August 31

Monday 31, 1992:

Pascal Lissouba is inaugurated as the President of the Republic of the Congo after a multiparty presidential election, ending a long history of one-party oppressive rule under the Congolese Workers Party.

Sunday 31, 1980:

The Solidarity trade union is formed in Poland.

Saturday 31, 1957:

The Federation of Malaya gains its independence from the United Kingdom.

Tuesday 31, 1920:

First news radio program broadcast in Detroit, Michigan.

Thursday 31, 1876:

Ottoman sultan Murat V is deposed and succeeded by his brother Abd-ul-Hamid II.