Major Historical Events on February 19- Today in History

As we turn the pages of history back to February 19th, we uncover a tapestry of events that have shaped our world in profound ways. From groundbreaking discoveries to pivotal moments in politics and the arts, this date marks the anniversary of numerous significant occurrences. Let’s journey together through time, exploring the Major Historical Events on February 19, reminding us of the ever-evolving story of humanity that unfolds day by day.

1600 – Huaynaputina’s Violent Eruption

In 1600, the Peruvian stratovolcano, Huaynaputina, erupted violently. This event is marked as the most severe eruption in South American history. Over 1,000 lives were lost. The eruption had a global impact, severely affecting Earth’s climate.

1649 – Dutch Brazil Defeated

By 1649, Dutch colonization efforts in Brazil came to an end. This was due to their defeat by the Portuguese in the second Battle of Guarapes. The battle was crucial.

1878 – Phonograph Patented

Thomas Edison, in 1878, patented the phonograph. This invention revolutionized the way people listened to music and experienced audio entertainment. It marked the beginning of the recorded sound industry.

1913 – Mexico’s Shortest Presidency

For a brief moment in 1913, Pedro Lascurain served as Mexico’s President. His presidency lasted only 45 minutes, making it the shortest in history. This event highlighted the political instability and rapid changes in leadership that characterized Mexico during this period.

1942 – Japanese American Incarceration

In 1942, following the Pearl Harbor attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order. This order led to the incarceration of Japanese Americans across the United States.

1945 – Iwo Jima Invaded

The invasion of Iwo Jima by US Marines in 1945 was a pivotal moment in World War II. With 30,000 troops, the US aimed to seize control from Japanese forces. The battle was strategically significant, showcasing the intense combat and sacrifices made during the Pacific campaign.

1949 – First Bollingen Prize

In 1949, Ezra Pound received the first Bollingen Prize for poetry. This award recognized his contributions to literature, despite the controversy surrounding his political views. The prize sparked debate on the relationship between an artist’s work and their personal beliefs.

1959 – Cyprus Independence Granted

The United Kingdom granted Cyprus independence in 1959, formally proclaimed in 1960. This marked the end of British colonial rule and the beginning of a new era for Cyprus. The country’s independence was a significant step towards establishing its sovereignty and national identity.

1960 – China’s First Rocket

China’s successful launch of the T-7 sounding rocket in 1960 marked its entry into space exploration. This achievement demonstrated China’s growing capabilities in science and technology, contributing to its status as an emerging space power.

1963 – Feminist Movement Reawakened

The Feminine Mystique, published by Betty Friedan in 1963, reinvigorated the feminist movement in the United States. It led to the formation of women’s organizations and consciousness-raising groups. The book challenged traditional roles and sparked widespread social change.

1965 – South Vietnam Coup Attempt

In 1965, a coup attempt in South Vietnam was led by Colonel Phạm Ngọc Thảo, a communist spy. The event underscored the complex political and military struggles within Vietnam.

1976 – Internment Order Rescinded

In 1976, President Gerald Ford rescinded Executive Order 9066 with Proclamation 4417. This order had led to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

1978 – Larnaca Airport Raid

A failed raid by Egyptian forces at Larnaca International Airport occurred in 1978. They attempted to intervene in a hijacking without Cyprus’s permission. The raid ended disastrously, with 15 Egyptian commandos killed.

1984 – Mahre Brothers’ Olympic Win

In 1984, Phil and Steve Mahre made history at the Olympics. They became the first brothers to win gold and silver in the same event. Their achievement showcased exceptional talent and sibling synergy in skiing.

1985 – EastEnders Premieres

The British soap opera “EastEnders” debuted on BBC in 1985. It quickly became a cultural staple. The show provided a gritty, realistic portrayal of life in London’s East End. It has entertained millions since.

1985 – Iberia Flight 610 Crash

The crash of Iberia Flight 610 in 1985, on Mount Oiz in Spain, resulted in 148 deaths. It stands as Iberia’s deadliest accident and the deadliest in Basque Country. The tragedy underscored the importance of aviation safety and led to increased scrutiny of airline operations.

1985 – Artificial Heart Milestone

William J. Schroeder became a medical pioneer in 1985. He was the first person with an artificial heart to leave the hospital. This marked a significant milestone in medical technology and heart care.

1986 – Akkaraipattu Massacre

The Akkaraipattu massacre in 1986 saw the Sri Lankan Army kill 80 Tamil farm workers. This act of violence was part of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, illustrating the brutal realities of civil war and the deep-seated tensions between ethnic groups.

1989 – Daytona 500 Strategy Win

In 1989, Darrell Waltrip won the 31st Daytona 500 using a fuel strategy. His team decided not to pit in the closing laps, a move that paid off. This victory highlighted the importance of strategy in motorsports.

1989 – Flying Tiger Line Crash

The crash of Flying Tiger Line flight 66 in 1989, near Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, resulted in four deaths. The accident highlighted the risks associated with aviation and underscored the need for stringent safety measures in flight operations.

2002 – Mars Odyssey Mapping

In 2002, NASA’s Mars Odyssey began mapping the surface of Mars. Using its thermal emission imaging system, the spacecraft provided valuable data on the Martian environment. This mission contributed significantly to our understanding of Mars, paving the way for future exploration.

2003 – Iranian Military Crash

An Ilyushin Il-76 military aircraft crashed near Kerman, Iran, in 2003, killing 275. This tragic event is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history. It underscored the risks associated with military aviation and the importance of ensuring aircraft safety.

2006 – Mexico Mine Explosion

In 2006, a methane explosion in a coal mine near Nueva Rosita, Mexico, killed 65 miners. This disaster highlighted the dangers of mining operations and the need for improved safety measures to protect workers.

2007 – Tumblr Founded

Tumblr was founded by David Karp in 2007. The website revolutionized blogging. It offered a simple, versatile platform for sharing and discovering content. It quickly grew into a vast, creative community.

2008 – Fidel Castro Resigns

In 2008, Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba’s president. His resignation ended nearly five decades of leadership. Castro was a figure of controversy, admired by some for his revolutionary ideals and criticized by others for his authoritarian methods.

2011 – Belitung Shipwreck Exhibition

The debut exhibition of the Belitung shipwreck in 2011 in Singapore showcased the largest collection of Tang dynasty artifacts found in one location. This exhibition offered a unique glimpse into ancient trade routes and the cultural exchanges between the East and West.

2012 – Apodaca Prison Brawl

A prison brawl in 2012 in Apodaca, Nuevo León, Mexico, resulted in the deaths of 44 people. This incident exposed the severe overcrowding and violence plaguing the country’s prison system, calling for urgent reforms to ensure the safety and rights of inmates.

2021 – Myanmar Protester Killed

In 2021, Mya Thwe Thwe Khine became the first known casualty of the anti-coup protests in Myanmar. Her death symbolized the brutal crackdown on protesters following the 2021 coup d’état, highlighting the struggle for democracy and human rights in the country.

Also Read: Major Historical Events on February 18- Today in History