This day in history — Aug. 19

Associated Press

Today’s highlight in history 

On Aug. 19, 1934, a plebiscite in Germany approved the vesting of sole executive power in Adolf Hitler. 

The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," is docked at the Charlestown Navy Yard on July 24 in Boston. The world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat has undergone over two years of restoration in dry dock.

On this date 

In 1812, the USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere off Nova Scotia during the War of 1812, earning the nickname “Old Ironsides.”

In 1936, the first of a series of show trials orchestrated by Soviet leader Josef Stalin began in Moscow as 16 defendants faced charges of conspiring against the government (all were convicted and executed).

In 1942, during World War II, about 6,000 Canadian and British soldiers launched a disastrous raid against the Germans at Dieppe, France, suffering more than 50% casualties.

In 1955, torrential rains caused by Hurricane Diane resulted in severe flooding in the northeastern United States, claiming some 200 lives.

In 1964, The Beatles opened their first full-fledged U.S. tour, performing at San Francisco’s Cow Palace. 

In 1987, a gun collector ran through Hungerford, England, 60 miles west of London, killing 16 people, including his mother, before turning his gun on himself.

In 1991, Soviet hard-liners stunned the world by announcing that President Mikhail S. Gorbachev had been removed from power. (The coup attempt collapsed two days later.) 

Two women look for shelter during light rain and strong wind from Hurricane Dean as it moves along Haiti's southern coast in Les Cayes, about 92 miles from Port-au-Prince on Aug. 19, 2007.

Ten years ago: Hurricane Dean, which had already killed eight people on its destructive march across the Caribbean, pummeled Jamaica with gusting winds and torrential rains as a Category 4 storm.

Five years ago: Tony Scott, 68, director of such Hollywood hits as “Top Gun” and “Days of Thunder,” jumped to his death from a suspension bridge over Los Angeles Harbor. 

One year ago: The Obama administration defended its decision to make a $400 million cash delivery to Iran contingent on the release of American prisoners, saying the payment wasn’t ransom because the Islamic Republic would have soon recouped the money one way or another.

Associated Press 

Comedian Groucho Marx is shown in this 1933 handout photo.

QUOTE UNQUOTE 

"These are my principles. If you don't like them I have others." 

Groucho Marx,

Comedian, actor and writer, who died on this date in 1977 at age 86