1900: Opening of the Paris Metro
The first line of the Paris Metro opened to the public during the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), connecting Porte Maillot to Porte de Vincennes. This marked a major development in urban transportation, and the Paris Metro has since become one of the largest and busiest metro systems in the world.
1903: First Tour de France Concludes
The inaugural Tour de France, now the world’s most prestigious cycling race, ended with Maurice Garin as the winner. The race covered approximately 2,428 kilometers over six stages, starting and finishing in Paris.
1870: Start of the Franco-Prussian War
France declared war on Prussia, beginning the Franco-Prussian War. This conflict led to the unification of Germany and had a profound impact on European politics.
1545: Sinking of the Mary Rose
King Henry VIII’s flagship, the Mary Rose, sank in the Solent off England’s south coast during a battle with the French fleet, resulting in the loss of around 700 lives.
1980: Moscow Summer Olympics Open
The Summer Olympics opened in Moscow, marking the first time the event was held in Eastern Europe. The games were notably boycotted by several countries, including the United States, in protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, but still saw participation from 80 nations.
1943: Rome Bombed in World War II
Rome was bombed for the first time during World War II, bringing the conflict directly to the Italian capital.
1992: Mafia Bomb Attacks in Italy
The Sicilian Mafia carried out bomb attacks in Milan and Rome as part of a campaign against the Italian state.
1919: Peace Day in the United Kingdom
The UK celebrated the end of World War I with nationwide victory parades, often referred to as “Peace Day”.
America
1848: The Seneca Falls Convention Opens
The first women’s rights convention in the United States convened at Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York. This landmark event launched the women’s suffrage movement, advocating for social, civil, and religious rights for women, including the right to vote.
1863: Civil War – Morgan’s Raid Thwarted
During the American Civil War, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan’s raid into the North was largely ended at the Battle of Buffington Island in Ohio. Many of Morgan’s men were captured as they tried to escape across the Ohio River.
1812: War of 1812 – First Battle of Sackets Harbor
U.S. naval forces repelled a British attack in the First Battle of Sackets Harbor on Lake Ontario, resulting in an American victory.
1692: Salem Witch Trials
Five women were hanged for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, marking one of the most infamous episodes of the colonial period.
1918: Sinking of USS San Diego
The armored cruiser USS San Diego struck a mine off Fire Island, New York, and sank. It was the only major U.S. warship lost during World War I.
1969: Apollo 11 Orbits the Moon
The Apollo 11 spacecraft, carrying Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, entered lunar orbit. The next day, Armstrong would become the first human to walk on the moon.
1975: Apollo and Soyuz Capsules Separate
After two days docked in orbit, the American Apollo and Soviet Soyuz space capsules separated, marking a milestone in international cooperation during the space race.
Asia
1947: Assassination of U Aung San in Burma (Myanmar)
On July 19, 1947, U Aung San, the effective prime minister and a leading figure in Burma’s independence movement, was assassinated along with six other cabinet ministers in Rangoon (now Yangon). This event, known as “Martyrs’ Day” in Myanmar, was a turning point in Burmese history, occurring just months before the country achieved independence from British rule. U Aung San is remembered as the architect of modern Burma and the father of Aung San Suu Kyi.
1919: Establishment of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
On July 19, 1919, the Foreign Ministry of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was formally established by decree. This marked a foundational step in the diplomatic history of Azerbaijan during its brief period as an independent republic before Soviet annexation.
1827: Birth of Mangal Pandey, Indian Freedom Fighter
Mangal Pandey, a key figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was born on July 19, 1827. His actions against the British East India Company are seen as a catalyst for the first major uprising against colonial rule in India.
Africa
Patrice Lumumba’s National Radio Address (1960)
On July 19, 1960, Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Emery Lumumba delivered a significant national radio address to the people of Congo. This speech came during a critical moment shortly after Congo’s independence from Belgium (June 30, 1960), amid political turmoil and the onset of the Congo Crisis. Lumumba’s address was a call for unity and resilience as the new nation faced internal and external challenges.
