1473: Copernicus born
On 19th February 1473, Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland. The father of modern astronomy, he was the first to propose that the Earth and other planets revolve around the sun. Prior to the publication of his Concerning the Revolutions of the Heavenly Orbs in 1543, European astronomers argued that the Earth lay at the centre of the universe, the view held by most ancient philosophers and biblical writers.
Copernicus also argued that the Earth turned daily on its axis, and that gradual shifts of this axis accounted for the changing seasons. He died the year his major work was published, saving him from the outrage of some religious leaders who condemned his science as heresy.
2006
The Rolling Stones play to an audience of over a million people on the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
2001
In England, an abattoir in Essex is suspected of having Foot-and-mouth disease. It is later confirmed that it has the disease, starting a crisis in British farming.
1985
EastEnders is first shown on British TV.
1978
Fifteen Egyptian commandos are killed in a gun battle with Greek Cypriot soldiers at Larnaca airport in Cyprus, whilst trying to solve a hostage crisis.
1968
In Britain, a high court settlement provides for significant compensation from the drug company The Distillers Company Ltd to mothers who took the drug thalidomide during pregnancy, and whose children were subsequently born with deformities.
1965
The Vietnam War: South Vietnam’s leader, General Nguyen Khanh is forced to flee Saigon after dissident officers move several battalions of troops into the city with the intention deposing him.
1961
In London, supporters of the deposed Prime Minister of Congo, Patrice Lumumba clash with police outside the Belgium embassy.
1945
The Second World War: U.S. marines invade the pacific island Iwo Jima.
1942
The Second World War: US President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs executive order 9066, allowing the removal of anybody from military areas ‘as deemed necessary or desirable’. This order is used to intern Japanese-Americans.
1915
The First World War: British and French forces begin the bombardment of Turkish positions in the Dardanelles.
1878
Thomas Edison patents the phonograph.
1861
Tsar Alexander II abolishes serfdom in Russia.
1807
Former U.S. vice president, Aaron Burr, is arrested in Alabama on charges of plotting to annex Spanish territory in Louisiana and Mexico to be used toward the establishment of an independent republic.
1674
The treat of Westminster is signed, ending the Third Anglo-Dutch War.
197
Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats Clodius Albinus at the Battle of Lugdunum.