previous year1909
1910191119121913191419151916191719181919
1920next year

Major Events of February 1919: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from February 1919 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of February 1919: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Feb 1919 Estonian Liberation in War of Independence: During the Estonian War of Independence, Estonian military forces successfully liberated the strategic towns of Valga and Võru, effectively expelling the Red Army from Estonian territory. This pivotal moment represented a crucial step in Estonia's struggle for national sovereignty and independence from Soviet forces.
  • 02 Feb 1919 Estonian Liberation in War of Independence: During the Estonian War of Independence, Estonian forces achieved a strategic victory by liberating the towns of Valga and Võru, successfully expelling the Red Army from Estonian territory. This military operation was crucial in establishing Estonia's sovereignty and independence from Soviet Russian control.
  • 03 Feb 1919 First League of Nations Meeting: The inaugural meeting of the League of Nations takes place in Paris, marking a pivotal moment in international diplomacy and collective security following World War I.
  • 04 Feb 1919 Women's Suffrage in Belarus: Belarus granted women the fundamental democratic rights to vote and stand for elections, a significant milestone in the country's progression towards gender equality and political representation.
  • 05 Feb 1919 United Artists Film Studio Founded: Four legendary Hollywood pioneers - Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith - establish United Artists, a groundbreaking film studio that would revolutionize independent film production and artist control.
  • 06 Feb 1919 Friedrich Ebert Elected President of Germany: Friedrich Ebert was elected as the first President of the Weimar Republic, marking a critical moment in Germany's transition from imperial monarchy to democratic governance following World War I.
  • 07 Feb 1919 Diplomatic Report from Berlin: Captain W. R. Gherardi submitted a detailed report to the Commission to Negotiate Peace from Berlin, providing critical insights into the political situation in the immediate aftermath of World War I, contributing to the diplomatic efforts of the time.
  • 08 Feb 1919 Korean Students' Declaration of Independence: On February 8, 1919, approximately 600 Korean students studying in Japan assembled to hear a representative read the first draft of the Korean Declaration of Independence. This pivotal moment sparked the Korean independence movement, which became the largest peaceful uprising against Japanese colonial rule, symbolizing the Korean people's resistance and desire for self-determination.
  • 09 Feb 1919 Éamon de Valera's Dramatic Escape from Lincoln Prison: On February 9, 1919, Éamon de Valera, the prominent leader of Sinn Féin, dramatically escaped from Lincoln Prison in England. The meticulously planned breakout was orchestrated by his close associates Michael Collins and Harry Boland, who successfully helped de Valera and two other Irish republican prisoners flee from British custody. This audacious escape was a significant moment in the Irish independence struggle, highlighting the resourcefulness and determination of the Irish republican movement during a critical period of political resistance against British rule.
  • 10 Feb 1919 Women's Suffrage Amendment Narrowly Fails: An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would extend voting rights to women was defeated by a single vote in the United States Senate, highlighting the intense political struggle for women's suffrage.
  • 11 Feb 1919 Friedrich Ebert Becomes First President of Weimar Republic: Friedrich Ebert of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) was elected as the first President of Germany by the Weimar National Assembly. He won a decisive victory, defeating his opponent Arthur von Posadowsky-Wehner with 277 votes to 49, marking a significant moment in Germany's transition to democratic governance after World War I.
  • 12 Feb 1919 Friedrich Ebert Elected as First President of Germany: Friedrich Ebert was elected as the first President of Germany by the Weimar National Assembly, winning a decisive victory with 277 votes against his opponent Arthur von Posadowsky-Wehner, who received 49 votes. This marked a significant moment in the establishment of the Weimar Republic.
  • 13 Feb 1919 Birth of Tennessee Ernie Ford: Tennessee Ernie Ford, a renowned American country music singer and television personality, was born in Bristol, Tennessee. Known for his distinctive bass-baritone voice and hit songs like 'Sixteen Tons', Ford would become a significant figure in mid-20th century American popular music and entertainment.
  • 14 Feb 1919 Polish-Soviet War Commences: The Polish-Soviet War officially begins, marking a significant conflict between the newly independent Poland and Soviet Russia. This war would have profound implications for the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe in the early 20th century.
  • 15 Feb 1919 American Legion Founded in Paris: The American Legion, a major United States veterans' organization, was officially organized in Paris, France, in the aftermath of World War I. This organization would go on to become one of the largest veterans' service organizations in the United States, advocating for veterans' rights and providing community service.
  • 16 Feb 1919 World War I Ceasefire Prolongation with Germany: A critical diplomatic extension of the armistice between the Allied Powers and Germany was negotiated, helping to stabilize tensions and reduce active military confrontations. This prolongation was particularly significant in mitigating ongoing conflicts, especially between German and Polish forces, and represented an important step towards eventual peace negotiations.
  • 17 Feb 1919 Harlem Hell Fighters Victory Parade: The African-American 369th Infantry Regiment, famously known as the Harlem Hell Fighters, celebrated their heroic World War I service with a triumphant parade up Fifth Avenue into Harlem. This parade was a powerful moment of recognition for the regiment's extraordinary bravery and contributions, despite facing racial discrimination both at home and abroad.
  • 18 Feb 1919 NHL Record-Breaking Goal by Cy Denneny: On February 18, 1919, Cy Denneny of the Ottawa Senators made hockey history by scoring his 52nd goal of the season, setting a remarkable record in the National Hockey League. This achievement was particularly impressive during an era when hockey was still developing as a professional sport, highlighting Denneny's exceptional skill and scoring prowess.
  • 19 Feb 1919 First Pan-African Congress in Paris: The Pan-African Congress was a groundbreaking conference organized by prominent African American intellectual and civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois in Paris, France. This historic gathering brought together Black intellectuals and activists from various parts of the world to discuss racial equality, colonial oppression, and the rights of people of African descent in the aftermath of World War I.
  • 20 Feb 1919 Assassination Attempt on French Premier Clemenceau: French Premier Georges Clemenceau survived an assassination attempt, highlighting the political tensions and personal risks faced by world leaders in the aftermath of World War I.
  • 21 Feb 1919 German National Meeting Considers Anschluss: The German National Meeting discussed and accepted the potential incorporation (Anschluss) of Austria, a significant political development in the aftermath of World War I that would later have profound implications for European geopolitics.
  • 22 Feb 1919 Philadelphia Convention on Irish Home Rule: On February 22, 1919, a significant convention was held in Philadelphia regarding Irish Home Rule. The gathering led to the establishment of the American Commission on Irish Independence, marking an important moment in the Irish independence movement and demonstrating the international support for Ireland's political autonomy.
  • 23 Feb 1919 Formation of the Italian Fascist Party: On February 23, 1919, Benito Mussolini officially established the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento (Italian Fasci of Combat), which would later evolve into the National Fascist Party. This marked a pivotal moment in Italian political history, laying the groundwork for Mussolini's rise to power and the emergence of fascism as a significant political ideology in the early 20th century.
  • 24 Feb 1919 American Relief Administration Established: The United States Congress established the American Relief Administration (ARA) with an initial budget of $100 million. This organization was crucial in providing humanitarian aid and economic relief to European countries devastated by World War I, particularly in regions suffering from food shortages and economic collapse.
  • 25 Feb 1919 League of Nations Established: The League of Nations was officially established by the Paris Treaty, marking a significant milestone in international diplomacy and collective security in the aftermath of World War I. This intergovernmental organization was the first global mechanism designed to prevent future conflicts.
  • 26 Feb 1919 Grand Canyon National Park Established: The United States Congress officially established the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, protecting one of the most iconic natural landscapes in North America. This landmark decision ensured the preservation of the stunning geological formation for future generations.
  • 27 Feb 1919 First Public Performance of Holst's 'The Planets': Gustav Holst's groundbreaking orchestral suite 'The Planets' was performed publicly for the first time, marking a significant moment in classical music history. The composition, which musically depicts the astrological characteristics of each planet, would go on to become one of the most influential and widely recognized orchestral works of the 20th century.
  • 28 Feb 1919 Amanullah Khan Ascends to Afghan Throne: On February 28, 1919, Amanullah Khan seized power in Afghanistan, overthrowing his brother Nasrullah Khan and establishing himself as the new monarch. This pivotal moment marked a significant transition in Afghan political leadership, setting the stage for substantial reforms in the early 20th century.