What Happened This Year 1919

Historical Events from This Year 1919

Politics & Government

Uruguay Joins Buenos Aires Copyright Treaty

May 11th, 1919 105 years ago

Uruguay ratified the Buenos Aires copyright treaty, furthering its commitment to international copyright laws. This accord was significant in promoting intellectual property rights among the Latin American countries. The treaty aimed to standardize copyright laws and provide protections for authors and creators, facilitating cross-border recognition of rights. The signing emphasized Uruguay's dedication to protecting cultural and artistic works in a rapidly globalizing world.

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Military & Warfare

Greek Army Occupies Smyrna and Subsequent Violence

May 15th, 1919 105 years ago

The Greek occupation of Smyrna saw the Greek army kill or wound 350 Turks. Greek commander Aristides Stergiades took action against those responsible for the violence, instituting punishment to maintain order amidst the tensions of occupation. The occupation was marked by conflict as Greek forces sought to establish control in the region, which was a flashpoint at the end of World War I and during the subsequent Greco-Turkish War.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Winnipeg General Strike Commences

May 15th, 1919 105 years ago

The Winnipeg General Strike began when workers across multiple sectors in Winnipeg walked off the job around 11:00 AM. This massive labor strike was driven by demands for better working conditions, fair wages, and the right to unionize. With almost the entire working population joining in, the city came to a standstill, showcasing the solidarity among workers during a time of economic turmoil and post-war adjustments.

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Exploration & Discovery

First Transatlantic Flight by NC-4

May 16th, 1919 105 years ago

The Curtiss NC-4, commanded by Albert Cushing Read, embarked on a historic journey from Trepassey, Newfoundland, toward Lisbon, Portugal, with a planned stop in the Azores. This remarkable flight marked the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by air. Read's crew consisted of skilled aviators and navigators who aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of naval aviation and advance international aviation routes.

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Military & Warfare

Atatürk's Arrival at Samsun for Independence

May 19th, 1919 105 years ago

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed in Samsun on the Anatolian Black Sea coast, marking the beginning of a pivotal movement for Turkish independence. His arrival was intended to support national resistance against occupation and to rally the Turkish population. Atatürk's subsequent leadership would prove crucial in organizing efforts against foreign domination. This moment set the stage for the liberation struggle that defined the early 20th century in Turkey.

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Exploration & Discovery

NC-4 Completes Historic Transatlantic Flight

May 27th, 1919 105 years ago

The NC-4 aircraft successfully completed the first transatlantic flight, arriving in Lisbon. Piloted by Lieutenant Commander Albert Read and his crew, the plane showcased the power of aviation during an era of exploration. The journey, which took nearly 24 hours, began in the United States, where the crew set out to demonstrate the potential for long-distance air travel. Their arrival in Lisbon was greeted with great enthusiasm as they heralded a new age in aviation history.

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Science & Technology

Eddington Tests Einstein's General Relativity

May 29th, 1919 105 years ago

Arthur Eddington and Andrew Claude de la Cherois Crommelin conducted an expedition to observe a solar eclipse in 1919, aiming to test Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. They traveled to the island of Príncipe, off the west coast of Africa, where they successfully measured the position of stars near the sun during the eclipse. The observations confirmed Einstein's prediction that light would bend around massive objects, marking a significant milestone in modern physics.

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Crime & Law

Prohibition Legislation Enforced in Finland

June 1st, 1919 105 years ago

Finland enacted prohibition laws on June 1, 1919, banning the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. This significant decision emerged from a desire to improve public health and reduce societal issues attributed to alcohol use. The law faced considerable public resistance, leading to widespread illegal activities including bootlegging and speakeasies. Despite its intent to curb alcohol-related troubles, prohibition's implementation revealed broader social conflicts and repercussions across Finnish society.

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Crime & Law

Coordinated Anarchist Bomb Attacks Across USA

June 2nd, 1919 105 years ago

Anarchists targeted officials in multiple U.S. cities with simultaneous bombings to instill fear and demonstrate their opposition to government authority. On June 2, 1919, several cities including New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. were rocked by explosions that primarily aimed to harm political figures. While the bombings succeeded in drawing attention to their cause, they also resulted in significant arrests and increased government scrutiny of anarchist activities, as law enforcement intensified their efforts against perceived radicals.

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