What Happened on February 19 in History?
February 19 has been a pivotal date for military history, scientific breakthroughs, and the movement for civil rights.
Major Historical Events
Battle of Iwo Jima (1945): During World War II, approximately 30,000 U.S. Marines began their invasion of the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. This led to one of the bloodiest and most iconic battles in the Pacific.
Executive Order 9066 (1942): President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed this order, which led to the forced relocation and internment of approximately 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry (most of whom were U.S. citizens) during World War II.
Phonograph Patent (1878): Thomas Edison received a patent for his invention, the phonograph, the first machine capable of both recording and playing back sound.
Fidel Castro Resigns (2008): After nearly five decades in power, an ailing Fidel Castro announced his resignation as the president of Cuba.
The Mir Space Station (1986): The Soviet Union launched the core module of Mir, the world's first modular space station, which remained in orbit for 15 years.
Donner Party Rescue (1847): The first group of rescuers reached the stranded members of the Donner Party, who had been snowbound in the Sierra Nevada for nearly four months.
The Feminine Mystique (1963): Betty Friedan's landmark book was published, sparking the "second-wave" feminist movement in the United States.
Aaron Burr Arrested (1807): Former U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr was arrested in Alabama on charges of treason related to an alleged plot to create an independent republic.
Notable Births
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473): The Polish astronomer who formulated the heliocentric model of the universe, placing the Sun at the center.
Smokey Robinson (1940): Legendary Motown singer, songwriter, and record producer.
Seal (1963): Grammy-winning British singer-songwriter.
Millie Bobby Brown (2004): Actress known for her role in Stranger Things.
Nikola Jokić (1995): Multiple-time NBA MVP.
Notable Deaths
Harper Lee (2016): Author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird.
Karl Lagerfeld (2019): Iconic fashion designer and creative director of Chanel.
Deng Xiaoping (1997): Chinese leader who spearheaded major economic reforms.
Bon Scott (1980): Lead singer of the rock band AC/DC.
Holidays & Observances
Shivaji Jayanti (India): A celebration of the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire.
Army Day (Mexico): A national holiday honoring the Mexican Armed Forces.
