August 21, 1944The US, Great Britain, Soviet Union, and China open the Dumbarton Oaks conference in Washington, DC. The conference lays the foundation for the establishment of the United Nations.

August 22, 1775Englands King George III proclaims the American colonies in a state of open rebellion.

August 23, 1942German forces begin an assault on the major Soviet industrial city of Stalingrad. From August to February 1943, The Battle of Stalingrad,