AD 65day.year
The freedman Milichus betrays Piso's plot to kill the Emperor Nero and all of the conspirators are arrested.
In AD 65, the freedman Milichus exposes Piso's conspiracy to assassinate Emperor Nero, leading to the swift arrest of all involved.
In AD 65, Lucius Calpurnius Piso's plot to overthrow Emperor Nero was uncovered by his own servant, the freedman Milichus. The conspiracy aimed to eliminate Nero and install Piso as ruler, but Milichus betrayed his master. News of the betrayal reached Nero, who ordered the immediate arrest of Piso and his co-conspirators. The event marked the third major conspiracy against Nero's reign, revealing the simmering discontent among Rome's elite. Those arrested were subjected to trials and severe punishment, consolidating Nero's grip on power while sowing fear among the senatorial class.
AD 65
freedman
Milichus
Piso's plot
Emperor
Nero
conspirators
1529day.year
Beginning of the Protestant Reformation: After the Second Diet of Speyer bans Lutheranism, a group of rulers (German: Fürst) and independent cities protest the reinstatement of the Edict of Worms.
After the Second Diet of Speyer bans Lutheranism, German princes and free cities issue a protest, marking the beginning of the Protestant Reformation on April 19, 1529.
On April 19, 1529, a coalition of German princes (Fürsten) and independent cities formally protested the reinstatement of the Edict of Worms, which had outlawed Martin Luther's teachings. This 'Protestation at Speyer' gave rise to the term 'Protestant' and signified a turning point in religious and political history. The participants demanded religious freedom and condemned imperial interference in church matters. Their defiance challenged the authority of Charles V and set the stage for decades of religious conflict across Europe. The protest highlighted the growing desire for reform within the church and the emergence of regional power brokers shaping the course of faith and governance.
1529
Protestant Reformation
Second Diet of Speyer
Fürst
independent cities
protest
Edict of Worms
1539day.year
The Treaty of Frankfurt between Protestants and the Holy Roman Emperor is signed.
In 1539, the Treaty of Frankfurt is signed, temporarily easing tensions between Protestant princes and Emperor Charles V.
On April 19, 1539, representatives of the Schmalkaldic League and Emperor Charles V convened in Frankfurt to negotiate religious and political disputes dividing the Holy Roman Empire. The resulting Treaty of Frankfurt provided a delicate compromise that granted limited religious freedoms to the Protestant territories. Though intended to solidify peace, the agreement proved fragile and ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of the Schmalkaldic War a decade later. Nonetheless, the treaty demonstrated the complexity of balancing imperial authority with the growing demands for religious reform. It also underscored the central role of diplomacy in managing the Reformation's far-reaching impact across Europe.
1539
Treaty of Frankfurt
1713day.year
With no living male heirs, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, issues the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 to ensure that Habsburg lands and the Austrian throne would be inheritable by a female; his daughter and successor, Maria Theresa, was not born until 1717.
Charles VI issues the Pragmatic Sanction on April 19, 1713, allowing female succession to Habsburg territories.
Facing the prospect of dying without a male heir, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI promulgated the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 to secure his daughter's inheritance of the Habsburg domains. The decree stipulated that all Habsburg lands, including Austria, Bohemia, and Hungary, would pass undivided to Maria Theresa. European powers were diplomatically pressured to recognize this arrangement, though not all treaties would later honor it. The Sanction aimed to prevent fragmentation of the sprawling Habsburg monarchy and ensure a smooth transition upon Charles's death. Maria Theresa's eventual accession in 1740 sparked the War of the Austrian Succession, underscoring the decree's far-reaching political implications.
1713
Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Pragmatic Sanction of 1713
Habsburg
Austrian throne
Maria Theresa
1770day.year
Marie Antoinette marries Louis XVI in a proxy wedding.
Marie Antoinette marries Louis XVI by proxy on April 19, 1770, uniting the Habsburg and French royal houses.
In a grand diplomatic ceremony in Vienna, the future Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, formally married the Dauphin, Louis-Auguste (later Louis XVI), by proxy on April 19, 1770. Unable to attend in person, Louis was represented by his brother, the Count of Provence. The alliance intended to strengthen the Franco-Austrian relationship after decades of rivalry. At just 14 years old, Maria Antonia (her birth name) embarked on a journey that would take her to the heart of Versailles and eventually make her one of history's most famous queens. The proxy wedding set the stage for her formal arrival in France and the lavish celebrations that followed.
Marie Antoinette
Louis XVI
proxy wedding
1782day.year
John Adams secures Dutch recognition of the United States as an independent government. The house which he had purchased in The Hague becomes the first American embassy.
In 1782, John Adams secured Dutch recognition of the United States, and his residence in The Hague became the first American diplomatic mission.
In April 1782, diplomat John Adams achieved a milestone by obtaining formal recognition of American independence from the Dutch Republic.
His negotiations secured Dutch loans and established commercial ties crucial for the fledgling nation.
Adams occupied a house in The Hague as the first American embassy, symbolizing the United States' entry onto the international stage.
Dutch recognition paved the way for other European powers to consider official relations with the new republic.
Adams' success bolstered American morale and provided financial and political support during the Revolutionary War's final years.
This landmark diplomatic victory helped legitimize the United States and expand its global presence.
1782
John Adams
Dutch recognition of the United States
The Hague
1810day.year
Venezuela achieves home rule: Vicente Emparán, Governor of the Captaincy General is removed by the people of Caracas and a junta is installed.
Venezuela's path to independence began on April 19, 1810, when the people of Caracas deposed Governor Vicente Emparán and established a local junta.
On April 19, 1810, a popular movement in Caracas ousted Spanish Governor Vicente Emparán, accusing him of loyalty to the crown.
Local leaders formed a junta that assumed control of the Captaincy General of Venezuela, asserting home rule.
This bold act marked the first successful establishment of a Venezuelan governing body independent of Spanish authority.
The Caracas junta initiated reforms and laid the groundwork for the broader struggle for independence.
News of the junta inspired revolutionary fervor across the region, leading to further uprisings.
April 19 is celebrated as Day of the Establishment of the First Independent Government in Venezuela.
1810
Venezuela
Vicente Emparán
Governor
Captaincy General
Caracas
junta
1839day.year
The Treaty of London establishes Belgium as a kingdom and guarantees its neutrality.
The Treaty of London on April 19, 1839, formally recognized Belgium as an independent kingdom and guaranteed its perpetual neutrality.
Signed on April 19, 1839, the Treaty of London acknowledged Belgium's independence following the Belgian Revolution of 1830.
Major European powers, including Britain, France, and Prussia, agreed to uphold Belgian sovereignty.
The treaty established Belgium as a constitutional monarchy under King Leopold I.
It also enshrined Belgium's neutrality, a key principle for maintaining balance in Europe.
This diplomatic accord prevented Belgian territory from becoming a battleground in future continental conflicts.
Belgium's neutral status would later influence international relations through both world wars.
1839
Treaty of London
1960day.year
Students in South Korea hold a nationwide pro-democracy protest against president Syngman Rhee, eventually forcing him to resign.
South Korean students ignited the April Revolution, a nationwide protest that toppled President Syngman Rhee's authoritarian regime.
On April 19, 1960, university and high school students led massive demonstrations demanding democratic reforms in Seoul and across South Korea.
The protests, sparked by allegations of election fraud and police brutality, swelled to hundreds of thousands.
Facing unrelenting public pressure and violent clashes, President Syngman Rhee resigned the following day.
The April Revolution ushered in a brief period of parliamentary democracy and inspired future pro-democracy movements.
It remains a defining moment in South Korea's journey toward representative governance.
1960
a nationwide pro-democracy protest
president
Syngman Rhee
1971day.year
Sierra Leone becomes a republic, and Siaka Stevens the president.
Sierra Leone abolished its monarchy and declared a republic, with Siaka Stevens inaugurated as its first president.
Following the end of British dominion, Sierra Leone transitioned to a republic on April 19, 1971, replacing the Queen with a president.
Siaka Stevens, leader of the All People's Congress, was sworn in as the nation's first president.
The new constitution centralized executive power and aimed to foster national unity after independence.
Stevens' presidency marked the beginning of single-party rule, influencing Sierra Leone's political landscape for decades.
The republic's establishment represented a significant step in post-colonial governance in West Africa.
1971
Sierra Leone
republic
Siaka Stevens
1973day.year
The Portuguese Socialist Party is founded in the German town of Bad Münstereifel.
The Portuguese Socialist Party is founded in exile in Bad Munstereifel during Portugal's transition to democracy.
The Portuguese Socialist Party (PS) was formally established by exiled politicians in Bad Munstereifel, Germany. It emerged from opposition to the Estado Novo dictatorship that ruled Portugal for decades. Founding leaders sought to unify socialist currents and promote social justice and democratic reforms. The PS played a key role in the Carnation Revolution of 1974 and subsequent political transformations. Over the years, it has become one of Portugal's major political parties and has governed the country several times. The party is known for its centre-left orientation and commitment to welfare policies.
1973
Socialist Party
Bad Münstereifel
1984day.year
Advance Australia Fair is proclaimed as Australia's national anthem, and green and gold as the national colours.
Advance Australia Fair is officially proclaimed as Australia's national anthem, and green and gold as the national colours.
On April 19, 1984, Advance Australia Fair was declared the nation's official anthem, replacing God Save the Queen. The decision followed years of debate over Australia's musical identity and cultural symbols. The anthem's uplifting melody and patriotic lyrics by Peter Dodds McCormick resonated with many citizens seeking a unique national voice. Alongside the anthem proclamation, green and gold were designated as Australia's official colours, celebrating the country's natural landscapes and sports heritage. These symbols have since become central to Australian national celebrations, sporting events, and international representations. The change marked a defining moment in Australia's cultural independence and self-expression.
1984
Advance Australia Fair
national anthem
national colours