What Happened This Year 1919

Historical Events from This Year 1919 (View all 89)

Politics & Government

Founding of the German Workers' Party in Munich

January 5th, 1919 106 years ago

The German Workers' Party was established in Munich by a group that included Anton Drexler and other political activists seeking to address economic hardship in post-World War I Germany. Initially focusing on nationalist and anti-Semitic themes, the party aimed to attract the struggling working class. Its formation marked the beginning of a political movement that would evolve into a significant force in German politics, ultimately leading to the rise of the Nazi Party under Adolf Hitler.

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Military & Warfare

Montenegrin Guerrilla Fighters Rebel Against Serbia

January 7th, 1919 106 years ago

Montenegrin guerrilla fighters launched a rebellion against the anticipated annexation of Montenegro by Serbia, reflecting regional tensions and national identity. The uprising, although brave, ultimately proved unsuccessful in halting Serbia's plans, demonstrating the complexities of national boundaries and the struggle for independence in the aftermath of World War I.

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Politics & Government

Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht Executed

January 15th, 1919 106 years ago

Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, two leaders of the German Communist Party, were captured and executed by Freikorps soldiers. Following the failure of the Spartacist uprising in Berlin, the two were taken from their imprisonment and brutally murdered in a violent crackdown intended to suppress leftist movements in post-World War I Germany.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Molasses Wave Sweeps Through Boston

January 15th, 1919 106 years ago

A large storage tank in Boston ruptured, releasing a wave of molasses that rushed through the streets at an estimated speed of 35 miles per hour. The flood claimed the lives of 21 people and injured over 150 others. Buildings were damaged, and the cleanup took weeks, raising questions about the safety regulations of industrial facilities. The incident drew attention to the need for stricter oversight in the construction and maintenance of such tanks.

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Politics & Government

Nebraska Approves Prohibition Amendment

January 16th, 1919 106 years ago

Nebraska became the 36th state to approve the Eighteenth Amendment, which established Prohibition in the United States. This amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The approval by Nebraska, along with others, reached the necessary three-quarters majority required for constitutional validation. As a result, this marked a significant turning point in American social policy, reflecting the temperance movement’s influence in the early 20th century. The Eighteenth Amendment laid the groundwork for a nationwide ban on alcohol that took effect one year later.

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Politics & Government

Opening of the Paris Peace Conference

January 18th, 1919 106 years ago

The Paris Peace Conference commenced in Versailles, France, bringing together delegates from multiple nations to negotiate the terms following World War I. Key figures included President Woodrow Wilson from the United States, Prime Minister David Lloyd George from the United Kingdom, and Premier Georges Clemenceau from France. The primary focus was on creating a lasting peace through treaties, including the Treaty of Versailles, which aimed to address territorial disputes and establish new national boundaries.

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Born in 1919 (View all 439)

Bones McKinney

Basketball player and coach
Born
January 1st, 1919 106 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 78 years old

Played professional basketball primarily for the Washington Capitols in the 1940s. Transitioned from player to coach, ultimately serving as the head coach for the University of North Carolina basketball team. Developed innovative coaching techniques and contributed to the growth of basketball in North Carolina. Inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame for achievements in promoting the sport.

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J. D. Salinger

American author of The Catcher in the Rye
Born
January 1st, 1919 106 years ago
Died
January 27th, 2010 15 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1919, this American author gained prominence with the novel 'The Catcher in the Rye', published in 1951. The book resonated with readers for its themes of teenage angst and alienation. Salinger also published several short stories and contributed to various magazines, but he became known for his reclusive lifestyle following the success of his debut novel. He withdrew from public life and stopped publishing, choosing to focus on private writing. His work explored themes of innocence and the challenges of growing up.

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Carole Landis

American actress in film and theater
Born
January 1st, 1919 106 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1948 76 years ago — 29 years old

An actress active during the 1940s, gained popularity in the Hollywood film industry. Best recognized for performances in films such as 'One Million B.C.' and 'A Night at the Opera.' Appeared in numerous comedies and musicals, providing strong entertainment performances. Also had a successful career in radio and stage productions, showcasing a talent that crossed multiple media platforms. Landis became a prominent figure during World War II, known for her support of troops through various initiatives.

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Rocky Graziano

Boxer and actor, World Champion
Born
January 1st, 1919 106 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 1990 34 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1919, this American boxer achieved significant success in the sport during the 1940s. He fought notable bouts against greats such as Tony Zale and became the World Middleweight Champion in 1948. Transitioning to acting, he appeared in the film 'Somebody Up There Likes Me,' which depicted his life story, and also made guest appearances on television shows. His career spanned several decades, displaying both his boxing prowess and charisma on screen.

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Beatrice Hicks

Engineer and pioneer in telecommunications
Born
January 2nd, 1919 106 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 60 years old

Pioneered advancements in telecommunications engineering. Contributed to the development of sensors and other technologies essential for radar systems. Worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories, focusing on the field of electronics. Co-founded the Society of Women Engineers and advocated for women’s roles in engineering and the sciences. Held numerous patents and authored publications throughout a lengthy career.

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Ernest Bender

American Indologist and author
Born
January 2nd, 1919 106 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 77 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of Indology. Focused on the study of Hinduism, Sanskrit, and Indian literature. Published multiple works that influenced academic discourse. Served as a professor at various institutions, fostering a deeper understanding of Indian culture and texts.

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People Who Died in 1919 (View all 118)

Georg von Hertling

German Chancellor and politician
Born
August 31st, 1843 181 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1919 106 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the 7th Chancellor of the German Empire from 1917 to 1918. Prior to the Chancellorship, held various academic roles and participated in politics. Contributed to discussions surrounding Germany's involvement in World War I and its eventual peace negotiations. Oversaw the final stages of the war during a time of significant upheaval in German society and politics. Resigned as Chancellor shortly before the end of the war in 1918 amidst growing pressures and challenges facing the German government.

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Theodore Roosevelt

26th President of the United States
Born
October 27th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1919 106 years ago — 60 years old

Served as the 26th President from 1901 to 1909. Oversaw the completion of the Panama Canal and implemented progressive policies addressing labor rights and conservation. Played a key role in negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. Advocated for the 'Square Deal' to support the average citizen through regulation of corporations and consumer protections. His presidency marked significant expansion of executive power and the federal government's role in economic affairs.

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Platon

Estonian bishop and saint
Born
July 25th, 1869 155 years ago
Died
January 14th, 1919 106 years ago — 49 years old

Served as the Bishop of Tallinn and was influential in the Eastern Orthodox Church in Estonia. Contributed to the establishment of the Orthodox Christian community in the region. Recognized for his dedication to the church and local communities. Played a significant role in promoting education and social welfare initiatives among Estonians.

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Rosa Luxemburg

German economist and revolutionary theorist
Born
March 5th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
January 15th, 1919 106 years ago — 47 years old

An economist, philosopher, and revolutionary socialist associated with the German Social Democratic Party, contributed to Marxist theory and critiqued capitalist systems. Advocated for the self-emancipation of the working class and opposed military imperialism during World War I. Played a significant role in founding the Spartacus League, which later became the Communist Party of Germany. Following her assassination in 1919, her writings continued to influence leftist movements.

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Karl Liebknecht

German socialist politician and revolutionary
Born
August 13th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
January 15th, 1919 106 years ago — 47 years old

A prominent socialist politician and revolutionary in Germany, played a significant role in the German Workers' Party and later co-founded the Spartacus League. Active in opposition to World War I, advocated for ending the conflict and promoted socialist ideals. Participated in the German Revolution of 1918-1919, which sought to establish a socialist state. Authored several works on socialism and workers' rights, influencing the labor movement in Germany and beyond. Captured and assassinated in January 1919 during the political turmoil of the revolutionary period.

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Francisco de Paula Rodrigues Alves

Brazilian politician and President
Born
July 7th, 1848 176 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1919 106 years ago — 70 years old

Served as the fifth President of Brazil from 1902 to 1906. Focused on urban reform in Rio de Janeiro and implemented important public health measures. Advocated for infrastructure improvements, including roads and sanitation. Played a crucial role in the modernization of the federal capital. His administration was marked by efforts to transform the city into a more orderly and healthy environment.

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