Historical Day

What Day Is August 4? Britain Enters WWI and Anne Frank Arrested

August 4 is the 216th day of the year (217th in a leap year). In 1914, Britain declared war on Germany; in 1944, Anne Frank and her family were arrested after two years in hiding in Amsterdam.

About August 4

August 4 is the 216th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (217th in a leap year). There are 149 days remaining until the end of the year.

The significance of August 4

In 1914, Britain declared war on Germany after German troops crossed into Belgium, whose neutrality Britain had guaranteed. At midnight, the ultimatum expired; within hours, every major European power was at war. In 1944, Nazi police raided the hidden annex at 263 Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. Anne Frank, her family and four others, who had been living behind a bookcase for more than two years, were arrested. Anne Frank died at Bergen-Belsen in February 1945 at the age of fifteen.

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On This Day in History

  • 1914Britain declared war on Germany after Germany invaded Belgium, bringing every major European power into the First World War.
  • 1944Nazi police raided the secret annex in Amsterdam where Anne Frank and seven others had been hiding for over two years; all were sent to concentration camps.

Baby Names for This Day

August 4 falls under Leo. Names tied to courage and light in dark times:

  • LionelBoy

    'Little lion' in Old French; Leo's energy in a quieter, older form.

  • AlbertBoy

    King Albert I of Belgium, who refused Germany passage in 1914 and led his army in the field throughout the war.

  • EdithGirl

    Edith Cavell, British nurse executed in Belgium in 1915 for helping soldiers escape; a name tied to moral courage.

  • VeraGirl

    Vera Brittain, WWI nurse and author of Testament of Youth; the name means 'truth.'

  • HughBoy

    Hugh Durnford, one of many men named Hugh who served in the war; strong and direct.

  • AnneGirl

    Anne Frank, who spent two years in hiding in Amsterdam before her arrest on August 4, 1944.

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is August 4?add

August 4 is the day Britain declared war on Germany in 1914, bringing every major power into WWI. In 1944, Anne Frank was arrested. It is the 216th day of the year.

What number day of the year is August 4?add

August 4 is the 216th day of the year, or the 217th in a leap year, with 149 days remaining.

What zodiac sign is August 4?add

August 4 is Leo, which runs from July 23 to August 22.