The pages of history are filled with dates that resonate with extraordinary events. Join us as we journey through time to revisit the major historical events that unfolded on August 19.
Major Historical Events on August 19- Today in History
Edward I Ascends the Throne of England – 1274 AD
Edward I was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey, marking the beginning of a reign that would see significant military campaigns and the establishment of parliamentary power.
Enea Silvio Piccolomini Becomes Pope Pius II – 1458 AD
After the death of Pope Calixtus III, Enea Silvio Piccolomini was elected as Pope Pius II, known for his humanist writings and efforts to organize a crusade against the Ottoman Empire.
USS Constitution’s Triumph in the War of 1812 – 1812 AD
Commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, the USS Constitution achieved a stunning victory over the British frigate HMS Guerriere, solidifying its reputation as “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812.
Battle of Contreras: U.S. Forces’ Strategic Move – 1847 AD
Under the leadership of Major General Winfield Scott, U.S. forces commenced the Battle of Contreras, which paved the way for the final campaign of the Mexican-American War and led to the capture of Mexico City.
Birth of Iconic Fashion Designer Coco Chanel – 1883 AD
Coco Chanel, born on this day, revolutionized the fashion industry with her timeless and elegantly casual designs, influencing Parisian haute couture for nearly sixty years.
Hitler Becomes Führer: A Pivotal Moment in German History – 1934 AD
In a pivotal referendum, approximately 90 percent of German voters approved Adolf Hitler as “Führer und Reichskanzler,” consolidating his power as both leader and chancellor.
The Start of Stalin’s Great Purge – 1936 AD
Soviet authorities initiated the Great Purge, beginning with the first show trial that led to the execution of Lev Kamenev and others, as Joseph Stalin eliminated his real and potential political rivals.
The Liberation of Paris Begins – 1944 AD
On August 19, 1944, the Liberation of Paris began as Allied forces entered the city during World War II, marking the beginning of the end of Nazi occupation in France.
Vietnamese Commandos Enter Hanoi – 1945 AD
Under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh, a commando force formed by Vo Nguyen Giap entered Hanoi, marking a significant step in the Vietnamese struggle for independence.
Birth of Bill Clinton: Future U.S. President – 1946 AD
Bill Clinton, born on this day, would go on to become the 42nd President of the United States, known for his economic policies and efforts toward global peace.
Francis Gary Powers Sentenced for Espionage – 1960 AD
American pilot Francis Gary Powers was sentenced to 10 years in Soviet custody following the U-2 Affair, a major Cold War incident, though he was later exchanged for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel in 1962.
Gorbachev Briefly Ousted in 1991 Coup – 1991 AD
On this day in 1991, Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, was briefly overthrown in a coup by communist hard-liners, a failed attempt that accelerated the dissolution of the USSR.
Passing of Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling – 1994 AD
Linus Pauling, the only individual to receive two unshared Nobel Prizes, passed away at age 93, leaving a legacy in both chemistry and peace activism.
Google’s Game-Changing IPO – 2004 AD
Google Inc. raised $1.66 billion in its initial public offering, using a unique public auction method to democratize stock ownership, making it one of the most successful IPOs in tech history.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on August 18- Today in History
