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what happened on 19th march

19th March In History

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“History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.” - Napoleon Bonaparte A fact that most of us wouldn’t even have thought of, everyday day of the year has a history than spans centuries. Like the quote highlighted above, none of us know whether the incident or event was described as to how it actually happened, but it has been recorded and we remember the event in accordance to its date. For most of us, history is a measuring scale. To assess from where we have come and to where we are going, in one word – Progress. On this very day, March 19th, we shed light on historical events that has inevitably shaped what we are today. From the Treaty of Versailles, that eventually determined the fate of the Second World War, to the first aired Academy awards and prized boxing match in history. Scrolling through this list will elucidate the need to value every day of your life, because with each one that passes, history is made, another grain added to this process we have termed as evolution.

HISTORICAL EVENTS ON 19th March

1964

Politics

The House Of Commons Of England Passes An Act Abolishing The House Of Lords

On this very day, the House of Commons took a revolutionary step in the English Parliament by dismantling and abolishing the House of Lords. The reason for doing so was that they were “useless and dangerous to the people of England”, according to a statement. The act was only deemed valid after the restoration of the King.

1702

Politics

Anne Stuart, The Sister Of Mary, Succeeds To The Throne Of England

Following the death of William III, Anne Stuart succeeded the throne of England as the Queen. Five years later, it was under her rule that the 1707 Acts of Union was passed, an act which combined England and Scotland as a single sovereign state called Great Britain.

1740

Politics

The British Parliament Passed The Plantation Act In America

As a means to propel the colonization and spread the Catholic faith, the British Government passed the Plantation or the Naturalization Act. The act stated that any protestant alien, living more than seven years in an American colony, without leaving it for more than two months, would be deemed his Majesty’s natural-born subjects of this Kingdom. The individuals had to pay two shillings, profess their faith and declare allegiance to the British throne.

1918

Politics

The U.S. Congress Approved Daylight-Saving Time

Following the footsteps of Germany during the World War I, who observed DST to conserve fuel, the United States Congress approved of it following the Standard Time Act of March 19, 1918. The practice of adjusting the clock one hour ahead during the warmer months is now a norm.

1920

Politics

The United States Senate Rejects The Treaty Of Versailles For The Second Time

The Treaty of Versailles, which was a peace treaty between the Allies (Britain, France, Italy & United States) and Germany was signed by all the allies but by United States. The Treaty was rejected by the senate of the United States after the decision was put to vote and fell short of the required 2/3rd majority.

1963

Politics

U.S. President John F. Kennedy And Six Latin American Presidents Pledged To Fight Communism

Following the Cuban revolution spurred by Fidel Castro, John F. Kennedy signed the Kennedy Doctrine which dealt with foreign policies, one which was intended to voice against the spread of Communism in Europe. Another motive was to reverse its progress by promoting the concept of liberty.

1979

Politics

The United States Houses Of Representatives Begins Broadcasting Its Day-To-Day Business Via The Cabl

To promote the spirit of transparency and accountability in the government, the C-SPAN network set up their production on the different floors of the House of Representatives to show cast the day-to-day proceedings to the general public.

1861

Wars

The First Taranaki War Ends In New Zealand

A battle sparked by the New Zealand government’s irredentism on the indigenous Māori people, the First Taranaki War was fought between the Maori tribes, and the coalition of the New Zealand, British and Australian troops. Historians dispute who thwarted who, some say that it was the Maori who emerged victorious, while others side with the coalition forces being the victors.

1865

Wars

American Civil War: The Battle Of Bentonville Begins

The civil war, fought between the Union and the Confederates came to a halting end at the Battle of Bentoville. The war ended in a couple of days with the Confederates retreating their post at the Four Oaks, North Carolina.

1921

Wars

Irish War Of Independence: Crossbarry Ambush

One of the most important moments that propelled the Irish’s fight for independence was the Crossbarry Ambush. At the Crossbarry junction, a little more than a hundred members of the Irish Republican Army escaped being besieged by 1,300 British troops, a girth that could have ended their fight for independence. Six IRA soldiers were killed in the fleet while they took down between 10 -40 British troops.

1944

Wars

World War II: Nazi Forces Occupy Hungary

A member of the Axis Powers which included Germany and Italy, Hungary betrayed Germany and made a truce with United States and UK. Aghast by this betrayal, Hitler ordered his troops to March into Hungary and take complete control.

1945

Wars

United States Carrier USS Franklin Is Attacked By Japanese Forces

Nicknamed “Big Ben”, the carrier was attacked off the coast of Japan in a Japanese air attack that killed 800 of the crew onboard. USS Franklin, despite being heavily damaged returned to the US on its own power to be repaired and thus becoming the most damaged US carrier to have survived the war.

1945

Wars

Adolf Hitler Issues The "Nero Decree"

With the Allied forces penetrating deep into Germany, Hitler issued the Nero Decree as his last ultimatum. The decree which is named after the Emperor Nero, who burnt his city to ashes, was issued by the Fuhrer to prevent the Allies making use of their infrastructure. First in command Albert Speer disobeyed the orders to save Germany from turning to ashes.

2003

Wars

U.S. Launches 'Decapitation' Strike Against Iraq

President Bush ordered the attack on Iraq with its leader Saddam Hussien being the personal target. The US carried out an airstrike over prime areas surrounding Bagdad using cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs.

2011

Wars

Libyan Civil War: Foreign Military Intervention In Libya

With Colonel Muammar Gaddafi refusing to step down, and in order to end the civil war in Libya, a multi-state coalition was spurred to oust the Gaddafi government. The initial effort to liberate the Libyans was carried out by France and UK and eventually expanded to 19 states joining in.

2013

Wars

Iraq Attacks By The Islamic State Of Iraq

On the tenth anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq War which was launched by the United States, the Islamic State of Iraq launched a series of terror attacks. The attack consisting of coordinated bombings and shootings that killed 90 people and injuring around 240 civilians.

2015

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Rock Fall In Guilin, China

In China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a partial landslide or rock fall claimed the lives of seven people and injured 19, most compromising of a tourist group. A huge boulder was said to be the reason behind the lives lost.

1877

Sports

Australia Beats England In First Ever Test Cricket Match

The birth of a new sport, cricket, saw Australia beat the inventors of the game, England, by 45-runs. Australia’s C Bannerman brilliant knock of 165 on the very first day set the tempo for the Aussie. Unlike test matches today that are limited to five days, this game was timeless, which means that the game will end only once there is a result.

1950

Sports

Babe Didrikson Zaharias Wins The US Open With A Shocker

Babe Didrikson Zaharias shot an unprecedented whopping record of 298 to beat her competitor Clair Doran by eight strokes to lift the women’s golfing slam – The US Open.

1950

Sports

Rochester Royals Win Their First NBA Championship

The Rochester Royals beat the Baltimore Blues 97-66 to win their 15th consecutive NBA game, which broke the record for the most wins consecutively in a season end. This valiant effort won them their first NBA Championship.

1954

Sports

The First Televised Boxing Match Was Aired In Color

In the first match to be aired in color, Joey Giardello knocked out Willie Tory in the seventh round of the match.

1954

Sports

Willie Mosconi Sets A Straight Pool World Record

Nicknamed “Mr. Pocket Billiards”, Willie Mosconi broke the world record by potting 526 consecutive balls. The record still stands today and Mosconi is now a Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame inductee.

1972

Sports

The Minneapolis Lakers Win By The Biggest Margin In NBA History

The Lakers thrashed their opponents St. Louis Hawks 133-75 to record the biggest rout in NBA History.

1966

Sports

Texas Western Miners Basketball Team Creates History

The team coached by hall of fame coach Don Haskins created history by becoming the first all-black team to win the NCAA basketball national championship by beating Kentucky( An all-white team) 72-65. The whole team was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and also inspired the book and movie adaptation “Glory Road”.

1990

Sports

The First Ever Ice Hockey Women’s Championship Was Held

At Ottawa Canada, the world’s first ever women’s ice hockey championship was held. In the final played between Canada and the United States, the stadium saw an attendance of 9000 while it was broadcasted to more than a million people. Canada emerged winners with Finland taking the third spot.

1991

Sports

Brett Hull, Of The St. Louis Blues Enters His Name Into The Record Books

Now an NHL legend, Brett scored 86 goals in the 90-91 season becoming the third highest ever goal scoring tally in a single season in history. He won the Hart Memorial Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award and was voted the most valuable player of the season.

2004

Sports

Tara Kirk Breaks The 100-Meter Breaststroke World Record

The Australian swimmer, who is also an Olympic silver medalist, smashed the 100-meter breaststroke with a timing of 1:04 minutes, becoming the first woman ever to complete the event under 1:05 mins.

2006

Sports

Candace Parker Is The First Woman To Dunk In An NCAA Tournament Game

Tennessee’s Parker made a one handed leap to the hoop and scored the first dunk ever in history by a women in the NCAA tournament. Her team Lady Vols defeated the Army team 104-55 in the same game.

1944

Literature & Entertainment

Tippett's Oratorium "Child Of Our Time," Premieres

The start of something magical, Michael Tippett’s orchestra “Child of Our Time” premiered in London. This was the first of what would later turn into a world tour as this large musical composition was a rave from its very start.

1953

Literature & Entertainment

The Academy Awards Is Televised For The First Time

Advertised as the “Greatest show on Earth”, the Academy Awards made history this day and year by being televised. About 32-million viewers tuned in to watch the spectacle and actors Gary Cooper and Shirley Booth walked away with the honors of Best Actor and Actress respectively.

1962

Literature & Entertainment

Legendary Bob Dylan Releases His First Album

The legendary American singer-song writer who is now a winner of numerous awards including the Grammy and Academy Award, released his first ever album which was self-titled “Bob Dylan” through Columbia records.

1964

Literature & Entertainment

Sean Connery Commences Filming His Third James Bond Movie

Though the film production for the movie commenced a few months prior, Connery joined the sets to start the shoot of his third Bond film called “Goldfinger”. The movie was the first in the Bond series to bag an Academy Award.

1972

Literature & Entertainment

"To Live Another Summer" Closes After 173 Shows

After wowing the world with their spectacular talent, the Broadway cast of "To Live Another Summer" closed the curtains one last time at Helen Hayes New York City after a stunning 173 shows.

1977

Literature & Entertainment

The Last Episode Of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" Aired

Created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns, this hit comedy series aired its last ever show this very day. The series was the first of its kind as it showcased an unmarried woman as the central character. It won the Emmy awards three years in a row and is ranked number 6 of the 101 Best Written TV Series of All Time.

1687

Trivia

Explorer Robert Cavelier De La Salle Is Murdered

Famous French Explorer who explored the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico was murdered by Pierre Duhaut, one of his men, at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Robert Cavelier intended to claim the basin for France and even called it “La Louisiane” in honor of Louis XIV.

1831

Trivia

The First Bank Robbery Is Reported

The heist worth $245,000, worth $52 million in today’s currency, from the City Bank on Wall Street in New York City was carried out by a thief Edward Smith, who robbed the bank just by making a spare key. Apparently he spent $60,000 to plan the event. He was caught, tried and sentenced to prison for five years.

1895

Trivia

Auguste And Louis Lumière Record The First Footage Using The Cinematograph

Regarded as the first filmmakers in history, in contrast to Edison’s peepshow which could be viewed by only one person at a time, the Lumière brothers invented the world’s first cinematograph. They also patented it and on this day recorded its first ever footage.

1931

Trivia

Gambling Is Legalized In Nevada

Considered a crime till then after the territorial legislature instituted stiff penalties for gamblers in 1861, gambling was legalized in Nevada. It was done so in 1931 in an attempt to pull the state out of the Great Depression.

1932

Trivia

The Sydney Harbor Bridge Is Opened

An iconic destination for globetrotters today, the Sydney Harbor Bridge was opened following a speech by state Governor, Sir Philip Game. It was the widest bridge in its time, currently the sixth-longest and is the tallest arched bridge.

1942

Trivia

Thoroughbred Racing Association Of U.S. Formed In Chicago

Despite the World War II posing a threat to end racing across all country, Alfred G. Vanderbilt commissioned its formation to ensure the continuation of thoroughbred breeding.

1943

Trivia

Frank Nitti, The Chicago Outfit Boss After Al Capone, Commits Suicide At The Chicago Central Railyar

Prisoned previously for extorting money from the Hollywood Film industry, Nitti, who suffered from claustrophobia, dreaded the thought of going back into a cell. The day before the jury’s decision, Nitti shot himself thrice in the head, as the first two bullets failed to kill him.

1949

Trivia

First Museum Devoted Exclusively To Atomic Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Following the success of the Manhattan Project which developed the first atomic bomb, the first ever American Museum of Atomic Energy was founded in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The museum was erected to educate the public on the benefits and function of atomic energy.

1958

Trivia

Monarch Underwear Company Fire

Although no codes were violated, the fire which started at 4.30 P.M on 623 Broadway (Manhattan) claimed the lives of ten people and seriously injured a little more than twenty.

1965

Trivia

Archaeologist E. Lee Spence Discovers The Most Powerful Confederate Cruiser

100 years after the most powerful Confederate cruiser SS Georgiana sank, teenage diver and pioneer underwater archeologist, E. Lee Spence discovered it. He recovered sundries, munitions, medicines and gold worth $50 million.

1969

Trivia

Iconic Emley Moor Transmitting Station Collapses

Standing at 385.5-metre (1,265 ft.) tall, the Emley Moor transmitting station collapsed due to the blizzard that lashed strong winds against the structure. The ice buildup on the guy-wires was the primary reason that brought the structure down.

1987

Trivia

World Famous And Revered Televangelist Jim Baker Resigns After His Sex Scandal Is Made Public

Host of an evangelical Christian channel and revered televangelists is forced into resignation after his affair with Jennifer Hann was brought to light. Jim was send to prison for embezzlement and fraud and divorced shortly after.

2002

Trivia

Zimbabwe Is Suspended From The Commonwealth

Following a turbulent term served by President Robert Mugabe which included many cases of human rights violations and a fraudulent electoral that ensured he is returned to power, Zimbabwe was suspended from the Commonwealth.

2002

Trivia

Ben Kingsley Is Knighted

A winner of an Oscar, Grammy, Bafta and many other awards, Ben was knighted by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution towards the British film industry. Kingsley once stated, “I told the Queen that winning an Oscar pales into insignificance – this is insurmountable. I'm fascinated by the ancient, by mythology, by these islands and their tradition of storytelling. I feel that I am a story teller and to receive a knighthood is really recognition of that."

2008

Trivia

A Cosmic Burst That Is The Farthest Object Visible To The Naked Eye Is Briefly Observed

Detected by NASA's Swift satellite, a cosmic burst was seen by many with the naked eye and shattered the record of the farthest burst ever sighted without the use of telescopes. According to Swift’s principal investigator, “This burst was a whopper; it blows away every gamma ray burst we've seen so far.”

2013

Trivia

Papal Inauguration Ceremony For Pope Francis Is Held In St. Peter's Square

Following the first of its kind and shock retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis was elected by the conclave of cardinals. His inaugural ceremony was witnessed by tens of thousands at St. Peters Square and viewed by millions across the globe.