Today in History: August 24

6000 Jews Blamed for Spreading the Plague

In Mainz, Electorate of Mainz, a horrific event occurred on August 24. Approximately 6000 Jewish individuals were unjustly accused of spreading the Bubonic Plague and subsequently killed.

Ukraine's Declaration of Independence

Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, made a pivotal decision on August 24. They passed the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, setting the stage for a public referendum.

US Involvement in South Vietnam

On August 24, the US State Department sent a cable to its embassy in Saigon. The message conveyed US concerns regarding the political role of Ngo Dinh Nhu, brother of South Vietnam's President Ngo Dinh Diem. The cable urged Diem to remove his brother from power.

Mount Vesuvius Eruption

August 24, 79 AD, witnessed a catastrophic event. The long-dormant Mount Vesuvius erupted, releasing immense pyroclastic flows that buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and nearby settlements.