On August 12, 30 BCE, Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, dies, reportedly by suicide. Her death marks the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and Egypt's annexation by Rome, solidifying Roman control over the Mediterranean and bringing an end to centuries of ancient Egyptian rule.
30 BCE - Cleopatra VII Dies
On August 12, 1851, Isaac Singer is granted a patent for his version of the sewing machine, which includes innovative features like a foot pedal and a straight needle. This invention revolutionizes the garment industry by making sewing more efficient and accessible, leading to mass production and significantly impacting the fashion industry.
1851 - Isaac Singer Patents the Sewing Machine
On August 12, 1898, the United States formally annexes the Hawaiian Islands, following a coup against the Hawaiian monarchy and subsequent U.S. military occupation. Hawaii becomes a U.S. territory, and this annexation sets the stage for Hawaii's eventual statehood in 1959 and its strategic importance in the Pacific.
1898 - The United States Annexes Hawaii
On August 12, 1981, IBM releases the IBM 5150, the first personal computer (PC) targeted at the mass market. This launch marks the beginning of the PC revolution, making computers accessible to the general public and significantly influencing business, education, and home computing worldwide.
1981 - IBM Releases the First Personal Computer (PC)
On August 12, 1960, NASA launches Echo 1, the world's first passive communications satellite. The large metallic balloon reflects radio signals back to Earth, demonstrating the potential for space-based communications and paving the way for the development of active satellites that would revolutionize global communications.
