February 19 has witnessed numerous events that shaped politics, culture, sports, science, and society. From ancient empires to modern innovations, this day marks milestones that continue to resonate across the world.
356 – Roman Emperor Constantius II Closes All Pagan Temples
Roman Emperor Constantius II decreed the closure of all pagan temples. This move reflected the growing influence of Christianity within the Roman Empire and marked a significant step in the shift of religious power during late antiquity.
1630 – Birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Shivaji Bhonsle, the legendary Indian warrior and founder of the Maratha Empire, was born at Shivneri Fort. He later became known for his innovative military strategies, administrative reforms, and diplomatic skills, establishing a lasting legacy in Indian history.
1878 – Thomas Edison Wins a Patent for the Cylinder Phonograph
Inventor Thomas Edison secured a patent for his cylinder phonograph. This invention revolutionised sound recording and playback, paving the way for the modern music and audio industry.
1881 – Kansas Becomes the First U.S. State to Ban Alcohol
The state of Kansas prohibited all alcoholic beverages, becoming the first state in the United States to implement a complete ban. This early prohibition reflected the growing temperance movement across America.
1906 – Kellogg’s Founded
Will Kellogg, in collaboration with Charles Bolin, established the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company, now known as Kellogg’s. The venture followed a disagreement with his brother and aimed to introduce sugar to breakfast cereals, influencing food manufacturing worldwide.
1910 – Mary Mallon Freed from Isolation
Cook Mary Mallon, infamously known as Typhoid Mary, was released from her first period of forced quarantine. Her continued work in New York led to further typhoid outbreaks, highlighting early public health challenges and the role of asymptomatic carriers in disease spread.
1912 – Drafting of Indigenous Algerian Males into the French Army
French authorities mandated that indigenous Algerian males serve in the French military for three years. This decision was part of broader colonial military policies and impacted Algerian society during the early 20th century.
1928 – Canada Wins Olympic Gold in Ice Hockey
At the Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Canada defeated the host nation 13-0 to secure the Olympic ice hockey title. This victory reinforced Canada’s dominance in the sport during the early years of international competition.
1942 – Franklin D. Roosevelt Orders Japanese-American Internment
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an order requiring Japanese-Americans on the West Coast to be detained in internment camps during World War II. This controversial action aimed to address perceived security threats but later became widely criticised for its violation of civil liberties.
1986 – Computerisation of Indian Railway Ticket Reservations Begins
The Indian Railways introduced computerised ticket reservations at New Delhi Railway Station. This initiative modernised booking systems, reduced manual errors, and laid the foundation for nationwide digital ticketing in the decades that followed.
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