On this day, October 19 - Know what happened today in history

Today in History, October 19

As we journey through time, October 19 emerges as a date that has witnessed significant historical events, discoveries, and the lives of remarkable individuals. From pivotal battles and revolutionary scientific breakthroughs to the births and deaths of influential figures, this day has left its mark on history. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key moments that have shaped October 19.

2005: Saddam Hussein's Trial Begins

On this day in 2005, the Iraqi Special Tribunal commenced the trial of Saddam Hussein, Iraq's former president, along with seven other defendants. The charges? Crimes against humanity. Hussein, who held the office as Iraq’s fifth president, was later found guilty and sentenced to death. His execution by hanging took place a year later on December 30, 2006, marking the end of a brutal chapter in Iraq’s modern history.

1954: First Recorded Scaling of Cho Oyu

Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest mountain, was successfully scaled for the first time on this day in 1954. The peak, part of the majestic Himalayan range and located along the Nepal-China border, was conquered by Nepalese climber Pasang Dawa Lama and Austrian mountaineers Joseph Jöchler and Herbert Tichy. Their achievement stands as a testament to human determination and the spirit of adventure in the face of daunting natural challenges.

1950: Battle of Chamdo Ends

The Battle of Chamdo, also known as the Liberation of Tibet by Chinese forces, concluded on October 19, 1950. The conflict began earlier that month, on October 6, when Chinese troops, under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, entered Tibet from the province of Sichuan. By the end of the battle, Chinese forces had taken control of the border town of Chamdo. This military encounter set the stage for subsequent negotiations between China and Tibet over the latter’s political status, an issue that remains contentious to this day.

1943: Discovery of Streptomycin

October 19, 1943, saw a groundbreaking moment in the field of medicine. Graduate student Albert Schatz, while working under the renowned Selman Abraham Waksman at Rutgers University, isolated streptomycin for the first time. This antibiotic became a revolutionary tool in the fight against tuberculosis. Although Waksman received the Nobel Prize for the discovery, there was controversy, as Schatz sued Waksman for a share of the recognition and profits. Despite the dispute, the discovery of streptomycin transformed medical treatment in the mid-20th century.

1914: First Battle of Ypres Begins

The First Battle of Ypres, part of the broader Battle of Flanders during World War I, began on this day in 1914. Fought in the Belgian city of Ypres, it saw intense combat between German forces and the combined armies of Belgium, France, and Britain. The fighting, which raged on until November 22, was ultimately paused due to severe weather conditions. This battle marked one of the early and significant clashes in the long and grueling conflict of the First World War.

Notable Births on October 19

• 1962: Evander Holyfield – renowned American boxer
• 1958: Michael Steele – influential American politician, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland
• 1946: Philip Pullman – celebrated English author known for his "His Dark Materials" series
• 1945: John Lithgow – versatile American actor, with notable roles across film and television
• 1944: Peter Tosh – iconic Jamaican singer-songwriter and guitarist, a key figure in the reggae movement

Notable Deaths on October 19

• 1893: Lucy Stone – pioneering American activist, a strong voice in the suffrage movement
• 1813: Józef Poniatowski – valiant Polish general and statesman
• 1745: Jonathan Swift – influential Irish author, best known for "Gulliver’s Travels"
• 1682: Thomas Browne – English author, philosopher, and polymath
• 1216: John, King of England – infamous monarch known for signing the Magna Carta