Every day in history is filled with a myriad of events that have shaped the world in various ways. The 19th of June has seen a diverse range of significant occurrences, from moments of social change to political milestones and cultural shifts. Here’s a look at the tapestry of events that took place on this day:
Today in History: 19 June
325 – The Original Nicene Creed: The original Nicene Creed, a profession of Christian faith, was adopted at the First Council of Nicaea. This was a pivotal moment in the establishment of foundational Christian doctrine.
1586 – English Colonists Leave Roanoke Island: After failing to establish England’s first permanent colony in North America, Sir Walter Raleigh’s expedition left Roanoke Island, leaving behind a mystery of the “Lost Colony” that continues to intrigue historians.
1816 – The “Year Without a Summer”: This day saw snowfall in Albany, New York, and Dennysville, Maine, a result of the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia the previous year. The climate abnormalities caused widespread food shortages in the Northern Hemisphere.
1846 – The First Officially Recorded Baseball Game: Taking place in Hoboken, New Jersey, the New York Base Ball Club defeated the Knickerbockers 23-1 in four innings.
1865 – Juneteenth: Union Army General Gordon Granger announced federal orders in Galveston, Texas, proclaiming that all slaves in Texas were free. This event, now commemorated as Juneteenth, marks the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved people in the Confederacy.
1934 – Communications Act of 1934: The U.S. Congress passed the Communications Act, leading to the establishment of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate all interstate communication by wire and radio.
1961 – Kuwait Declares Independence: Formerly a British protectorate, Kuwait declared its independence, though it would soon face threats from neighbouring Iraq, culminating in the Gulf War of 1990.
1970 – The Patent for the Apgar Score: Dr. Virginia Apgar was awarded a patent for the Apgar Score, a quick test performed on newborns to assess their health and immediate care needs.
1978 – Garfield Debuts: Jim Davis’ comic strip “Garfield” made its debut. The sarcastic, lasagna-loving cat would soon become a pop culture icon, with books, television shows, and movies to its name.
1987 – Basque Terrorist Bombing: In one of the deadliest attacks by the Basque separatist group ETA, a supermarket bombing in Barcelona, Spain, resulted in the death of 21 people.
2012 – WikiLeaks Founder Seeks Asylum: Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, requested asylum at London’s Ecuadorean embassy after losing an appeal against extradition to Sweden, where he faced allegations (which he denied).
2014 – Felipe VI of Spain Ascends the Throne: After the abdication of his father, King Juan Carlos I, Felipe VI became the King of Spain. His reign has seen attempts to modernize the Spanish monarchy and address various political challenges, including the Catalonia independence movement.
In Conclusion:
June 19 has been a witness to pivotal shifts in society, from the joyous celebrations of emancipation in Juneteenth to the intrigues of geopolitical manoeuvres. Moments like these remind us that history is a living entity, where every day is a chapter contributing to our collective story. As we remember and reflect on these events, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities, challenges, and triumphs that have forged our present.