Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, February 19, 2025. I am Dom Einhorn, your lead curator, and here are your insights into what makes this day in history relevant today. First time reading? Join our community of intellectually curious readers who explore the history behind every day. [Sign up here]

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Today in History

Marquee Event of the Day

> February 19, 1945: During the final phases of World War II, U.S. Marines invade Iwo Jima to seize the strategically vital island from the Japanese, who mounted fierce resistance.

Why this matters: The invasion of Iwo Jima was a pivotal moment in World War II, dramatically altering the course of the Pacific campaign. By securing this strategically vital island, the U.S. Marines not only disrupted Japanese defenses but also established a crucial base for subsequent air operations and the eventual invasion of the Japanese mainland. The battle showcased the brutal reality of amphibious warfare, as the fierce resistance and high casualty rates underscored the immense human cost of the conflict. Beyond its immediate military impact, the capture of Iwo Jima served as a symbol of American determination and ingenuity, influencing future military strategies and leaving a lasting legacy in both military history and collective memory.

To learn more about the invasion of Iwo Jima, please take this special quiz.

Notable Events

• February 19, 2008 - Fidel Castro officially steps down as Cuba's president, with his brother Raúl succeeding him.

• February 19, 1997 - Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China's 1978 economic reforms, dies at 92.

• February 19, 1942 - During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs an executive order authorizing the internment of Japanese Americans.

In partnership with Masters of Trivia 
Knowledge Gamified

Masters of Trivia is gearing up to launch its utility token soon. Register for a FREE player account now so as not to miss out!

A recent New York Weekly article featured Dom Einhorn’s attempt to “Revolutionize Quizzing and Hyper-Targeted Advertising.” For transparency, Intelligent Games is the parent company of both the KRONIKL newsletter and Masters of Trivia, the quiz platform linked to many topics featured in this newsletter. An excerpt of the article reads:

Einhorn points to the company’s slogan to explain the value of Masters of Trivia’s platform. “Our slogan is ‘Knowledge Gamified’ and not ‘Gamified Knowledge’ for a good reason,” he explains. “We aim to educate and inform first and foremost, but we also know that most people need to be deeply engaged in the learning process. Hence, we added a heavy dose of entertainment and incentives to the mix.”

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Echoes in Time

Here are two events from February 19 that continue to resonate in the present day.

1. Event: February 19, 1473 - Polish astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus, is born.

Lasting Significance: Nicolaus Copernicus’ revolutionary heliocentric theory transformed our understanding of the cosmos and laid the groundwork for the modern scientific era. By challenging the long-accepted geocentric model, his work not only redefined humanity’s place in the universe but also catalyzed the Scientific Revolution, influencing generations of astronomers, philosophers, and thinkers. Copernicus’ ideas shattered prevailing dogmas and promoted a spirit of inquiry and evidence-based reasoning, ultimately reshaping scientific thought and society’s approach to knowledge and discovery.

2. Event: February 19, 2019 - German designer and photographer Karl Lagerfeld, the creative force behind Chanel's modern revival, dies in Paris.

Lasting Significance: Karl Lagerfeld's legacy stands as a monumental force in modern fashion, having redefined creativity and luxury. As the creative engine behind Chanel's iconic revival, he seamlessly fused timeless elegance with bold, contemporary aesthetics, setting new trends that resonated globally. His constant reinvention of classic brands inspired a generation of designers to challenge conventional norms, while his work as a photographer and cultural icon bridged the gap between art and fashion. Lagerfeld's visionary leadership not only transformed an industry but also left an enduring mark on popular culture, ensuring his influence will be felt for decades to come.

In the Spotlight

Birthdays, Passings & Milestones
Highlighting the influential figures who were born or died on this day, along with their legacies.

• February 19, 1881 - Kansas becomes the first U.S. state to enshrine an alcohol ban in its constitution.

• February 19, 1878 - American inventor Thomas Edison patents the phonograph.

• February 19, 1933 - Prussian Minister Hermann Goering bans all Catholic newspapers.

Science & Discovery

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• February 19, 1771- French astronomer Charles Messier adds M46–M49 to his catalog, including clusters in Puppis and Hydra and a galaxy in Virgo.

• February 19, 1831 - The first practical U.S. coal-burning locomotive makes its inaugural trial run in Pennsylvania.

• February 19, 1856 - Hamilton Smith patents the tin-type camera in Gambier, Ohio.

• February 19, 1878 - Thomas Edison receives a patent for his cylinder phonograph.

• February 19, 1970 - USSR launches Sputnik 52 & Molniya 1-13 communications satellite.

Today in Finance

Brought to you by Born2Invest.
Curated reads and interesting tidbits from the world of finance.

• February 19, 1906 - After a fallout with his brother, Will Keith Kellogg co-founds the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company with Charles D. Bolin, which will later become Kellogg's.

• February 19, 2007 - Blogging website Tumblr is founded by David Karp in New York.

• February 19, 2008 - Toshiba formally recalls its HD DVD format, effectively ending the format war with Sony's Blu-Ray Disc.

• February 19, 2020 - The price of Bitcoin closes at $9,633.39.

Today in Sports

Brought to you by The Hunslet Wolves, a new UK-based rugby franchise coached by the former defensive head coach of the French National Team, David Ellis.

• February 19, 1959 - American commissioner of the National Football League, Roger Goodell, is born.

• February 19, 1946 - New York Giants outfielder Danny Gardella becomes the first major leaguer to announce his jump to the "outlaw" Mexican Baseball League for a fee of $10,000.

• February 19, 1952 - American champion Dick Button becomes first figure skater to land a triple jump in competition—executing a triple loop in Oslo to win Olympic gold over Austria’s Helmut Seibt.

• February 19, 1970 - Former professional baseball player and AL Cy Young Award winner, Denny McLain, is suspended for bookmaking.

• February 19, 1984 - At the 26th Daytona 500, Cale Yarborough secures his second consecutive and fourth overall win with a last-lap pass on Darrell Waltrip.

In the Arts Today

• February 19, 1992 - At 24, film school graduate John Singleton becomes the youngest and first Black director nominated for an Academy Award for Boyz n the Hood.

• February 19, 2016 - American author Harper Lee, acclaimed for her debut novel To Kill a Mockingbird (1960), which explores small-town life and racial prejudice, dies at 89.

• February 19, 1924 - American actor, Lee Marvin, is born.

• February 19, 1736 - George Frideric Handel's opera "Alexander's Feast" premiered at London's Covent Garden Theatre.

The Rest of the Story

• February 19, 1847 - Rescuers reach the surviving Donner Party emigrants stranded by snow in the Sierra Nevadas.

• February 19, 1970 - The Chicago Seven (originally the Chicago Eight, with Bobby Seale tried separately) are acquitted of riot conspiracy but convicted of inciting a riot.

• February 19, 1981 - The U.S. government releases a report showing that El Salvador's insurgency evolved into a textbook case of indirect armed aggression by communist powers.

Quote of the Day

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Why KRONIKL? Inspired by the timeless concept of chronicles, KRONIKL is dedicated to bringing you the most intriguing, thought-provoking stories from this date. Culture, science, politics, and more — all condensed for a quick, insightful read that connects your present with our past.

*Disclosure: Masters of Trivia is a quiz platform founded by Dom Einhorn and owned by Intelligent Games LLC—the same company that brings you the KRONIKL newsletter.