On August 4, a catastrophic explosion in Beirut, a revelation of a Gulf of Tonkin falsehood, and Britain's declaration of war over Belgium reshaped modern history.
August 4 in History
Beirut Devastated by Massive Ammonium Nitrate Blast; Hundreds Dead
A cataclysmic explosion at the Port of Beirut has killed at least 218 people, injured thousands, and caused $15 billion in damage, officials report.
The Port of Beirut following the catastrophic ammonium nitrate explosion that devastated Lebanon's capital — Mahdi Shojaeian
BEIRUT — A massive explosion of confiscated ammonium nitrate at the Port of Beirut killed at least 218 people, injured 7,000, and displaced approximately 300,000 on Tuesday, leveling entire city blocks and sending a shock wave felt as far away as Cyprus.
The blast, which released energy comparable to 1.1 kilotons of TNT and registered as a 3.3 magnitude seismic event, was caused by the ignition of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in Warehouse 12. The chemical had been confiscated in 2014 from the cargo ship MV Rhosus and left at the port despite repeated warnings.
A fire broke out in the warehouse at 17:45 local time. A team of nine firefighters and one paramedic was dispatched to fight the blaze. Between 33 and 35 seconds later, the second, far larger explosion occurred, devastating the city.
Lebanese customs officials sent at least six letters between 2014 and 2017 requesting the removal or sale of the ammonium nitrate, citing the danger. Those requests were apparently ignored.
Property damage has been estimated at $15 billion, and rescue workers continue to search the rubble for survivors. The blast was felt in northern Israel and 240 kilometers away on Cyprus. The blast struck during the evening rush hour, when many workers were still at their desks and streets were crowded with commuters. Among the dead were port employees, firefighters, and bystanders caught in the open. The governor of Beirut estimated that up to 250,000 homes were uninhabitable. Hospitals, already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic and a severe economic crisis, were overwhelmed by the influx of casualties. The government declared a two-week state of emergency. The port authority had been informed of the hazard but took no action to secure the material. Lebanon's interior minister said the investigation would focus on how the ammonium nitrate remained stored for six years despite the warnings.
NSA Falsely Claimed Second Tonkin Attack, Records Show
Declassified documents reveal the intelligence agency deliberately skewed evidence to report a North Vietnamese attack that never occurred.
A North Vietnamese patrol boat, the subject of the disputed Gulf of Tonkin incident — U.S. Navy
The National Security Agency deliberately skewed intelligence to create the impression of a second attack on August 4, 1964, according to declassified documents. Former Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara later admitted no attack occurred that day. Former North Vietnamese General Võ Nguyên Giáp also stated that nothing happened on that date. An internal NSA historical study concluded the incident was based on bad naval intelligence and misrepresentations. Congress approved the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution days later, granting President Johnson broad authority for military action in Southeast Asia. The NSA misinterpreted and overstated signals intelligence, the declassified records showed.
Bonaparte Smashes Austrians at Lonato, Lifting Siege of Mantua
General Napoleon Bonaparte's Army of Italy decisively defeats Austrian forces under Peter Vitus von Quosdanovich, thwarting the enemy's first attempt to relieve Mantua.
The first serious attempt to break the French Siege of Mantua has collapsed in a decisive French victory at the Battle of Lonato, where General Napoleon Bonaparte routed Austrian forces commanded by Peter Vitus von Quosdanovich.
After a week of complex maneuvers spanning July 29 to August 4, Bonaparte's Army of Italy caught the Austrian columns in disarray near the town of Lonato, south of Lake Garda. Quosdanovich, unable to coordinate his scattered divisions, lost the field and was forced to retreat.
The defeat leaves the Austrian garrison in Mantua isolated once more. Bonaparte has pressed his advantage, turning south to deal with a second Austrian column approaching from the east.
Jeanne Calment, World's Oldest Person, Dies at 122
The French supercentenarian, whose life spanned three centuries, has died at age 122 years, 164 days.
Arles, France — The longest human lifespan ever documented came to a close Monday with the death of Jeanne Calment, who lived 122 years, 164 days. Born in 1875, she outlived her daughter and grandson, and recalled meeting Vincent van Gogh.
The Rock falls to the allies after a combined sea assault.
Sir George Rooke, commanding a combined Anglo-Dutch fleet in the service of Archduke Charles, today captured the fortress of Gibraltar from Spain. A subsequent Bourbon attempt to retake the fortress, in August, was defeated. The land siege was abandoned in April 1705.
Britain Declares War on Germany Over Belgian Invasion
Treaty of London obligation leads to ultimatum and state of war.
At 11 o'clock this morning, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, in a broadcast to the nation, announced that a state of war exists between Great Britain and Germany. The declaration followed Germany's failure to withdraw its troops from Poland.
Croatian Army Launches Operation Storm, Largest European Battle Since WWII
Massive offensive aims to reclaim rebel-held territory and end the war.
The Croatian Army today initiated Operation Storm, the last major battle of the Croatian War of Independence and the largest European land engagement since the Second World War. Croatian forces, seeking to reclaim all territory lost to Serbian rebels, began a coordinated offensive across the Krajina region. The operation follows the success of Operation Flash earlier this year, which saw Croatia retake western Slavonia. Tank columns and artillery units moved into rebel-held areas at dawn. Reports of civilian casualties emerged from Knin.
Amin Orders Expulsion of 50,000 Asians From Uganda
President calls 'economic war' on British passport holders.
In Kampala, President Idi Amin, addressing the nation by radio, has ordered the expulsion of 50,000 Asians holding British passports. He called the measure an 'economic war' and referred to the Asian community as the 'Brown Jews'.
