This Day in History: February 19

1878: Thomas Edison patents the phonograph

Thomas Edison was an inventor and businessman who is credited with developing many devices that have influenced life around the world. On this day in 1878, he was granted a patent for his latest invention, the phonograph. It was the first machine capable of recording and reproducing sound, and it revolutionized the music and entertainment industries.

1942: Japanese warplanes attack Darwin, Australia

During World War II, Japan sought to expand its empire by attacking Allied forces in the Pacific. On this day in 1942, approximately 150 Japanese warplanes launched a surprise attack on the Australian city of Darwin. The attack resulted in significant damage and loss of life, with over 240 people killed and many more injured.

1945: US 5th Fleet launches invasion of Iwo Jima

As World War II raged on, the US sought to gain a strategic advantage in the Pacific by capturing the Japanese-controlled island of Iwo Jima. On this day in 1945, the US 5th Fleet launched an invasion of the island, sending 30,000 Marines to engage in one of the bloodiest battles of the war. The iconic photo of four Marines raising the US flag on Mount Suribachi became one of the most recognizable images of the conflict.

1985: Iberia Airlines Flight 610 crashes

In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Spanish history, all 148 passengers and crew aboard Iberia Airlines Flight 610 perished when the plane crashed in a remote mountainous area in Spain. The accident was attributed to pilot error.

1986: The “Mir” Space Station is launched

The Soviet Union launched the first modular space station, named “Mir”. It remained in orbit for 15 years and was visited by cosmonauts from several countries. The space station played a significant role in the development of space technology and helped pave the way for future international cooperation in space exploration.

2008: Fidel Castro steps down as Cuba's president

Fidel Castro, the leader of Cuba for nearly five decades, announced his resignation as the country's president. He had been in power since leading the Cuban Revolution in 1959, and his resignation marked the end of an era in Cuban politics.

1600: Peruvian stratovolcano Huaynaputina explodes

One of the most violent volcanic eruptions in South American history occurred on this day in 1600 when the Peruvian stratovolcano Huaynaputina erupted. The eruption caused significant damage and loss of life, with many local communities being buried in ash and lava. The effects of the eruption were felt as far away as Europe and Asia.

356: Emperor Constantius II shuts all heathen temples

Emperor Constantius II of the Roman Empire ordered the closure of all pagan temples throughout the empire in an effort to promote Christianity. The edict was part of a broader campaign by Christian leaders to eradicate pagan beliefs and practices in the empire.