Select Date
Search Historical Events
19 July Today in History
Heavy Bombing of Rome during World War II
The city of Rome was heavily bombed by more than 500 Allied aircraft, participating in the World War II. The bombing led to hundreds of deaths and significant damage in Rome. This event marked a significant escalation in the Allied bombing campaign and further deteriorated the relationship between Italy and Germany.
Franco-Prussian War Begins
The Franco-Prussian War, which was a significant conflict between the Second French Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia along with its German allies, officially began on this date. The war led to a decisive Prussian victory, marking the rise of the German empire and the downfall of Napoleon III.
Bizonia Established
The British and American occupational zones in Germany were combined to form Bizonia. This was a significant step towards the establishment of West Germany during the post-World War II era, and it laid the groundwork for the division of the country during the Cold War.
The Huygens Probe Heads to Saturn’s Moon Titan
On this date, the European Space Agency’s Huygens probe separated from the NASA Cassini orbiter and started its 20-day journey to Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. This was a monumental moment in space exploration, with Germany playing a significant role in the development and success of the mission.
The Guest Worker Agreement
On this day, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and Italy signed the "Italian Agreement", initiating the era of the "guest worker" in Germany. This was an important socio-economic event that led to a significant influx of Italian immigrants into West Germany, shaping the country's multicultural identity.
Sinking of the Mary Rose
The Mary Rose, one of the first ships of the line in the English navy and King Henry VIII's flagship, sank during the Battle of the Solent against the French fleet. The event was a significant loss for the English fleet, and the ship remained underwater for over 400 years before being recovered in 1982.
Euston Station Opens
Euston station, the terminus of the London and Birmingham Railway, was opened in London. It was the first inter-city railway station in London, and its opening marked a significant step in the development of railway infrastructure in the United Kingdom.
The Battle of Britain Begins
The Battle of Britain, a crucial battle during World War II, began with German air attacks on shipping in the English Channel. The battle continued until October and saw the British Royal Air Force successfully defend the United Kingdom against the German Luftwaffe, marking a significant turning point in the war.
IRA Bomb Attack in London
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) planted a bomb at the London Stock Exchange, causing massive damage but no fatalities. The bombing was part of a campaign of violence by the IRA aimed at ending British rule in Northern Ireland.
Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation Withdraws BSkyB Bid
In the wake of the phone hacking scandal, Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation withdrew its bid to take full control of BSkyB. The phone hacking scandal had serious implications for the reputation of Murdoch's media empire and led to the closure of the News of the World newspaper.
Seneca Falls Convention Begins
The first women's rights convention in United States history began in Seneca Falls, New York on 19 July, 1848. It was organized by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and was attended by around 300 people. The convention marked the beginning of the women's suffrage movement in the U.S.
Doc Holliday Kills for the First Time
John Henry "Doc" Holliday, a notable figure from the Wild West, killed a man for the first time in self-defense on this date. At the time, Holliday was a dentist in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The event began his infamous career as a gunfighter.
U.S. Army Launches First Black Division
On July 19, 1941, the United States Army activated its first all-black division, the 99th Pursuit Squadron, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen. This marked a significant step toward racial integration in the U.S. military.
Joe Walker Flies X-15 to Record Height
U.S. test pilot Joe Walker flew an X-15 to a record altitude of 347,800 feet on this day. This flight qualified him as an astronaut, as it exceeded the international definition of the boundary of space (328,084 feet), making him one of the few people to have flown to space in more than one type of spacecraft.
Apollo-Soyuz Test Project
On this date in 1975, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project took place. It was the first joint U.S.-Soviet space flight, and it marked the end of the Space Race that had begun in 1955. The mission included both joint and separate scientific experiments, and culminated with the first meeting in space between astronauts from the U.S. and cosmonauts from the Soviet Union.
Jean-Paul Marat Assassinated
Jean-Paul Marat, a journalist and politician during the French Revolution, was assassinated in his bathtub by Charlotte Corday, a Girondin sympathizer. Marat's death was a significant event at the height of the Reign of Terror.
Napoleonic Coup of 18 Brumaire Begins
The Napoleonic coup that led to the end of the French Directory and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte as the leader of France began on this day. Although the coup itself took place on 18 Brumaire in the French Republican Calendar (9 November in the Gregorian Calendar), the initial events that led to the coup started on 19 July.
Franco-Prussian War Begins
On this day, France declared war on Prussia, initiating the Franco-Prussian War. This war marked the end of French hegemony in continental Europe and resulted in the creation of a unified Germany.
Battle of Fromelles
The Battle of Fromelles, the worst 24 hours in Australia's entire military history, began on this day during World War I. The French and British armies, including the Australian and British divisions, faced disastrous losses against the German forces.
Armistice Day Speech by Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle, the leader of Free France, gave his famous Armistice Day speech on BBC Radio, denouncing the armistice with Nazi Germany and calling for continued resistance. His speech was an important event in the French Resistance during World War II.