert claimed the territory in the queen’s name and erected a cross to symbolize English sovereignty. Despite the expedition’s initial promise, the colony struggled with resupply and morale. Most settlers returned to England the following year when hopes of riches and safe harbors faded. Nevertheless, Gilbert’s venture paved the way for future English colonization and inspired later expeditions along the Atlantic seaboard.
1583
Humphrey Gilbert
colony
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
1600day.year
The Gowrie Conspiracy against King James VI of Scotland (later to become King James I of England) takes place at Gowrie House (Perth, Scotland).
In August 1600, the mysterious Gowrie Conspiracy unfolded at Gowrie House, where an alleged plot targeted King James VI of Scotland.
The Gowrie Conspiracy of August 1600 remains one of Scotland’s most enigmatic plots. John Ruthven, 3rd Earl of Gowrie, and his brother Alexander lured King James VI to Gowrie House in Perth under mysterious pretenses. According to the royal account, an attempt was made on the king’s life, resulting in the brothers' deaths. Some historians question the official narrative, suggesting political motives or fabrication by James to eliminate rivals. Regardless of its true origins, the affair reinforced royal authority and led to a crackdown on dissent. It fueled rumors and debates that endured for generations. The conspiracy’s intrigue inspired later literary and historical treatments, cementing its place in Scottish lore.
1600
Gowrie Conspiracy
King James VI of Scotland
Gowrie House (Perth, Scotland)
1735day.year
Freedom of the press: New York Weekly Journal writer John Peter Zenger is acquitted of seditious libel against the royal governor of New York, on the basis that what he had published was true.
In a landmark 1735 trial, printer John Peter Zenger was acquitted of seditious libel in New York, establishing a precedent for freedom of the press.
In 1735, printer John Peter Zenger was tried for seditious libel after criticizing Royal Governor William Cosby in the New York Weekly Journal. His lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, argued passionately that truth should be a defense against libel charges. Despite government pressure, the jury acquitted Zenger, rejecting the notion that mere criticism of authority constituted a crime. The verdict empowered colonial printers and fueled the growth of a free press in America. It challenged governmental authority to censor dissent and laid early groundwork for First Amendment rights. The case had far-reaching influence on legal thought and public opinion in both the colonies and Britain. Zenger’s victory became a celebrated symbol of journalistic liberty.
1735
Freedom of the press
John Peter Zenger
seditious libel
1772day.year
First Partition of Poland: The representatives of Austria, Prussia, and Russia sign three bilateral conventions condemning the "anarchy" of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and imputing to the three powers "ancient and legitimate rights" to the territories of the Commonwealth. The conventions allow each of the three great powers to annex a part of the Commonwealth, which they proceed to do over the course of the following two months.
On this day in 1772, Austria, Prussia, and Russia signed agreements partitioning the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth for the first time.
On August 5, 1772, Austria, Prussia, and Russia signed treaties partitioning large portions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. The powers justified their actions by citing the Commonwealth’s internal anarchy and purported historical claims to its territory. Over the following months, each empire annexed regions, reducing the once-vast state by nearly a third. The First Partition marked the beginning of Poland’s disappearance from the map for over a century. It shocked European public opinion and prompted limited diplomatic protest but little effective resistance. The partition set a precedent for the later Second and Third Partitions, which would erase Poland as a sovereign nation. The event remains a somber reminder of imperial ambitions and the fragility of states.
1772
First Partition of Poland
Austria
Prussia
Russia
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth
1860day.year
Charles XV of Sweden–Norway is crowned king of Norway in Trondheim.
Charles XV of Sweden–Norway was crowned King of Norway in Trondheim, strengthening the Swedish-Norwegian union.
On 5 August 1860, Charles XV ascended to the Norwegian throne with a traditional ceremony at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
The event symbolized the dual monarchy of Sweden and Norway under a single monarch.
Politicians and dignitaries from both kingdoms gathered to witness the coronation.
Charles XV pledged to respect Norway’s constitution and maintain its political autonomy within the union.
The coronation reinforced efforts to balance national identities and governance between the two realms.
1860
Charles XV
Trondheim
1861day.year
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).
The United States introduced its first federal income tax through the Revenue Act of 1861 to fund the Civil War.
On 5 August 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Revenue Act, instituting the United States’ first federal income tax.
The new tax imposed a 3% levy on incomes over $800 to help finance Union war expenses.
Critics argued it was unconstitutional and burdensome, while supporters saw it as essential for wartime funding.
The tax was repealed in 1872, but it set a precedent for future federal revenue generation.
This landmark policy laid the groundwork for modern U.S. tax systems and fiscal governance.
1861
American Civil War
United States government
income tax
Revenue Act of 1861
1872
1861day.year
The United States Army abolishes flogging.
The United States Army formally abolished flogging as a disciplinary practice.
On 5 August 1861, the U.S. Army issued orders ending the use of flogging as military punishment.
The reform reflected changing attitudes toward humane treatment and discipline within the ranks.
Abolishing corporal punishment aimed to maintain soldier morale and unit cohesion.
The decision aligned military regulations with contemporary social values on human rights.
This change became part of broader efforts to professionalize and modernize the American military.
United States Army
flogging
1906day.year
Persian Constitutional Revolution: Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar, King of Iran, agrees to convert the government to a constitutional monarchy.
In 1906, Iran's Shah agrees to establish a constitutional monarchy, a pivotal moment in the Persian Constitutional Revolution.
On August 5, 1906, Shah Mozaffar ad-Din Qajar signed the decree to establish a constitution and a national assembly in Iran.
This decision followed months of popular unrest demanding limits on royal authority and the implementation of rule of law.
The new constitution introduced legislative bodies, civil rights protections, and a modern legal framework inspired by European models.
Members of the emerging parliament (Majles) began shaping national policy and challenging absolute monarchy.
Though political turmoil and foreign intervention would later test its resilience, the 1906 constitution laid the foundation for modern Iranian governance.
It remains a seminal event in Iran's struggle for representative government and the rule of law.
1906
Persian Constitutional Revolution
Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar
constitutional monarchy
1925day.year
Plaid Cymru is formed with the aim of disseminating knowledge of the Welsh language that is at the time in danger of dying out.
Plaid Cymru is founded in 1925 to promote and preserve the Welsh language.
In 1925, a group of Welsh nationalists established Plaid Cymru with the aim of protecting the Welsh language from decline. The party sought to raise awareness of Welsh culture and heritage across the UK. Initially focused on cultural revival, it gradually evolved into a political force advocating self-government. Over time, Plaid Cymru achieved representation in the Welsh Assembly and the UK Parliament. Its formation marked a turning point in Welsh nationalism and linguistic preservation.
1925
Plaid Cymru
Welsh language
1960day.year
Burkina Faso, then known as Upper Volta, becomes independent from France.
On August 5, 1960, the Republic of Upper Volta gained independence from France, marking the birth of a new West African nation.
On August 5, 1960, the Republic of Upper Volta secured its independence from French colonial rule.
The historic ceremony was led by President Maurice Yaméogo, the country's first elected head of state.
This moment ended decades of colonial administration and began a journey toward self-governance.
In 1984, Upper Volta was renamed Burkina Faso by President Thomas Sankara, symbolizing a new national identity.
Burkina Faso means “Land of Incorruptible People” in the local Mossi language, reflecting hopes for integrity and unity.
Today, the anniversary is celebrated as Independence Day, a national holiday honoring the country’s resilience and aspirations.
1960
Burkina Faso
Upper Volta