1. Gettysburg Address Delivered (1863)
On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This speech is one of the most famous and eloquent expressions of American ideals, emphasizing liberty, equality, and the sacrifice of soldiers in the Civil War. Lincoln’s address was brief, lasting just about two minutes, but it profoundly impacted the nation’s view of the war and its purposes. The speech redefined the Civil War as not just a struggle for the Union but as a new birth of freedom that would bring true equality to all citizens. The Gettysburg Address remains a critical symbol of American democracy and patriotism.
2. First Issue of The New York Times Published (1851)
The New York Times published its first issue on November 19, 1851. Founded by Henry Jarvis Raymond and George Jones, it began as a four-page newspaper priced at one cent. Over time, The New York Times grew to become one of the most influential newspapers in the world, renowned for its thorough journalism and comprehensive news coverage. Its motto “All the News That’s Fit to Print” reflects its commitment to factual and unbiased reporting. The paper has won numerous Pulitzer Prizes for its investigative journalism and continues to be a major source of news globally.
3. The First Controlled Nuclear Chain Reaction Achieved (1943)
On November 19, 1943, the first controlled nuclear chain reaction was achieved as part of the Manhattan Project during World War II. This experiment was conducted under the leadership of physicist Enrico Fermi at the University of Chicago. The achievement marked a pivotal moment in nuclear physics and laid the groundwork for the development of nuclear reactors and atomic weapons. It demonstrated the feasibility of harnessing atomic energy for both military and peaceful purposes. The success of this experiment eventually led to the end of World War II and the beginning of the atomic age.
4. Walt Disney Born (1901)
Walt Disney, the iconic American animator and entrepreneur, was born on November 19, 1901. He co-founded The Walt Disney Company, which revolutionized the entertainment industry through animation, theme parks, and media. Disney created famous characters such as Mickey Mouse and produced groundbreaking feature films like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” His vision and creativity established the foundation for modern animation and family entertainment. Disney’s legacy continues to influence popular culture worldwide.
5. The End of the Siege of Leningrad Announced (1943)
On November 19, 1943, the Soviet Union announced the lifting of the Siege of Leningrad, one of the longest and most devastating sieges in history. The siege, which lasted 872 days during World War II, caused immense suffering and starvation among the city’s residents. The successful breaking of the siege marked a turning point in the Eastern Front of the war. It boosted Soviet morale and demonstrated the resilience of the city’s defenders and civilians. The event is commemorated as a symbol of endurance and victory against Nazi forces.
6. Charles Darwin Born (1809)
Charles Darwin, the British naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection, was born on November 19, 1809. His work fundamentally transformed biological sciences and our understanding of life on Earth. Darwin’s landmark book, “On the Origin of Species,” published in 1859, challenged existing views about species creation and adaptation. His ideas sparked widespread scientific and philosophical debate, influencing many areas beyond biology. Darwin’s legacy remains central to science education and evolutionary studies.
7. The Boston Tea Party Anniversary (1773)
Although the Boston Tea Party occurred on December 16, its anniversary is often commemorated in discussions around November 19 due to related colonial protests in 1773. The Boston Tea Party was a key event leading up to the American Revolution, where American colonists protested British taxation by dumping tea into Boston Harbor. It symbolized colonial resistance to British rule and helped ignite the fight for American independence. The event remains a powerful symbol of protest against unjust government policies. It is remembered as a pivotal act of defiance in American history.
8. The Founding of the University of Chicago (1890)
The University of Chicago was founded on November 19, 1890, with a mission to provide top-tier education and promote research. It quickly gained a reputation for rigorous academic standards and intellectual innovation. The university has been home to many Nobel laureates and influential scholars across various disciplines. Its commitment to interdisciplinary research has shaped many fields including economics, sociology, and physics. The University of Chicago continues to be a leading institution in higher education worldwide.
9. The Launch of the First Space Shuttle, Columbia (1981)
The space shuttle Columbia was launched on its maiden voyage on November 19, 1981. This marked the beginning of NASA’s shuttle program, which aimed to create reusable spacecraft for missions in low Earth orbit. Columbia’s successful mission demonstrated the potential for routine access to space and enabled numerous scientific experiments and satellite deployments. The shuttle program significantly advanced human spaceflight capabilities. It also laid the groundwork for the construction of the International Space Station.
10. The First American Thanksgiving Proclamation (1863)
On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving. This formalized the holiday, which had been celebrated in various forms since colonial times. The proclamation came during the Civil War, aiming to unite the nation and encourage gratitude despite the ongoing conflict. Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Day helped establish a tradition that continues to be a major American holiday. It emphasizes themes of gratitude, family, and reflection.