In History, Today on July 19

The UK lifted most COVID-19 restrictions in England, marking a significant step in its return to normalcy amid the pandemic.

Israel passed the Nation-State Bill, defining the country as the nation-state of the Jewish people, which sparked significant debate and controversy both domestically and internationally.

The International Olympic Committee announced that Russia would not face a blanket ban from the Rio 2016 Olympics despite evidence of state-sponsored doping, sparking controversy.

A metro train derails in Moscow, Russia, killing 23 people and injuring more than 160.

Detroit filed for bankruptcy, becoming the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history at the time, highlighting the city's financial struggles.

Syrian Civil War: A bombing in Damascus killed several high-ranking Syrian government officials, including the defense minister, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.

NASA's space shuttle Atlantis lands at the Kennedy Space Center, concluding the final mission of the US shuttle program.

Pratibha Patil became the first woman to be elected President of India.

The first successful launch of the Boeing Delta IV Heavy rocket took place, marking a significant advancement in space exploration technology.

President Bill Clinton announces the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy regarding homosexuality in the U.S. military.

A car bomb exploded in the city of Milan, Italy, killing Judge Paolo Borsellino and five members of his police escort, an event that was part of the larger Mafia-related violence in Italy.

The Val di Stava dam collapse occurred in Italy, resulting in the deaths of 268 people and causing significant destruction in the surrounding area.

The first three-dimensional reconstruction of a human head in a CT scan was published, marking a milestone in medical imaging technology.

The Sandinista National Liberation Front overthrew the Somoza dictatorship in Nicaragua, marking the end of the Nicaraguan Revolution.

Joe Walker flew a North American X-15 to a record altitude of 106,010 meters (347,800 feet), becoming the first human to enter space twice.

The first part of the Geneva Accords is signed, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Indochina.

The Lahey Resolution is accepted by the World Health Organization, calling for the prevention of a potential shortage of dairy products and advocating for international cooperation to improve nutrition and public health.

The Allies launch the first large-scale bombing raid from Sicily's airfields against Rome, aiming to disrupt Axis communications and military infrastructure.

Adolf Hitler ordered the postponement of the invasion of Great Britain, known as Operation Sea Lion, during World War II.

The first line of the Paris Métro, Line 1, was inaugurated, marking a significant development in urban public transportation.

France declared war on Prussia, initiating the Franco-Prussian War.

The first Women's Rights Convention began in Seneca Falls, New York, marking the start of the organized women's rights movement in the United States.

Brunel's SS Great Britain is launched. It is the first ocean-going craft built of iron, and equipped with a screw propeller.

The Rosetta Stone was rediscovered by a French soldier in Egypt, providing the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Five women were executed by hanging after being convicted of witchcraft in the Salem witch trials.

Mary I was proclaimed Queen of England, deposing Lady Jane Grey.

The Mary Rose, a warship of the English Tudor navy of King Henry VIII, sank in the Solent during an engagement with the French fleet.

The Battle of Halidon Hill: A decisive battle of the Second War of Scottish Independence, where English forces under Edward III defeated a Scottish army near Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The Battle of Guadalete begins, marking the start of the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The forces of the Umayyad Caliphate, led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, faced the Visigothic army under King Roderic.

The Great Fire of Rome begins, leading to widespread destruction over several days. The fire engulfs much of the city, lasting for six days before being brought under control. The aftermath saw Emperor Nero blaming Christians for the fire, leading to a severe persecution.