Events on September 19 - Key Moments Throughout History

Historical Events on September 19: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on September 19, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on September 19 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1903 King Leopold II denies Congo atrocities: On September 19, 1903, King Leopold II of Belgium publicly denied accusations of brutality in the Congo Free State, his personal colony. He warned foreign powers against interfering in the administration of the Congo, which was exploited for rubber and ivory, leading to the suffering and deaths of millions of Congolese people. source: sahistory.org.za
  • 1908 Birth of Mika Waltari, renowned Finnish author: Mika Waltari, a renowned Finnish author, was born on September 19, 1908. He is best known for his historical novels. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1915 Birth of Germán Valdés, Mexican Comedy Legend: Germán Valdés, known professionally as Tin-Tan, was born on September 19, 1915, in Mexico City. He became a prominent actor, singer, and comedian, renowned for his contributions to Mexican cinema and his distinctive pachuco style. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1916 First Battle of Cobadin in Dobruja: The First Battle of Cobadin was fought from September 17 to 19, 1916, between the Bulgarian Third Army and the Romanian–Russian Army in the Dobruja region. The battle ended in an Entente tactical victory, forcing the Central Powers to halt their offensive and assume a defensive stance until mid-October. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1921 Mount Mulligan Mine Disaster: A catastrophic explosion occurred at the Mount Mulligan coal mine in Queensland, Australia, resulting in the deaths of 75 miners. This disaster highlighted the dangers of mining and led to changes in safety regulations. source: britannica.com
  • 1925 Bill Tilden wins sixth consecutive US Open title: On September 19, 1925, Bill Tilden secured his sixth straight US Open men's singles championship by defeating Bill Johnston in a five-set match at Forest Hills, New York. The final score was 4–6, 11–9, 6–3, 4–6, 6–3. source: tennisworldusa.org
  • 1926 Lurleen Wallace birth: Lurleen Burns Wallace, the 46th governor of Alabama, was born on September 19, 1926, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1931 Japanese invasion of Mukden: On September 19, 1931, Japanese forces initiated the invasion of Mukden, marking the beginning of the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. This event led to the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo and significantly escalated tensions in East Asia. source: britannica.com
  • 1934 Bruno Hauptmann arrested for Lindbergh baby murder: On September 19, 1934, Bruno Hauptmann was arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr., the infant son of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. This case garnered national attention and led to a highly publicized trial. source: britannica.com
  • 1935 Rabbi Wise appeals to League of Nations against Nazi persecution: On September 19, 1935, Jewish leader Rabbi Stephen Samuel Wise sent an appeal to the League of Nations, urging action to stop Germany's persecution of Jews. He emphasized the global threat posed by Nazi racial policies and called for international support to defend human rights. source: jta.org
  • 1938 Munich Agreement Negotiations: Britain and France Pressure Czechoslovakia: On September 19, 1938, Britain and France pressured Czechoslovakia to accept the Munich Agreement, which involved ceding the Sudetenland to Germany. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1939 Hitler's speech on Poland's fate: On September 19, 1939, Adolf Hitler delivered a speech outlining Germany's plans for Poland following its invasion. This speech emphasized the Nazi regime's intentions and justifications for the occupation. source: britannica.com
  • 1940 Witold Pilecki's mission in Auschwitz: On September 19, 1940, Polish resistance member Witold Pilecki intentionally allowed himself to be arrested during a German roundup in Warsaw. He was transported to Auschwitz, where he was assigned prisoner number 4859. Pilecki's mission was to gather intelligence on the camp and establish a resistance movement within. source: holocaustrescue.org
  • 1941 Fall of Kiev to German forces in World War II: On September 19, 1941, German forces captured Kiev, the capital of the Ukrainian SSR, during World War II. This marked a significant loss for the Soviet Union and a major victory for Nazi Germany on the Eastern Front. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1942 Death of Condé Nast, influential magazine publisher: Condé Montrose Nast, the American publisher and founder of Condé Nast Publications, died on September 19, 1942, in New York City. He was 69 years old and is interred at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1943 Battle of Kaiapit begins in New Guinea: The Battle of Kaiapit, part of the New Guinea campaign during World War II, commenced on September 19, 1943. This battle involved Australian forces attempting to capture the strategic location from Japanese troops, marking a significant engagement in the Pacific theater. source: awm.gov.au
  • 1944 Operation Market Garden: Allied Coordination: On September 19, 1944, during Operation Market Garden, Allied forces coordinated efforts to secure key bridges in the Netherlands. Despite initial successes, the operation faced strong German resistance, leading to its ultimate failure. source: army.mod.uk
  • 1945 Kim Il Sung returns to Korea from Soviet Union: On September 19, 1945, Kim Il Sung, along with 66 other Korean officers, arrived in Wonsan, Korea, after being demobilized by the Soviet Red Army. This marked his return to Korea after 26 years in exile. He made his first public appearance less than a month later, on October 14, 1945, at a rally in Pyongyang. source: wilson-center-digital-archive.dvincitest.com
  • 1946 First Cannes Film Festival: The inaugural Cannes Film Festival took place from September 19 to October 5, 1946. It aimed to promote international cinema and has since become one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. source: cannes.com
  • 1947 Jackie Robinson wins Rookie of the Year award: On September 19, 1947, Jackie Robinson was awarded the Rookie of the Year title by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. This recognition highlighted his exceptional performance during his inaugural season, further solidifying his legacy in baseball history. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 1949 British pound sterling devaluation: On September 19, 1949, the British government announced a devaluation of the pound sterling, reducing its value by 30%. This decision was aimed at addressing economic challenges post-World War II and had significant implications for international trade. source: bbc.com
  • 1950 Great Powers Recognize Bonn Government: On September 19, 1950, the foreign ministers of the United States, United Kingdom, and France recognized the federal government in Bonn as the only "free and legally constituted" government in Germany. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1951 Italian civil servants strike: On September 19, 1951, civil servants in Italy went on strike to protest against low wages and poor working conditions. This strike was part of a larger wave of labor unrest in post-war Italy, reflecting the economic challenges faced by the country during this period. source: reuters.com
  • 1952 Charlie Chaplin barred from returning to the United States: Charlie Chaplin, the famous British actor and filmmaker, was denied re-entry into the United States on September 19, 1952, due to his political beliefs and associations. This decision was influenced by the growing anti-communist sentiment during the McCarthy era. Chaplin had been traveling to promote his film 'Limelight' when he learned of the U.S. government's decision. source: britannica.com
  • 1953 WVEC TV Channel 13 begins broadcasting: WVEC TV Channel 13, licensed to Hampton, Virginia, began operations on September 19, 1953, on UHF channel 15 as an NBC affiliate. It was co-owned by Peninsula Broadcasting Corporation, which also owned WVEC radio. The station switched affiliations to ABC in 1959 and moved to VHF channel 13 on November 13, 1959. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1954 Beverly Hanson wins LPGA Wichita Open: On September 19, 1954, American golfer Beverly Hanson secured victory at the Wichita Open, a tournament on the LPGA Tour held at the Wichita Country Club in Kansas. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1955 Argentine military coup ousts Juan Peron: On September 19, 1955, a military coup in Argentina led to the ousting of President Juan Perón. This event marked a significant shift in Argentine politics, leading to years of military rule and political instability. source: britannica.com
  • 1957 Louis Armstrong speaks out on Little Rock school crisis: On September 19, 1957, Louis Armstrong addressed the Little Rock school crisis, emphasizing the need for equality and justice in education. His comments came in the wake of the federal government's intervention to protect African American students at Central High School. source: npr.org
  • 1960 Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan: On September 19, 1960, India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark agreement brokered by the World Bank to resolve disputes over the Indus River system. source: worldbank.org
  • 1965 West German parliamentary election: The West German parliamentary election took place on September 19, 1965. This election was significant as it resulted in a coalition government led by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). source: britannica.com
  • 1969 Death of Rex Ingram, pioneering African American actor and director: Rex Ingram, a pioneering African American actor and director, passed away on September 19, 1969. He was known for his significant contributions to film and theater, breaking barriers for African Americans in the entertainment industry. source: britannica.com
  • 1970 First Glastonbury Festival: The inaugural Glastonbury Festival took place on September 19, 1970, in Pilton, England. source: bbc.com
  • 1971 Hurricane Irene-Olivia strikes Nicaragua: Hurricane Irene-Olivia, a rare Atlantic-to-Pacific hurricane crossing, struck Nicaragua on September 19, 1971. The storm caused significant damage and loss of life in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1972 Terrorist attack on Israeli embassy in London: On September 19, 1972, a terrorist attack occurred at the Israeli embassy in London, resulting in casualties and heightened tensions. This incident was part of a series of attacks targeting Israeli interests during this period. source: theguardian.com
  • 1973 USSR conducts underground nuclear test: On September 19, 1973, the Soviet Union conducted an underground nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. This test was part of the USSR's ongoing nuclear weapons program during the Cold War. source: bbc.com
  • 1975 Indonesian invasion of East Timor begins: On September 19, 1975, Indonesia launched a military invasion of East Timor, leading to a prolonged conflict and significant loss of life. The invasion was part of Indonesia's efforts to annex the territory, which had declared independence from Portugal earlier that year. This event marked the beginning of a violent occupation that lasted for decades. source: bbc.com
  • 1976 "Going Up" Broadway revival opens at John Golden Theatre: The 1976 revival of the musical "Going Up" premiered on September 19, 1976, at the John Golden Theatre in New York City. Directed by Bill Gile, the production ran for 49 performances, closing on October 31, 1976. source: ibdb.com
  • 1979 5.8 magnitude earthquake near Norcia, Italy: On September 19, 1979, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Norcia, Italy, causing significant damage and resulting in five fatalities. The epicenter was located approximately 8 km south of Norcia, with tremors felt across central Italy, including Rome and Florence. The Valnerina region, encompassing Norcia, was particularly affected, with numerous buildings damaged or destroyed. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1980 Explosion of Titan II missile in Damascus, Arkansas: On September 19, 1980, a Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile exploded at Launch Complex 374-7 near Damascus, Arkansas. The explosion resulted in the death of Senior Airman David Livingston and injuries to 21 others. The missile's nine-megaton W-53 nuclear warhead was ejected from the silo but did not detonate, and no radioactive material was released. The incident was caused by a dropped socket wrench that punctured the missile's fuel tank during maintenance. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1981 Simon & Garfunkel's historic Central Park concert: On September 19, 1981, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel reunited for a free benefit concert on the Great Lawn of New York City's Central Park. The event attracted over 500,000 attendees and featured a mix of their classic hits and solo material. Proceeds supported the redevelopment and maintenance of the park.
  • 1982 First documented emoticons created by computer scientist Scott Fahlman: On September 19, 1982, computer scientist Scott Fahlman proposed the use of emoticons in an online post to distinguish between serious and joking messages. He suggested using the symbols :) for a smile and :( for a frown, marking the beginning of a new form of digital communication. This innovation has since evolved into a vast array of emojis used in modern digital interactions. source: bbc.com
  • 1983 Saint Kitts and Nevis gains independence from Britain: On September 19, 1983, Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved full independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign nation. The new constitution granted Nevis a significant degree of autonomy and the right to secede if a referendum resulted in a two-thirds majority in favor. The independence ceremony was attended by Princess Margaret, who represented Queen Elizabeth II, marking the end of over 300 years of British colonial rule. source: britannica.com
  • 1985 1985 Mexico City earthquake: On September 19, 1985, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck Mexico City at 7:18 am, causing widespread destruction and resulting in at least 5,000 deaths. The epicenter was located off the coast of Michoacán, approximately 200 miles from Mexico City. The unique geological conditions of Mexico City, built on an ancient lakebed, amplified the seismic waves, leading to severe damage. The earthquake also triggered a tsunami with waves up to 3 meters high. source: britannica.com
  • 1986 U.S. government announces expanded access to AZT for AIDS patients: On September 19, 1986, the U.S. government announced that AZT, an experimental anti-AIDS drug, would be made available to thousands of patients nationwide. Initial tests indicated that AZT could prolong the survival of some AIDS patients, leading to its wider distribution. Dr. Robert E. Windom, Assistant Secretary of Health, emphasized that while AZT showed promise, it was not a cure for AIDS. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1987 Farm Aid III concert held at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska: On September 19, 1987, the Farm Aid III concert took place at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, featuring performances by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, and others. The event attracted approximately 69,000 attendees and raised between $1.5 million and $1.7 million to support financially distressed farmers during the 1980s farm crisis. source: history.nebraska.gov
  • 1988 Greg Louganis sustains head injury at Seoul Olympics: American diver Greg Louganis sustained a head injury during the preliminary rounds of the men's springboard diving event at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, on September 19, 1988. Louganis struck his head on the board after executing a reverse 2½ somersault, but continued to compete, winning the gold medal in the event. His resilience and performance were widely praised. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1989 Hurricane Hugo makes landfall: Hurricane Hugo made landfall on September 19, 1989, in South Carolina, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. It was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the U.S. East Coast, leading to significant emergency response efforts. source: nhc.noaa.gov
  • 1990 Premiere of 'Goodfellas' in New York City: The film 'Goodfellas,' directed by Martin Scorsese, premiered on September 19, 1990, at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City. Based on the true story of mob associate Henry Hill, the film received critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest films in the gangster genre. It was later nominated for six Academy Awards, winning one for Best Supporting Actor. source: britannica.com
  • 1991 Record cold temperatures recorded in South Dakota: On September 19, 1991, South Dakota experienced record low temperatures, marking one of the coldest days in September for the region. This unusual weather event drew attention from meteorologists and residents alike. source: weather.gov
  • 1992 UN Security Council condemns actions in Yugoslavia: On September 19, 1992, the United Nations Security Council issued a condemnation regarding the ongoing conflict in Yugoslavia. The resolution addressed the escalating violence and called for international intervention to restore peace and stability in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1993 Polish parliamentary election held on September 19, 1993: Parliamentary elections were held in Poland on September 19, 1993, with a voter turnout of 52.1%. The Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) and the Polish People's Party (PSL) formed a coalition government after the elections. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1994 U.S. forces land in Haiti to restore democracy: On September 19, 1994, approximately 20,000 U.S. troops landed unopposed in Haiti as part of Operation Uphold Democracy, aiming to restore President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was ousted in a 1991 coup. This intervention followed a diplomatic mission led by former President Jimmy Carter, which persuaded Haiti's military leaders to relinquish power and allow Aristide's return. The operation concluded on March 31, 1995, when the United States transferred responsibility to the United Nations Mission in Haiti. source: history.co.uk
  • 1995 Publication of the Unabomber Manifesto: The Unabomber Manifesto, titled "Industrial Society and Its Future," was published in The New York Times and The Washington Post on September 19, 1995. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1997 Death of Rich Mullins: Rich Mullins, a prominent Christian music singer-songwriter, died in a car accident on September 19, 1997. He was known for his heartfelt lyrics and contributions to contemporary Christian music. source: christianitytoday.com
  • 1998 ICANN established to govern internet naming systems: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) was established on September 19, 1998, to oversee the global domain name system. This organization plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and security of the internet. source: icann.org
  • 2001 U.S. military operations begin in Afghanistan: U.S. military operations in Afghanistan officially began on September 19, 2001, as part of the response to the September 11 attacks. This marked the start of a prolonged military engagement in the region. source: nytimes.com
  • 2002 U.S. plans for Iraq invasion: The United States revealed plans for a potential invasion of Iraq, citing concerns over weapons of mass destruction and links to terrorism. This announcement marked a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy, leading to widespread debate and opposition both domestically and internationally. source: nytimes.com
  • 2003 Hurricane Isabel impacts Eastern United States: Hurricane Isabel made landfall on September 19, 2003, causing significant damage across the Eastern United States. The storm resulted in widespread power outages and flooding, affecting millions of residents. Emergency services were mobilized to assist those impacted by the hurricane. source: nhc.noaa.gov
  • 2004 Iran defies UN nuclear resolution: On September 19, 2004, Iran announced its decision to continue its nuclear program, defying a United Nations resolution that called for a halt to its uranium enrichment activities. This move raised international concerns about Iran's intentions and its compliance with nuclear non-proliferation agreements. source: reuters.com
  • 2005 Hurricane Rita threatens Gulf Coast: Hurricane Rita formed on September 18, 2005, east of the southeastern Bahamas, and rapidly intensified as it moved westward. By September 19, it had become a Category 2 hurricane, passing between the Florida Keys and Cuba, and was projected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast. source: weather.gov
  • 2006 Thai military coup: On September 19, 2006, the Thai military, led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, staged a coup d'état, deposing Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while he was attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The military declared martial law and took control of the government. source: bbc.com
  • 2007 New Prime Minister in Morocco: Following Driss Jettou's resignation, King Mohammed VI appointed Abbas El Fassi, leader of the Istiqlal Party, as the new Prime Minister of Morocco, signaling a potential shift in political leadership.
  • 2008 Niger Delta pipeline attack: On September 19, 2008, militants from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) attacked a pipeline operated by Shell in Nigeria's Niger Delta region, leading to a significant disruption in oil production. source: cnbc.com
  • 2009 Sarkozy pressures Czech Republic on Lisbon Treaty: French President Nicolas Sarkozy urged the Czech Republic to ratify the Lisbon Treaty, emphasizing its importance for European integration. This pressure came amid ongoing debates about the treaty's implications for EU governance. source: reuters.com
  • 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill sealed: On September 19, 2010, BP announced that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill had been successfully sealed after months of efforts. The announcement marked a significant milestone in the response to one of the largest environmental disasters in U.S. history. source: bbc.com
  • 2011 Obama presents deficit reduction plan: President Obama unveils a plan aimed at reducing the federal deficit, proposing a mix of spending cuts and tax increases. The plan sparks debate among lawmakers and the public regarding fiscal responsibility and economic growth. source: nytimes.com
  • 2012 Senkaku Islands Dispute Escalates: On September 19, 2012, the dispute over the Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands) between China and Japan escalated. The Japanese government's purchase of the islands from a private owner led to widespread protests in China, prompting diplomatic tensions and concerns over regional stability. source: dw.com
  • 2013 JPMorgan Chase massive fine: On September 19, 2013, JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay a record $13 billion fine to settle claims related to its role in the mortgage crisis. This settlement was part of a broader effort to hold financial institutions accountable for their actions leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. source: reuters.com
  • 2014 Scotland rejects independence referendum: On September 19, 2014, Scotland held a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom. The majority voted to remain part of the UK, with 55.3% voting against independence and 44.7% in favor. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2015 Saudi-led coalition bombs Yemen's capital: On September 19, 2015, the Saudi-led coalition conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, resulting in civilian casualties. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2016 Syrian civil war ceasefire violation: On September 19, 2016, reports emerged of multiple ceasefire violations in Syria, undermining the fragile truce brokered by the U.S. and Russia. Fighting resumed in several areas, raising concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis. source: reuters.com
  • 2017 Hurricane Maria devastates Dominica: Hurricane Maria made landfall in Dominica on September 19, 2017, causing catastrophic damage across the island. The storm resulted in severe flooding, landslides, and destruction of homes, leading to a humanitarian crisis. source: nhc.noaa.gov
  • 2018 Arrest warrant for 3D-printed gun activist: On September 19, 2018, an arrest warrant was issued for Cody Wilson, the founder of Defense Distributed, a company that developed 3D-printed gun blueprints. Wilson was charged with sexual assault in Texas, leading to the seizure of his passport and the cancellation of his bond. The case raised significant legal and ethical questions regarding the distribution of 3D-printed firearms. source: reuters.com
  • 2019 Taliban suicide truck bombing at hospital in Afghanistan: On September 19, 2019, the Taliban carried out a suicide truck bombing at a hospital in Afghanistan, resulting in numerous casualties. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2020 US Announces TikTok and WeChat Ban: The Trump administration announced a ban on downloads of Chinese-owned social media platforms TikTok and WeChat, citing national security concerns and escalating tensions in US-China technological relations.
  • 2021 First International Flight from Kabul After Taliban Takeover: A Qatar Airways charter flight carrying 200 passengers, including both Afghan nationals and American citizens, successfully departed from Kabul International Airport to Qatar. This flight represented a critical moment in the ongoing Afghanistan evacuation efforts following the Taliban's recent takeover of the country.
  • 2022 Queen Elizabeth II State Funeral: The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was held at Westminster Abbey in London, marking the end of a historic 70-year reign. World leaders, dignitaries, and hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered to pay their final respects to the longest-reigning monarch in British history. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
  • 2023 80th Venice Film Festival: 'Poor Things' Wins Golden Lion: At the prestigious 80th Venice Film Festival, the critically acclaimed film 'Poor Things', directed by Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and featuring a powerful performance by Emma Stone, was awarded the coveted Golden Lion. The award recognizes the film's innovative storytelling and artistic excellence, marking a significant moment in contemporary cinema. The film, an adaptation of Alasdair Gray's novel, explores themes of identity, autonomy, and personal transformation through a unique narrative lens.

What Is special about September 19?

September 19 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about September 19.