2024-11-18 23:24:00
On Tuesday, November 19th, the book of history records, among other things:
1904: A monument to the Prussian King Frederick II is unveiled in New York, a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II to the American people.
1919: The US Senate rejects ratification of the Versailles Peace Treaty between the Allies and Germany.
1939: In Germany, the “Reichskleiderkarte” is introduced to purchase textile goods.
1949: In Monaco, Prince Rainier III ascends. as the successor to his maternal grandfather Louis II.
1954: Fierce fighting breaks out between French troops and freedom fighters in Tunisia.
1969: For the second time, people, US astronauts Charles Conrad and Alan Bean, are standing on the moon (mission “Apollo 12”).
1984: The Turkish diplomat and UN official Enver Ergun is shot dead in his car at Vienna’s Schottenring. The perpetrator can escape undetected. Armenian extremists later claimed responsibility for the crime.
1999: Heads of state and government from 30 countries sign a treaty to halve conventional weapons in Europe at the OSCE summit in Istanbul.
2004: Defense Minister Günther Platter (ÖVP) announces Austria’s participation in the future EU battle groups. Although politically controversial, constitutional experts do not see any compatibility problems with Austria’s neutrality; at most there must be a UN mandate for the deployment.
2004: The postal service is serious about closing 350 post offices from 2005 and is starting to inform the mayors concerned.
2004: Violent squalls are sweeping across Austria: a sudden change in weather causes chaos on the roads and numerous accidents with one person dead and several seriously injured.
2009: At a special summit in Brussels, the heads of state and government of the 27 EU states nominate Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy as the first permanent Council President and the British EU Commissioner Catherine Ashton as the new “EU Foreign Minister”.
2019: In the years-long struggle over the use of Hitler’s birthplace, a decision is made. The building houses the district police command and the Braunau police station. The owner of the house in the Innviertler municipality was expropriated by the National Council and failed in her legal appeals to the Supreme Court in August of this year.
Birthdays: Jan Otčenášek, Czech writer (1924-1979); Emil Constantinescu, Romanian. Politician (1939); Agnes Baltsa, Greek opera singer (1944); Richard Virenque, former French cyclist (1969).
Todestage: Hans von Hopfen, German writer (1835-1904); Alexandru Vlahută, Romanian. writer (1858-1919); James Ensor, Belgian painter and draftsman (1860-1949); Mike Nichols, US actor and director (1931-2014); Helmut Griem, German actor (1932-2004); Fritz von Weizsäcker, German physician (1960-2019).
Name days: Elisabeth, Mechthild, Elsa, Bettina, Lisbeth, Lisa, Jakob, David, Severin.
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How have the key events on November 19th influenced contemporary global politics?
**Interview with Historian Dr. Emily Taylor on Key Historical Events of November 19th**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Taylor. November 19th has seen a myriad of significant historical events. Which event do you believe stands out the most, and why?
**Dr. Taylor:** Thank you for having me. Each of these events is important in its own right, but I believe the rejection of the Versailles Peace Treaty by the US Senate in 1919 is particularly noteworthy. This decision had lasting implications for international relations and the trajectory of the 20th century, especially regarding the developments leading to World War II.
**Editor:** That’s a fascinating point. What impact do you think the rejection had on both the United States and Europe during that time?
**Dr. Taylor:** The US’s refusal to ratify the treaty meant that America would not be bound by its terms, which many historians argue contributed to the instability in Europe. By distancing itself from the League of Nations, the US missed an opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping post-war peace efforts. This left a power vacuum that several countries sought to fill, ultimately contributing to the rise of authoritarian regimes.
**Editor:** Moving on to another event, the introduction of the “Reichskleiderkarte” in Germany in 1939 marked a significant point in wartime economies. Can you explain its importance?
**Dr. Taylor:** Absolutely. The “Reichskleiderkarte” was a rationing system introduced to control the distribution of textiles during World War II. It’s emblematic of how totalitarian regimes manage their economies during wartime, reflecting broader themes of resource scarcity and state control. This system is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices faced by civilians and how these measures shape everyday life.
**Editor:** The moon landing of Apollo 12 in 1969 also stands out as a monumental achievement. How did that specific mission compare to the first?
**Dr. Taylor:** Apollo 12 was significant because it demonstrated the US’s ability to refine its lunar landing techniques following Apollo 11. The mission emphasized the importance of scientific discovery and showcased the collaboration required in such complex endeavors. Additionally, it solidified America’s dominance in space exploration during the Cold War, with vast implications for international prestige.
**Editor:** Lastly, could you briefly touch on the events from 2004 related to Austria’s military participation in EU battle groups?
**Dr. Taylor:** Certainly. Austria’s decision to participate in EU battle groups, while controversial due to its longstanding policy of neutrality, reflects the evolving nature of security in Europe post-Cold War. This decision underscores the complexities that smaller nations face in balancing national interests with regional stability. It marked a shift in how EU member states approach collective defense, even for those historically neutral.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Taylor, for your insights. It appears November 19th is a reminder of how history intertwines with the present and influences our future.
**Dr. Taylor:** Thank you for having me! It’s always enlightening to discuss how past events shape the world we live in today.