On 28 August in poetry and history
Poets born or who died on this date, plus historical events that happened on this day across history.
610 poets with calendar dates · 6,535 events with calendar dates in the catalogue
2 birthdays · 1 death anniversary · 9 world events on 28 August
Birthdays
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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
28 August 1749 – 22 March 1832 (~83)
Born 28 August 1749 — would have been 277 in 2026
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Sir Aubrey de Vere
28 August 1788 – 5 July 1846 (~58)
Born 28 August 1788 — would have been 238 in 2026
Death anniversaries
World events on this day
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The Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire
The Slavery Abolition Act was passed in 1833, marking a monumental shift in British social and political landscapes. This legislation ended slavery in most of the British Empire, affecting hundreds of thousands of enslaved individuals across colonies. The act was the culmination of decades of abolitionist efforts, reflecting growing moral opposition to slavery and influencing similar movements worldwide. Its passage not only transformed the lives of many but also set a precedent for future human rights advancements.
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Abolition of Slavery in Britain and the Issue of Compensation to Slaveholders
The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 abolished slavery in the British Empire but controversially awarded £20 million in compensation to slaveholders — not the enslaved — a state-administered loss adjustment that has been extensively debated as a moral obscenity.
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Emmett Till Lynching
The lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till in Mississippi in 1955 became a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement. Till was abducted, tortured, and murdered for allegedly whistling at a white woman, highlighting the brutal realities of racial violence in the Jim Crow South. His death galvanized national outrage and activism, serving as a catalyst for the fight against racial injustice and inequality in the United States.
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Siege of Colchester
Royalist forces withdrew into Colchester in Essex after being pursued by Fairfax in June 1648. The town endured an eleven-week siege marked by hunger, disease and severe civilian suffering before surrendering on 28 August. Royalist commanders Charles Lucas and George Lisle were executed shortly afterwards.
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WEAF Broadcasts an Early Paid Radio Advertisement
In 1922, New York radio station WEAF broadcast one of the first paid radio advertisements, marking a pivotal moment in the history of commercial broadcasting. This advertisement set a precedent for the future of radio as a medium for marketing and communication. The introduction of paid advertisements transformed the radio industry, leading to the establishment of advertising as a primary revenue source for broadcasters.
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Battle of Covadonga
The Battle of Covadonga, fought in the Picos de Europa mountains in Spain, marked a significant turning point in the Reconquista. This battle saw the Christian forces led by Pelayo defeat the Moors, establishing a foothold for Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula. The victory is often considered the beginning of the long process of reclaiming territory from Muslim rule, which would shape the cultural and political landscape of Spain for centuries to come.
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Battle of Newburn
A Scottish Covenanter army defeated English forces at Newburn near Newcastle upon Tyne on 28 August 1640. The Scots occupied Newcastle and gained control of its strategically important coal trade. Charles I was forced to negotiate and summon another parliament to finance the settlement.
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Tom Thumb Locomotive Demonstration
In 1830, Peter Cooper demonstrated the Tom Thumb locomotive, the first American-built steam locomotive, racing it against a horse-drawn carriage on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This event showcased the potential of steam power for rail transport and marked a significant milestone in American industrial history. The success of the Tom Thumb spurred further developments in rail technology, revolutionizing transportation and commerce in the United States.
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Harrier Jump Jet Operational
In 1969, the Harrier Jump Jet, developed by Hawker Siddeley, became the first operational vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet aircraft. This innovative technology allowed for greater flexibility in military operations, enabling aircraft to operate from smaller spaces and in diverse environments. The Harrier's unique capabilities revolutionized air combat and set new standards for future military aviation designs.