The Writer Lu Xun Dies in Shanghai
On October 19, 1936, the Chinese writer Lu Xun, author of The Diary of a Madman and The True Story of Ah Q, died in Shanghai aged 55.
Streptomycin Isolated at Rutgers
Streptomycin, the first drug effective against tuberculosis, was isolated at Rutgers University on October 19, 1943. It came from a soil bacterium.
Mozambique's President Dies in a Plane Crash
On October 19, 1986, Mozambican president Samora Machel died when his plane crashed into a hillside in South Africa; 34 people were killed.
Stock Markets Crash on Black Monday
On October 19, 1987, the Dow Jones fell 22.6 percent, its worst one-day drop ever. The Black Monday crash spread to markets worldwide.
Trial of Saddam Hussein Begins
Saddam Hussein's trial began in Baghdad on October 19, 2005. He was charged over the 1982 killings in Dujail and executed the next year.
European Leaders Agree the Lisbon Treaty
On October 19, 2007, European Union leaders meeting in Lisbon approved a new treaty to replace the rejected constitution.