The Thread of Random Internetz

August 1 - Benin become independent from France, under the name Dahomey.

August 5 - Burkina Faso (Upper Volta) declares independence from France.

August 6 - Cuban Revolution: In response to a United States embargo, Cuba nationalizes American and foreign-owned property in the nation.

August 6 - In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Albert Kalonji declares the independence of the Autonomous State of South Kasai.

August 7 - Côte d'Ivoire becomes independent.

August 11 - Chad becomes independent.

August 13 - Central African Republic becomes independent.

August 15 - Congo-Brazzaville becomes independent.

August 16 - Joseph Kittinger parachutes from a balloon over New Mexico at 102,800 feet (31,333 m). He sets unbeaten (as of 2005) world records for: high-altitude jump; free-fall by falling 16 miles (25.7 km) before opening his parachute; and fastest speed by a human without motorized assistance, 982 km/h (614 mi/h).

August 16 - Cyprus gains its independence from the United Kingdom.