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19 October Today in History
Battle of Leipzig
Known as the Battle of Nations, it was one of the most decisive defeats suffered by Napoleon Bonaparte. Taking place from 16-19 October 1813, the battle ended with the French army’s retreat on the 19th. It marked a significant turning point in the Napoleonic Wars, leading to Napoleon's exile to Elba.
The Death of Hanns Martin Schleyer
Hanns Martin Schleyer, a prominent German business executive and former SS officer, was murdered on this day by the Red Army Faction. His death marked the end of the German Autumn - a set of events that occurred in late 1977, which were associated with the Red Army Faction's activity.
Helmut Kohl Becomes Chancellor
Following a constructive vote of no confidence against Helmut Schmidt, leader of the Social Democratic Party, Helmut Kohl of the Christian Democratic Union became the Chancellor of West Germany on 19th October 1982. Kohl would go on to become the longest-serving Chancellor of Germany since Otto von Bismarck.
Angela Merkel Becomes Germany's Chancellor
Angela Merkel became the first woman to ever hold the office of Chancellor in Germany. She served as the Chancellor of Germany from 22 November 2005 to 8 December 2021, making her the longest-serving political leader in the European Union.
Germany Decides to Phase-out Nuclear Power
On 19th October 2011, the German government passed a law to shut down all of the country's nuclear power plants by the end of 2022. This decision was a response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan earlier that year.
Death of King John of England
King John of England, also known as John Lackland, passed away on October 19, 1216. He is widely remembered for signing the Magna Carta in 1215, a document that limited royal power and is considered a foundational text of English law and civil liberties.
Battle of Horseshoe Bend
On October 19, 1745, during the War of Austrian Succession, British and Austrian forces defeated the French at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. It was a key victory that helped to halt the French advance in the Low Countries.
British General Cornwallis Surrenders at Yorktown
While this event occurred in America, it was a crucial moment in British history. On October 19, 1781, British General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. This marked the beginning of the end of British colonial rule in America.
Black Monday
October 19, 1987, known as Black Monday, was a day when stock markets around the world crashed, shedding a huge value in a very short time. The FTSE 100 Index fell by 10.8% on this day, one of the largest one-day falls in its history.
Mother of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Funeral
The Queen Mother's ceremonial royal funeral took place on April 9, 2002, but her actual interment next to her husband King George VI and her daughter Princess Margaret in the King George VI Memorial Chapel happened on October 19, 2003.
The Siege of Yorktown Ends
The Siege of Yorktown, the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War, ended on this day with British forces under Lord Cornwallis surrendering to General George Washington and the French forces led by the Comte de Rochambeau.
Napoleon Bonaparte Begins Retreat from Moscow
Though not directly related to the United States, this event had significant implications for the geopolitical balance. Napoleon's disastrous retreat from Moscow marked the turning point in the Napoleonic Wars, which had a significant impact on the U.S. and its relations with European powers.
St. Albans Raid
The northernmost land action of the American Civil War took place in St. Albans, Vermont. Confederate soldiers based in Canada raided the town, robbing three banks.
Hoover Dam Begins Transmitting Electricity to Los Angeles
On this day, the Hoover Dam, one of the major engineering feats of its time, began sending electricity over transmission lines spanning 266 miles to Los Angeles, California.
Black Monday - Stock Market Crash
In what is known as Black Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 22.6%, the largest one-day percentage drop in the history of the stock market. The crash sparked fears of extended economic instability.
French Capture of Bordeaux
Marking the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French forces under the command of Jean Bureau captured Bordeaux from the English. This marked the withdrawal of English forces from France, except for Calais, which was finally ceded to France in 1558.
Siege of Yorktown
Although the Siege of Yorktown took place in the United States, it had a significant impact on French history as French forces, led by General Comte de Rochambeau, played a crucial role in the decisive American victory against the British, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. This was the culmination of France's support for the American colonies in their fight for independence from Britain.
Napoleon's Retreat from Moscow
The Grande Armée, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, began its retreat from Moscow on 19th October, marking the turning point of the disastrous Russian Campaign during the Napoleonic Wars. The harsh Russian winter and guerrilla warfare by Russian forces decimated Napoleon's army, leading to his first major defeat and signaling the beginning of his downfall.
Establishment of the Second Republic
The French Second Republic was established in 1848 following the February Revolution that led to the abdication of King Louis-Philippe. On 19th October, the new constitution was finally ratified, establishing a democratic republic in France.
Birth of Olivier Echouafni
Olivier Echouafni, a prominent French football player and coach, was born on this day. He has had a successful career in football management, including managing the France women's national football team.