This day in history

On 15 August, 1947, the former Mogul Empire is divided into the independent nations of India and Pakistan.

Mohandas Gandhi struggled through decades of peaceful resistance before Britain finally accepted Indian independence. Self-rule had been promised during World War II, but after the war triangular negotiations between Gandhi, the British and the Muslim League stalled over whether to partition India along religious lines. Eventually, Lord Mountbatten, the British viceroy of India, forced through the compromise plan.

Gandhi called the agreement the noblest act of the British nation, but religious strife between Hindus and Muslims soon marred his exhilaration. Hundreds of thousands, including Gandhi, were killed before the fighting ended in 1949.

Israel starts its withdrawal from Gaza.

The French authorities announce the capture of the international terrorist known as Carlos the Jackal (real name Ilich Ramirez Sanchez).

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev declares that he is ready to begin disarmament talks with the West.

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is established.

During the Nine Years War, Irish forces led by Hugh Roe O'Donnell ambush English forces led by Sir Conyers Clifford at the Battle of Curlew Pass in Ireland.