On This Day
What Happened on November 19 in History
8 events that happened on November 19, oldest first. Every entry is written in our own words and links to its source.
The Young Republic and the Civil War Era
1794
American and British representatives signed Jay's Treaty to settle disputes left over from the Revolution.
Issues included British trade restrictions and Britain's continued occupation of northern forts it had promised to leave. The treaty proved unpopular with many Americans.
Source: history.state.gov
1863
President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of a national cemetery.
After the main orator, Edward Everett, spoke for two hours, Lincoln delivered remarks lasting just two or three minutes at the battlefield in Pennsylvania.
Source: history.com
The Early 1900s and the World Wars
1942
The Soviet Red Army launched Operation Uranus, the counteroffensive that turned the tide at Stalingrad.
The great offensive under General Georgy Zhukov struck back at German and Axis forces that had pushed deep into the Soviet Union.
Source: history.com
The Cold War
1969
Apollo 12 astronauts Pete Conrad and Alan Bean landed in the Moon's Ocean of Storms.
Their lunar module, Intrepid, set down within walking distance of the robotic Surveyor 3 probe, proving that crews could make precise landings.
Source: nasa.gov; nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov
1975
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, starring Jack Nicholson, opened in theaters.
Milos Forman's film of Ken Kesey's novel became the first in four decades to win all five major Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Source: history.com
1990
NATO and Warsaw Pact nations signed the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.
The 22 countries agreed to limits that set parity in major conventional weapons between East and West from the Atlantic to the Urals, with extensive monitoring.
Source: presidency.ucsb.edu
The Modern Era
1997
Space shuttle Columbia launched on STS-87 carrying the U.S. Microgravity Payload-4.
Five astronauts and a payload specialist flew the mission, which lasted nearly 16 days and ended with a landing on December 5.
Source: nasa.gov
2004
A brawl involving Indiana Pacers players and Detroit Pistons fans erupted at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Pacers forward Ron Artest charged into the stands after a fan threw a drink at him. The melee became known as the Malice at the Palace, one of the most infamous moments in sports.
Source: history.com