This Day In History : March 19

1911 Germany

First International Women's Day Held

On March 19, 1911, the first International Women's Day saw over 1 million men and women rally in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. They advocated for women's rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, work, receive vocational training, and end job discrimination.

Also on This Day in History March 19

Discover what happened on March 19 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, March 19
  • 1734 Thomas McKean

    American lawyer and signatory of the American Declaration of Independence

  • 1900 Frédéric Joliot-Curie

    French physicist who discovered of artificial radioactivity

  • 1943 James Wynne

    American physicist and co-inventor of excimer laser surgery at IBM

  • 1943 Mario Monti

    Italian economist, politician and Prime Minister of Italy (2011-13)

  • 1892 Siegfried T. Bok

    Dutch neurobiologist and anatomist

Deaths on This Day, March 19
  • 2005 John DeLorean

    American engineer, businessman who founded the DeLorean Motor Company

  • 1968 Karl Dussik

    Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist who is known as the Father of Ultrasonic Diagnosis

  • 1962 Samuel Cate Prescott

    American food scientist and microbiologist

  • 1914 Giuseppe Mercalli

    Italian volcanologist, seismologist and clergyman

  • 1987 Louis Victor de Broglie

    French quantum physicist who studied electrons, Nobel Prize for Physics 1929

1474

Venetian Patent Law of 1474 Establishes World's First Intellectual Property Rights

On March 19, 1474, Venice enacted the first patent law, offering inventors protection for new and ingenious contrivances for up to ten years. This pioneering legislation aimed to attract inventors and stimulate economic growth by securing exclusive rights to innovations.
1949

American Museum of Atomic Energy Opens as the First U.S. Museum

On March 19, 1949, the American Museum of Atomic Energy opened its doors as the first U.S. museum dedicated to the atomic age. Located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, it provided insights into atomic energy and its implications for science and industry.
1931

Nevada Legalizes Gambling, Sparking a Gaming Revolution in 1931

On March 19, 1931, the US State of Nevada legalized gambling. This pivotal decision transformed Nevada into a major gaming and entertainment hub, shaping the state's economy and attracting visitors from around the world.
2024

Finland Tops World Happiness Rankings for Seventh Consecutive Year in 2024

On March 19, 2024, Finland was ranked the happiest country in the world by the UN for the seventh year in a row. This ranking highlights Finland's continued excellence in quality of life and well-being. Afghanistan was listed at the bottom of the rankings.
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