Today is August 17, and it’s packed with firsts, fame, fiction, and fallout. From the world’s first animated cartoon… to Orwell’s warning, Clinton’s confession, and the birth of electric vehicles — this day moves fast.
Let’s dive in.
📅 1891 — Electric Car Self-Starter Patented
We begin with a silent revolution. On this day in 1891, the first patent for an electric automobile self-starter was issued — no hand cranks, no fumes. Just electric motion. Sound like a Tesla ancestor? It was.
Have you ever ridden in or owned an electric car? Tell us below — we want to know!
📅 1908 — World’s First Animated Cartoon Premieres
In Paris, Emile Cohl debuted Fantasmagorie, a two-minute marvel that became the first fully animated cartoon ever shown on screen. It was quirky, surreal — and opened the door to Mickey, Bugs, and beyond.
Could you imagine a world without animation?
📅 1917-1918 — Italy Enters the Ottoman Front & British Attack Baku
During World War I, Italy declared war on the Ottoman Empire in 1917 — expanding the battlefield even further. One year later, British forces launched an offensive on Baku in Azerbaijan, aiming to secure vital oil fields.
📅 1940 — Hitler Orders Blockade of Britain
As WWII escalated, Hitler issued a total blockade of Britain. His goal? Starve the island into surrender.
Spoiler: It didn’t work. British resilience only grew stronger.
📅 1945 — Korea Is Divided at the 38th Parallel
After Japan’s surrender in WWII, the Korean peninsula was split in two: Soviet influence in the North, U.S. presence in the South. The line was meant to be temporary — but became permanent.
Did you know this was the start of a division still shaping the world today?
📅 1946 — Orwell Publishes Animal Farm
“Some animals are more equal than others…” On this day, George Orwell published Animal Farm, a biting allegory of Soviet totalitarianism. It remains one of the most powerful political satires ever written.
📅 1950 — Indonesia Gains Full Independence
After years of struggle, Indonesia officially became a fully independent republic on this day — shaking off Dutch colonial rule. Sukarno led the charge, becoming the country’s first president and a symbol of postwar decolonization.
📅 1966 — NASA Launches Pioneer 7
Pioneer 7 took flight to study the solar wind and interplanetary space — part of NASA’s growing efforts to decode our solar system. Another quiet but crucial step toward understanding the sun.
📅 1998 — Bill Clinton Admits Lewinsky Affair
In a televised address watched by millions, U.S. President Bill Clinton finally admitted to an “improper relationship” with intern Monica Lewinsky. His political fallout was swift — but so was the media circus.
Where were you when this news broke?
📅 2017 — Neutron Star Collision Observed
On this day, scientists at LIGO detected gravitational waves from two neutron stars colliding — a cosmic smash-up that confirmed theories and explained the origins of heavy elements like gold.
Yes — that ring on your finger? Could’ve been forged in a neutron star crash.
🎂 Born on August 17
- 1932 — V.S. Naipaul, Nobel Prize-winning author of A House for Mr. Biswas
- 1943 — Robert De Niro, method actor behind Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas
- 1960 — Sean Penn, two-time Oscar winner and outspoken activist
- 1977 — Thierry Henry, lightning-fast footballer and World Cup champion with France
Quite a lineup — literature, cinema, activism, and sports. Who’s your favorite?
🕯️ Died on August 17
- 1987 — Rudolf Hess, former Nazi official, died by suicide in prison
- 1988 — Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr., son of FDR and former U.S. Congressman
Their legacies couldn’t be more different — one infamous, one statesmanlike.
💍 Weddings on August 17
In 1964, Bruce Lee married Linda Emery in Seattle. Their partnership became legendary — in martial arts and life.
From Orwell’s pen to Pioneer’s path, and political scandal to planetary science — August 17 shows how history swings between warning signs and wonder.
💬 Which moment surprised you the most today?