Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
On this day
A curious almanac of what happened on August 19 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
British and Native American forces defeat Kentucky militia in the Battle of Blue Licks, the last major engagement of the American Revolutionary War.
History
Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges dedicates the first temple to Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
Octavian becomes consul after threatening the Roman Senate with military force following Julius Caesar's murder.
Abu Yazid, a Kharijite rebel leader, is killed by Fatimid forces in the Hodna Mountains.
Baldwin III of Jerusalem captures Ascalon after a six-month siege, securing the kingdom's southern border and acquiring vast plunder.
Enea Silvio Piccolomini is elected as Pope Pius II, becoming the 211th leader of the Catholic Church.
The de Burghs and Fitzgeralds clash in the Battle of Knockdoe, a significant conflict between Hiberno-Norman families.
Mary, Queen of Scots, returns to Scotland at age 18 after spending 13 years in France.
The Dutch and English army, led by Maurice of Orange, captures the Spanish-held town of Sluis after a siege.
Five individuals, including a minister and a prominent community member, are executed in Salem for practicing witchcraft.
Johann Sebastian Bach leads the premiere performance of his cantata "Lobe den Herren," setting Johann Franck's hymn text.
British and Native American forces defeat Kentucky militia in the Battle of Blue Licks, the last major engagement of the American Revolutionary War.
Lakota warriors spare heavily defended Fort Ridgely during the uprising in Minnesota, instead targeting the settlement of New Ulm and killing white settlers along the way.
Born today
American country music singer-songwriter
Eddy Raven, American country music singer-songwriter known for six number-one hits including "I Got Mexico" and "Shine, Shine, Shine," turns 82 today.
English admiral and politician
1711 – 1761
Australian cricketer and pioneer of Australian rules football
1835 – 1880
American publisher and politician
1919 – 1990
Indian Hindi writer
1928 – 1998
American actor
b. 1955 · 71
American actor, director, and producer
b. 1956 · 70
Music
🇬🇧 #1 on August 19, 1981
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
Also #1 on this day
Film & TV
Box-office #1
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
August 19, 1936
The Great Purge commences with the first Moscow Trial, marking the start of widespread political repression in the Soviet Union.
Read the storyAugust 19, 1964
Syncom 3, the first geostationary communications satellite, is launched, enabling live coverage of the 1964 Summer Olympics two months later.
Read the storyToday is also
International
Afghanistan Independence Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Afghanistan on 19 August to commemorate the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919 and the relinquishment from its de-jure British protected-st
International
Public holidays in Vietnam are days when workers get the day off work
International
Dates when the Norwegian state flag is flown by all branches of government and state agencies are listed in Article 4 of the regulations concerning the use of the state flag and the merchant flag, as
International
Public holidays in the Philippines are of two types: regular holidays and special non-working days
International
The National Aviation Day is a United States national observation that celebrates the development of aviation
International
World Humanitarian Day is an international day dedicated to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have died working for humanitarian causes