On This Day, Aug. 2: President Historical Highlights: Declaration of Independence, President Warren G. Harding’s Death, and Key 20th Century Eventsn G. Harding dies in office

On this date in history, several significant events have taken place. In 1776, the Continental Congress members signed the Declaration of Independence, a landmark moment in American history that marked the colonies’ official break from British rule. This foundational document, initially adopted on July 4, laid the groundwork for the United States’ principles of freedom and democracy.

In 1923, the 29th President of the United States, Warren G. Harding, passed away from a stroke in San Francisco at the age of 58. His sudden death led to Vice President Calvin Coolidge assuming the presidency. Harding’s tenure was marred by scandals, most notably the Teapot Dome scandal, though he also sought to restore normalcy post-World War I.

Germany saw a dramatic shift in 1934 when President Paul von Hindenburg died. His death allowed Chancellor Adolf Hitler to consolidate power, becoming the absolute dictator under the title of fuehrer. This event marked a significant turn towards totalitarianism in Germany, setting the stage for World War II and the ensuing global conflict.

In the United States, several notable events occurred in the mid-20th century. The U.S. Virgin Islands National Park was established in 1956, preserving 23 square miles of pristine land and water.

In 1968, a devastating earthquake struck Manila, Philippines, resulting in the deaths of 307 people. Additionally, in 1974, John Dean, a key figure in the Watergate scandal, was sentenced to prison, though he was released early for cooperating with the investigation.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries continued to be marked by significant events. In 1985, a tragic plane crash at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport claimed 135 lives. In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee made history in 1992 by winning her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the heptathlon. The Republican Party nominated George W. Bush and Dick Cheney for the 2000 presidential election.

More recently, in 2018, Apple achieved a milestone by becoming the first publicly traded company to reach a trillion-dollar market capitalization. In 2020, two NASA astronauts successfully returned from the International Space Station, marking the first commercial crewed mission by SpaceX.