Name: Latvia gains independence from Soviet Russia
Start: 1920-08-11
Location: Riga, Latvia

Holidays on August 11, 2026:

National Panini Day

National Panini Day, August 11, 2026: Discover unique panini recipes, creative fillings, and special menus on this Italian-inspired culinary delight! more >>

Play in the Sand Day

Discover the truth about Play in the Sand Day on August 11, 2026. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? more >>

National Bakewell Tart Day

National Bakewell Tart Day - Learn about this lesser-known holiday and discover the sweet history behind the traditional English pastry. more >>

National Raspberry Tart Day

National Raspberry Tart Day, August 11, 2026: Indulge in sweet and tangy flavors, baking, and sharing with friends and family. more >>

Presidential Joke Day

Presidential Joke Day on 8/11/2026: Fact-checking a fictional holiday? more >>

Mountain Day

Mountain Day, 8/11/2026: Discover the significance of mountains in our lives and learn how to connect with nature while promoting conservation efforts. more >>

Annual Medical Checkup Day

No holiday exists for Annual Medical Checkup Day on 8/11/2026, but regular checkups are crucial for maintaining good health. more >>

Honoring the life and legacy of Robert Ingersoll, a politician and orator known for his agnosticism and advocacy for freedom of thought, this day celebrates the power of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, inspiring individuals to question ... more >>

Birthdays on August 11:

Hulk Hogan

72 Years Old

A professional wrestler and entrepreneur who became a cultural icon in the 1980s and 1990s, known for his charismatic persona and legendary feuds in the WWF (now WWE).

Chris Hemsworth

42 Years Old

Australian heartthrob who has become a household name for playing Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starring in blockbuster films like Avengers: Endgame. He's also known fo...

Joe Rogan

58 Years Old

Host of The Joe Rogan Experience, a long-form conversation podcast, and a mixed martial arts (MMA) commentator, known for his humorous and often unconventional takes on various top...

Viola Davis

60 Years Old

Academy Award-winning actress renowned for her powerful performances in film, television, and theater, bringing complex characters to life with depth and nuance.

Enid Blyton

Died in 1968, aged 71

Beloved creator of whimsical children's tales, transporting readers to fantastical worlds and adventures, with a legacy of timeless classics.

Alex Haley

Died in 1992, aged 70

Renowned author of the epic novel "Roots," which explored African American history and identity, and sparked a national conversation about slavery and its legacy.

Jim Lee

61 Years Old

A renowned comic book artist and writer, credited with revitalizing the X-Men franchise and co-founding Image Comics, known for his dynamic and detailed artwork.

Ian McDiarmid

81 Years Old

A renowned stage and screen actor, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Palpatine in the Star Wars franchise, bringing complexity and depth to the character.

Anna Gunn

57 Years Old

She's a talented actress best known for her iconic role as Skyler White in the critically acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad. Her performance earned her two Emmy Awards and widesprea...

Frederick W. Smith

81 Years Old

Founded the global courier delivery service FedEx, revolutionizing the logistics industry with overnight delivery and tracking capabilities. Known for transforming the way business...

Ben Gibbard

49 Years Old

Lead vocalist and guitarist of the indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie, known for emotive and introspective songwriting that explores themes of love, loss, and existential crises.

Masayoshi Son

68 Years Old

A visionary tech mogul behind Japan's SoftBank, known for bold investments in startups like Alibaba and Yahoo!, and ambitious projects like the world's largest tech fund.

Events from History on August 11:

108 years ago

Allied forces win decisive Battle of Amiens (Amiens, France) 1918

The German army, exhausted and drained, was on its last legs when Allied forces, led by the Canadians, launched a massive attack on August 11, 1918, in what would become the decisive Battle of Amiens. The Germans, battered by a torrent of artillery fire, tank advances, and waves of infantry, crumbled under the pressure, yielding massive swaths of territory as the Allies pushed forward with unrelenting ferocity. By day's end, the Germans had suffered a staggering 27,000 casualties, while the Allies had captured over 12,000 prisoners, signaling a crushing defeat that would ultimately pave the way for Germany's surrender.

38 years ago

Secret Meeting Forms Al-Qaeda (Afghanistan) 1988

Osama bin Laden, Sayyed Imam Al-Sharif, Abdullah Yusuf Azzam, and Egyptian Islamic Jihad leaders gathered in Afghanistan, forging an alliance that would change the course of history. In this clandestine meeting, they laid the groundwork for Al-Qaeda, a name that would soon become synonymous with fear and terror. The convergence of these powerful minds, driven by ideology and ambition, sparked a chain reaction of events that would reshape global politics and security. The world was unaware of the storm brewing in the Afghan desert, but the implications would be felt for decades to come.

107 years ago

Weimar Constitution signed into law, shaping modern Germany. (Weimar, Germany) 1919

The pieces of a broken empire were finally falling into place as the Weimar Constitution, brainchild of Johannes Hoffman and Hugo Preuss, was signed into law, marking a crucial milestone in Germany's tumultuous journey towards democracy. This milestone document, a beacon of hope in a war-torn nation, aimed to steer the country away from the shackles of monarchy and towards a republic, with a president, chancellor, and a parliament that would reprÃ©sent the people. Amidst the rubble of the Great War, the Weimar Republic was born, paving the way for a new era of German politics, economy, and society.

66 years ago

Chad gains independence from French colonial rule (N'Djamena, Chad) 1960

As the final threads of French colonialism began to unravel, Chad, a landlocked country in Central Africa, embarked on a new chapter in its history. After decades of French rule, Chad declared its independence on August 11, 1960, marking a significant milestone in its struggle for self-governance. The country's first president, FranÃ§ois Tombalbaye, played a crucial role in this journey, advocating for Chad's autonomy and eventually leading the nation to freedom.

61 years ago

Watts Riots erupt in Los Angeles, sparking civil unrest (Watts, Los Angeles, California, 90002, USA) 1965

As summer sweltered over Los Angeles, tensions between African American residents and the predominantly white police force reached a boiling point. On August 11, 1965, a routine traffic stop in the Watts neighborhood escalated into a violent confrontation, igniting a citywide uprising. For six days, rioters clashed with law enforcement, torched buildings, and looted stores, leaving 34 dead, over 1,000 injured, and a trail of destruction that would forever change the social landscape of LA. The Watts Riots, as they came to be known, exposed deep-seated racial tensions, prompting national conversations about police brutality, systemic racism, and the urgent need for social reform.

106 years ago

Latvia gains independence from Soviet Russia (Riga, Latvia) 1920

As the guns fell silent, the people of Latvia rejoiced - their long, bloody War of Independence was finally over! August 11, 1920, marked a new chapter in their history as they signed the Latvian-Soviet Peace Treaty, sealing their hard-won independence from Soviet Russia. The treaty wasn't just a piece of paper; it was a beacon of hope, marking the beginning of a new era of self-determination for the Latvian people. With Russia relinquishing its claims over the territory, Latvia could finally forge its own path, free from the shackles of Soviet dominance. This monumental treaty paved the way for Latvia to take its rightful place as a sovereign nation, and its people could finally breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Notable Deaths on August 11:

2014Robin Williams Comedic genius known for rapid-fire wit and iconic characters

2022Anne Heche Trailblazing actress who defied expectations on screen

1937Edith Wharton Pioneering literary figure known for her Astor Place monologues and societal critiques

1988Anne Ramsey American actress and performer

2009Eunice Kennedy Shriver Famous American activist, pioneering disability advocacy and founding Special Olympics

1956Jackson Pollock Acclaimed American artist who founded the Abstract Expressionist movement

2020Sumner Redstone Business mogul who built an entertainment empire

1982Tom Drake American actor and performer

1919Andrew Carnegie Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist

1995Phil Harris Versatile American singer-songwriter and actor

2020Trini Lopez Legendary singer and guitarist who electrified audiences

1994Peter Cushing Renowned English actor and horror movie icon

2022Hanae Mori Visionary fashion designer who redefined style

2018V S Naipaul Literary mastermind who won a Nobel Prize

2006Mike Douglas Beloved American singer and television personality, hosting his own talk show

2002Galen Rowell Award-winning American photographer and mountaineer

2003Herb Brooks Legendary American hockey player and coach who led the US to Olympic gold

2017Yisrael Kristal Holocaust survivor and oldest man who lived an extraordinary life

2012Michael Dokes Versatile American boxer, competing both domestically and internationally

2008George Furth Noted American actor, playwright, and playwright, writing for stage and screen

Son and Daughter Day