May 19 has witnessed a remarkable array of historical events that shaped the world in profound ways. From Napoleon’s creation of the Legion of Honour in 1802 to the tragic execution of Anne Boleyn in 1536, this date holds stories of triumph and loss. Births of influential figures and pivotal cultural moments also mark the day. What other significant milestones occurred on this date? Explore further to uncover more.
History
Major Historical Events
1802 – Establishment of the Legion of Honour: On this day, Napoleon Bonaparte, as First Consul of France, established the Legion of Honour, a prestigious French order of merit. It was created to recognize military and civilian excellence and remains one of the highest honors in France today.
1848 – Mexican-American War Treaty Ratified: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was ratified by the Mexican government on May 19, officially ending the Mexican-American War. This treaty resulted in Mexico ceding a vast portion of its territory, including present-day California and Texas, to the United States.
1919 – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s Resistance Begins: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed at Samsun on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, marking the start of the Turkish War of Independence. This event is considered the beginning of the modern Turkish national movement against Allied occupation after World War I.
1962 – Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Performance: Marilyn Monroe famously sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to President John F. Kennedy at a Democratic Party fundraiser in Madison Square Garden, New York. Her sultry rendition became one of the most memorable moments in pop culture history.
2018 – Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, married American actress Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The globally televised event drew millions of viewers and marked a significant moment in modern British royal history.
Famous Birthdays
1762 – Johann Gottlieb Fichte: German philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte was born on this day in Rammenau, Saxony. He was a key figure in German Idealism and influenced later thinkers like Hegel with his ideas on self-consciousness and ethics.
1925 – Malcolm X: Civil rights activist Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, came into the world in Omaha, Nebraska. A prominent leader in the Nation of Islam, he advocated for Black empowerment and later embraced broader human rights causes before his assassination in 1965.
1941 – Nora Ephron: American writer, filmmaker, and journalist Nora Ephron was born in New York City. Known for her witty romantic comedies like “When Harry Met Sally” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” she left a lasting mark on Hollywood storytelling.
1945 – Pete Townshend: English musician Pete Townshend, guitarist and principal songwriter for The Who, was born in London. His innovative guitar work and rock operas like “Tommy” shaped the landscape of modern rock music.
1986 – Eric Lloyd: American actor Eric Lloyd, best known for playing Charlie Calvin in Disney’s “The Santa Clause” series, was born in Glendale, California. His charming childhood roles endeared him to family audiences worldwide.
Notable Deaths
1536 – Anne Boleyn: Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England, was executed on charges of treason, adultery, and incest at the Tower of London. Her death marked a tragic turning point in the English Reformation and royal history.
1895 – José Martí: Cuban poet, essayist, and revolutionary José Martí died in battle against Spanish forces during the Cuban War of Independence at the Battle of Dos Ríos. He remains a national hero in Cuba for his contributions to independence and literature.
1935 – T.E. Lawrence: British archaeologist, military officer, and writer T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, died in a motorcycle accident in Dorset, England. His role in the Arab Revolt during World War I made him a legendary figure.
2014 – Jack Brabham: Australian racing driver Sir Jack Brabham passed away at the age of 88. A three-time Formula One World Champion, he was the first driver to win a championship in a car of his own construction, leaving an indelible mark on motorsport.
Today in Music History
1960 – First Grammy Awards Broadcast: The second annual Grammy Awards ceremony, held on May 19, became the first to be televised, airing as a pre-recorded special on NBC. Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald were among the night’s big winners.
1973 – Stevie Wonder’s Chart-Topping Hit: Stevie Wonder’s single “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, from his album “Talking Book,” showcased his signature blend of soul and pop.
1980 – Kiss Drummer Departure: Peter Criss, the original drummer for the rock band Kiss, announced his departure from the group on this day. His exit marked the first major lineup change for the iconic band known for its theatrical performances.
Today in Sports History
1910 – Cy Young’s Milestone Victory: Baseball legend Cy Young won his 500th career game on May 19, pitching for the Cleveland Naps against the Washington Senators. He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to achieve this remarkable feat.
1965 – Roger Maris Breaks Record: New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris hit his 61st home run of the season on this day, breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season record. This historic moment cemented Maris as a baseball icon.
2008 – Jon Lester’s No-Hitter: Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester threw a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals, becoming the first left-handed pitcher in franchise history to accomplish the feat. His performance was a highlight of his inspiring career.
2012 – Chelsea Wins Champions League: Chelsea Football Club won their first UEFA Champions League title on May 19, defeating Bayern Munich in a dramatic penalty shootout in Munich. This victory marked a historic achievement for the English club.
Today in Military and Naval History
1568 – Mary Queen of Scots Flees: After her defeat at the Battle of Langside, Mary Queen of Scots fled to England on May 19, seeking refuge with her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. This move led to her eventual imprisonment and execution.
1941 – Battle of Crete Begins: German airborne forces launched Operation Mercury on this day, initiating the Battle of Crete during World War II. The invasion marked one of the first major airborne assaults in military history.
1982 – Falklands War Naval Loss: The British Royal Navy frigate HMS Ardent was sunk by Argentine aircraft during the Falklands War on May 19. The loss highlighted the intense naval combat of the conflict.
Today in Tech and Science History
1961 – Venera 1 Passes Venus: The Soviet spacecraft Venera 1 became the first man-made object to fly by Venus on May 19, although it had lost contact with Earth weeks earlier. This mission marked a significant step in planetary exploration.
1980 – Apple III Released: Apple Computer released the Apple III on this day, targeting the business market. Though less successful than the Apple II, it represented an early attempt to expand personal computing into professional spaces.
2016 – Google AI Milestone: Google announced on May 19 that its DeepMind AI had successfully played and analyzed complex board games like Go, following its historic victory over world champion Lee Sedol earlier that year. This showcased rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1897 – Oscar Wilde Released from Prison: Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde was released from Reading Gaol on May 19 after serving two years for “gross indecency.” His imprisonment profoundly influenced his later works, including “The Ballad of Reading Gaol.”
1930 – Lorraine Hansberry Born: American playwright Lorraine Hansberry, author of “A Raisin in the Sun,” was born on this day in Chicago. Her work addressed racial and social issues, making her a pivotal voice in American theater.
1962 – “The Sound of Music” Wins Tony Awards: The Broadway musical “The Sound of Music” won five Tony Awards on May 19, including Best Musical. The beloved production, based on the von Trapp family, remains a cultural touchstone.
1984 – “Indiana Jones” Premiere: “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” the second film in the iconic adventure series, premiered on May 19. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it further solidified Harrison Ford’s status as a Hollywood legend.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1911 – Parks Canada Established: On May 19, Canada created the world’s first national park service, known as the Dominion Parks Branch, now Parks Canada. While not inherently funny, it’s quirky to think the idea of preserving nature for public enjoyment started over a century ago.
1939 – Soap Opera Debut: The radio soap opera “Young Widder Brown” premiered on NBC on this day, enthralling listeners with dramatic tales of love and loss. It’s amusing to imagine how such serialized drama kept entire households glued to their radios.
1966 – Spaghetti Harvest Hoax Remembered: While not occurring on this exact date, May 19 often brings up historical hoaxes. It’s worth noting the BBC’s famous 1957 “spaghetti harvest” prank aired around this time of year. The idea of spaghetti growing on trees still tickles modern audiences.
Today in History for Kids
1802 – A Special Award is Born: Napoleon in France created the Legion of Honour on May 19, a super cool award for people who do amazing things, like brave soldiers or helpful citizens. It’s like getting a gold star, but way fancier!
1919 – A Hero’s Journey Begins: A brave man named Mustafa Kemal Atatürk started a big fight for freedom in Turkey on this day. He wanted his country to be strong and independent, kind of like standing up for your friends.
1962 – A Famous Birthday Song: Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” to the President of the United States! That’s what Marilyn Monroe did for John F. Kennedy on May 19, and everyone remembers how special it was.
2018 – A Royal Fairytale Wedding: A real-life prince, Harry, married Meghan Markle in a beautiful castle in England on this day. Kids all over the world watched it on TV, dreaming of their own magical stories.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
Did You Know? – Oldest National Park Service: Canada established the world’s first national park service on May 19, 1911. This paved the way for countries everywhere to protect beautiful places like forests and mountains.
Did You Know? – A President’s Birthday Song: Marilyn Monroe’s performance of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” on May 19, 1962, wasn’t just a song. It became a legendary moment, often replayed in movies and TV shows.
Did You Know? – Space Firsts: On May 19, 1961, the Soviet spacecraft Venera 1 zoomed past Venus, even though scientists couldn’t talk to it anymore. It was like sending a message in a bottle into space!
Did You Know? – A Racing Legend’s End: Jack Brabham, a racing hero, passed away on May 19, 2014. He didn’t just drive fast cars. He built one that won a world championship, something no one else has ever done!
Did You Know? – A Queen’s Escape: Mary Queen of Scots ran away to England on May 19, 1568, hoping for safety. It turned into a big adventure with lots of twists, almost like a movie plot.