On August 26, empires collided at Manzikert and Crécy, the Beatles stretched pop’s limits, and Russia redrew the Caucasus, leaving chaos and records in their wake.
August 26 in History
Beatles' 'Hey Jude' Sets Record as Longest No. 1
The single tops the UK charts for a record-breaking run.
The Beatles, whose single Hey Jude became the longest-running — Bo Trenter
LONDON, Aug. 26 — The Beatles have done it again. Their new single, "Hey Jude," has become the longest-running No. 1 in UK chart history, a feat that cements their place atop the pop world. The song, released this month, has held the top spot longer than any previous single, a testament to the band's enduring appeal. "Hey Jude" is also the Beatles' longest-running No. 1 single, surpassing their own previous hits. The success follows the formation of Apple Records and the band's recent ventures. Fans have flocked to stores, snapping up copies of the record.
Russia Recognizes Abkhazia, South Ossetia; Georgia Cuts Ties
MOSCOW, Aug. 26 — In a swift and decisive move, Russia today recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two breakaway regions at the heart of the recent conflict with Georgia. The recognition came shortly after a ceasefire was reached in the Russo-Georgian War, which has displaced approximately 192,000 people across Georgia. Georgia responded immediately by severing diplomatic ties with Russia, a dramatic escalation in the already tense relations between the two nations. The war, which began earlier this month, marked the first time in history that cyber warfare coincided with military action, as hackers targeted Georgian government websites alongside the Russian military offensive.
New England Hurricane Forms in Atlantic
Tropical disturbance moves west, could threaten East Coast.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 — A well-defined low-pressure area in the open Atlantic today developed into a tropical disturbance that forecasters say could threaten the East Coast. The system, which formed over the ocean, is being closely watched by the Weather Bureau as it moves westward. While the storm has not yet reached hurricane strength, meteorologists warn it could intensify in the coming days.
Alp Arslan Captures Byzantine Emperor at Manzikert
Seljuk victory opens Anatolia to Turkoman raids.
Byzantine emperor Romanos IV is brought before Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan after Manzikert — Dosseman
MANZIKERT, Aug. 26 — On the plains of eastern Anatolia, the Byzantine emperor Romanos IV Diogenes has been taken prisoner by the Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan. The Battle of Manzikert, fought today, ended in a decisive Seljuk victory. Alp Arslan, feigning retreat, drew the Byzantine army into an ambush. The emperor's forces were routed, and Romanos himself was captured. This victory opens Anatolia to Turkoman raids and migrations, shifting the region's power.
Harvey's Bomb Blast Leaves $18 Million in Damage
The 1,200-pound dynamite bomb caused an estimated $18 million in damage but no injuries.
STATELINE, Nev., Aug. 26 — The most complex improvised explosive device the FBI has ever seen tore through Harvey's Resort Hotel today, leaving an estimated $18 million in damage but no injuries or deaths. The 1,200-pound dynamite bomb, planted by men disguised as photocopier deliverers, detonated during an attempted disarmament. Authorities link the blast to John Birges Sr., who reportedly lost $750,000 at the casino.
English Longbows Shatter French Knights at Crécy
Edward III's archers prove decisive in first great battle of the Hundred Years' War.
English longbowmen decimate French forces at the decisive Battle of Crécy — Loyset Liédet
The age of the armoured knight has met its match. At the Battle of Crécy, English longbows have established their military supremacy over the French combination of crossbows and mounted men-at-arms. Edward III, who landed on Normandy's Cotentin Peninsula in July, captured Caen in a single day and crossed the Somme at Blanchetaque, stranding King Philip's army.
Rights of Man Approved by Assembly
Declaration sets forth liberty, property, security, resistance to oppression.
PARIS, Aug. 26 — The Marquis de Lafayette, who drafted the initial text with aid from Thomas Jefferson, saw the National Constituent Assembly approve the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen today. The final draft, largely the work of Abbé Sieyès, was adopted article by article, with the last accepted today as a first step toward a constitution. The document defines natural and imprescriptible rights as liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. Debate began from a 24-article draft proposed by the sixth bureau, led by Jérôme Champion de Cicé.
50,000 March in New York for Women's Rights
Friedan leads strike on 50th anniversary of suffrage amendment.
NEW YORK, Aug. 26 — More than 50,000 women marched down Fifth Avenue today in the Women's Strike for Equality, organized by Betty Friedan and the National Organization for Women. The protest, marking the 50th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment, demanded equal job and education opportunities, abortion rights, and child-care centers. Friedan, who stepped down as NOW's first president to lead the strike, called the turnout beyond expectations. The national action has broadened the feminist movement.
Two Journalists Shot Dead on Live TV in Virginia
Gunman, a fired reporter, kills himself after police chase.
MONETA, Va., Aug. 26 — Two journalists were murdered on live television Wednesday morning while conducting an interview near Smith Mountain Lake. Alison Parker, 24, and Adam Ward, 27, of WDBJ were shot dead on air.
The gunman, Vester Lee Flanagan, a former WDBJ reporter fired in 2013 for disruptive conduct, fled and sparked a five-hour manhunt. He shot himself in the head during a car chase with police and later died at a hospital.
Interview subject Vicki Gardner survived. She underwent surgery to remove her right kidney and part of her colon.
British II Corps Holds Germans at Le Cateau
40,000 troops delay pursuit, enabling main force to escape.
LE CATEAU, Aug. 26 — Amid the retreat from Mons, the British II Corps stood and fought here today, delaying the pursuing Germans long enough for the main force to escape.
General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, commanding 40,000 troops, refused an order from headquarters to continue retreating, confirming his men were already engaged. The French Cavalry Corps under General André Sordet shielded the left flank.
Krakatoa Eruption Alters Global Climate
Loudest-known sound heard 4,800 km away as island collapses.
The destruction of Krakatoa has cooled the entire globe; average temperatures may fall as much as 1.2°C (2.2°F) over the next year.
The third explosion, on August 27 at 10:02 a.m., remains the loudest-known sound in history, heard 4,800 km away on Rodrigues, where it was mistaken for cannon fire.
Ray's 'Pather Panchali' Opens in Calcutta
First film in Apu Trilogy wins national award after long shoot.
CALCUTTA, Aug. 26 — A new voice in Indian cinema reached the screen today with the release of Satyajit Ray's 'Pather Panchali,' the first film in his Apu Trilogy. Shot over three years amid frequent funding interruptions, the film was made on a budget of roughly ₹150,000. The soundtrack, composed by Ravi Shankar, used classical Indian ragas. The film premiered in New York earlier and has since won India's National Film Award.
Humphrey Nominated as Chicago Erupts in Protest
Humphrey wins the Democratic nod on Aug. 26 as anti-war clashes with police mark a fourth day.
CHICAGO, Aug. 26 — Vice President Hubert Humphrey won the Democratic presidential nomination tonight as anti-Vietnam War protesters and police clashed for a fourth day in the streets.
