1942 FDR Signs Executive Order 9066, Authorizing Japanese American Internment

On February 19th, 1942, Roosevelt’s decision led to the forced relocation and incarceration of over 100,000 Japanese Americans, many of whom were US citizens. The controversial move was later recognized as a grave violation of civil liberties, with reparations and a formal apology coming decades later.

🗞️Today’s Headlines

Everything important that’s ever happened on February 19:

2008 — Fidel Castro formally resigned as president of Cuba, succeeded by his brother Raúl.

1963 — American author and activist Betty Friedan published The Feminine Mystique, sparking the second wave of feminism.

1945 — US Marines invaded Iwo Jima, marking a significant battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

1881 — Kansas became the first US state to include the prohibition of alcoholic beverages in its state constitution.

1878 — Thomas Edison patented the phonograph, revolutionizing the music and recording industries.

🎂 Today’s Birthdays

On February 19, we’re singing to:

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473) — Polish astronomer who proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system, revolutionizing the field of astronomy.

Shivaji (1630) — Indian king and founder of the Maratha Empire, known for his military prowess and strong governance.

Prince Andrew (1960) — British prince, the Duke of York, best known for his numerous controversies.

Millie Bobby Brown (2004) — British actress widely recognized for her role as Eleven in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things.

 🪦Who Died Today?

On February 19, we’re saying goodbye to:

Decimus Clodius Septimius Albinus (197) — Roman general who fought against Emperor Severus in a civil war, ultimately meeting his demise.

Umberto Eco (2016) — Italian author and literary critic best known for his novel The Name of the Rose, which blended historical fiction and semiotics.

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