On this Day in History: March 19

A closer look at the key events on March 19 in history:

In 2003, the Iraq War begins

On March 19 U.S. President George W. Bush ordered air strikes on Baghdad, vowing to stop the production and distribution of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in Iraq (a claim that was later proven false) and end the rule of Saddam Hussein. The war quickly lost public support. During the war, more than 4,700 US and allied troop deaths were recorded and over 100,000 Iraqi civilians were killed. Saddam was captured, convicted, and hanged and democratic elections were held.

Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003/ Sgt. Igor Paustovski

In 1962, Bob Dylan releases his first album

Dylan’s debut album, “Bob Dylan,” released on Columbia Records includes anti-war anthems “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’.” Bob Dylan is considered one of the most influential artists of all time.

Bob Dylan’s self entitled album/ Flickr

In 1911, The first International Women’s Day is observed by over 1 million people in several European countries

German socialists Clara Zetkin and Luise Zietz initiated the observance and was supported by over a million people in Austria-Hungary, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. March 8th was designated as the day of celebration in 1917 after Russian women protested for “bread and peace” during a war-time strike.

Clara Zetkin, 1890. Unknown photographer/Getty Images.

In 1895, The Lumière brothers record their first footage

Auguste and Louis Lumière are considered the earliest filmmakers in history. Their first film was called Sortie des Usines Lumière à Lyon and showed workers leaving their factory in Lyon, France. It lasted about 50 seconds long.