August 1966

Monday 01:

Purges of intellectuals and imperialists becomes official People's Republic of China policy at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution.

Sunday 07:

Race riots occur in Lansing, Michigan.

Thursday 11:

John Lennon holds a press conference in Chicago excusing himself from the "Jesus affair"

Friday 12:

John Lennon apologizes at a Chicago news conference for saying the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus."

Tuesday 16:

Vietnam War: The House Un-American Activities Committee begins investigations of Americans who have aided the Viet Cong. The committee intends to introduce legislation making these activities illegal. Anti-war demonstrators disrupt the meeting and 50 people are arrested.

Thursday 18:

Vietnam War: The Battle of Long Tan occurs, when a patrol of Royal Australian Regiment encounter the Viet Cong.

Tuesday 23:

Lunar Orbiter 1 takes the first photograph of Earth from orbit around the Moon.

Monday 29:

Execution of Sayyid Qutb, a leading theoretician of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood.