August 31st

On this day – 31st of August  1997 - Princess Diana died in a car crash

Princess Diana of Wales was a much loved princess in United Kingdom. She was married to Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne. Over 750 million TV viewers saw their wedding in 1981. They had two kids, Prince William and Harry. The couple divorced in 1996, and a year later she was tragically killed in a car crash. Much discussed ever since, no one really knows what happened the night of her death. She was killed in an accident in Paris together with her friend and her driver. The sole survivor of the accident was her body-guard. Although the paparazzi have been accused for causing the death, is the more likely reason that the driver was drunk. A long list of different conspiracy theories has also emerged after the crash. The funeral was sent on TV and followed by millions of people.

August 30th

On this day – 30th of August  1938 - The creator of the Max Factor make-up brand died

The polish, original named Maksymilian Faktrowicz, make-up artist and creator of Max Factor and company died on this day in 1938. Before he came to the US and started the company, he was appointed as the official cosmetic expert for the Russian Royal family. He moved to the US with his family and children in 1904 due to increasing anti-Semitism in Russia. Max Factor died at the young age of 65 after being shocked by a threat on his life on a trip in Europe.

August 29th

On this day - 29th of august - 1825 - Brazils independence was recognised

Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, was on the 29th of August in 1825 recognised as an independent country. Brazil had been a colony under Brazil since April 1500. After growing tension between the two countries declared Brazil itself as independent in 1822. The issues led to the Brazilian war of Independence, but the Portuguese soldiers surrendered in March 1824. A few months later was Brazils independence officially recognised by Portugal. 

August 28th

On this day – 28th of August – 1898 was Pepsi-Cola invented

The drink had been introduced as Brad’s drink in 1883, but on the 28th of August in 1898 was the drink re-branded and sold as Pepsi-Cola. The drink was invented by a pharmacist, Caleb Bradham, to help against indigestion. The company which produced Pepsi-Cola went bankrupt during the great depression, but the drink and its trademark was bought up by Charles Guth who wanted to find a drink which could replace Coca-cola. In 1961 was the drink renamed to just Pepsi.

 

August 27th

On this day - August 27th –  1991 – The day of Eastern European Independence 

Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia was on this day recognised as independent countries by the European Community. Moldova declared its independence on the same day. All four countries had previously been a part of USSR (Soviet Russia) and thereby a part of the cold war, which in many ways had lasted since 1945. Many count 1991 as the year when the cold war ended, and the year that Russia was left behind to tend to its “wounds”. 

August 26th

On this day - August 26th  1920 - women in the US was given the right to vote

The 19th amendment to the US constitution was on this day, the 26th of August in 1920 turned effective. From this day on the women had - after years of suffrage fights -finally gained the right to vote. The right to vote was given on a general basis and in all elections. It was not until 1928 that the women in UK gained the same. The American constitution is still being used to day, and it is therefore the oldest constitution that is still in use today.