August 1953

Friday 07:

Ohio admitted to the union, retroactive to 1803 (this is disputed by some).

Wednesday 12:

Nuclear testing: The Soviet atomic bomb project proceeded with the detonation of Joe 4, the first Soviet thermonuclear weapon.

Monday 17:

Addiction: First meeting of Narcotics Anonymous in Southern California.

Wednesday 19:

Cold War: The CIA helps to overthrow the government of Mohammed Mossadegh in Iran and reinstate the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Saturday 22:

The jail on Devil's Island is closed

Friday 28:

Nippon Television broadcasts Japan's first television show, including its first TV advertisement.