 "History Today: When US Marines invaded Japan's Iwo Jima during World War II")
Armed with machine guns and walking through water on a beach, US Marine Corps invaded Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. This is how the Allied Forces stormed the Japanese island during World War II .
If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series, _History Today_ will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.
In 2010, American professional golfer Tiger Woods apologised for his marital infidelities and selfish behaviour in a televised news conference. Meanwhile, the founder of the Maratha Empire in India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born in Shivneri Fort near Junnar, Maharashtra.
Here is all that happened on this day.
US Marines invade Japan’s Iwo Jima island
An intense attack was launched by the US Marines on the Japanese Island of Iwo Jima on this day in 1945.
When the Marines first landed on the island they wondered if there were any Japanese alive. A haze of smoke covered the place while the stench of sulphur hung heavy in the air. Instead of the expected heavy resistance, the Marines’ initial landing was met with only sporadic artillery fire and scattered small arms fire. This unexpectedly light opposition allowed thousands of infantrymen, tanks, and vehicles to land on the beach with relative ease.
The Marines’ easy landing was short-lived. As they advanced onto the ash-covered terrace, hidden Japanese batteries unleashed a barrage of mortar, machine-gun and artillery fire, targeting the troops and equipment still on the beach. “The honeymoon is over!” an officer shouted, shattering any hopes of unopposed conquest, reported History.com.
This island, away from mainland Japan, lacked basic amenities like a fresh water supply. Yet, as the World War moved closer to a conclusion, the island became important for the Americans to control Japan.
The invasion was one of the bloodiest of the war, with Marines encountering fierce resistance from Japanese forces entrenched in well-fortified positions. The battle lasted over a month, with heavy casualties on both sides. Over 6,000 American Marines were killed, while Japanese casualties were estimated at over 18,000.
The iconic image of six US Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the battle became a symbol of American resilience and victory. Iwo Jima was eventually secured by the US forces on March 26, 1945, marking a pivotal moment in the war.
Tiger Woods apologises for extramarital affairs
On this day in 2010, American professional golfer Tiger Woods was in the limelight once again but this was not for his professional achievements. He held a televised news conference to apologise for his multiple extramarital affairs and selfish behaviour.
One of the greatest players of golf and highest-paid athletes in the world, Woods delivered a scripted statement at PGA headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. While his mother was present there, his Swedish-born wife Elin Nordegren, was nowhere to be seen.
In a deeply emotional 14-minute speech, Tiger Woods confronted his infidelity, offering heartfelt apologies to his family, his devoted fans, and his business partners. He accepted responsibility for his actions, revealing that he was seeking therapy and announcing an indefinite leave from professional golf to dedicate himself to his personal life.
This came after the then 38-year-old golfer was involved in a car crash near his home. It was during this time that the media began speculating his whereabouts on the evening of the accident. Later, more than a dozen women came forward to publicly claim that they had been romantically involved with the golfer.
Just a few months after the press conference, Woods was back at action at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Notably, Woods and his wife officially got divorced in August 2010.
Birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Founder of the Maratha Empire Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born in Maharashtra’s Shivneri Fort, near Poona (present-day Pune) on this day in 1630.
Shivaji was born during a period of political instability in Mughal-controlled India. His father, Shahaji Bhosale, was a Maratha general serving in Bijapur while his mother, Jijabai was a devout and influential woman, who played a key role in shaping his values.
The mentorship of Dadoji Kondadev, his tutor and administrator, fostered Shivaji’s leadership qualities, military acumen and a deep sense of justice. Despite his father’s service to the Bijapur Sultanate, Shivaji was determined to carve out an independent Maratha kingdom.
From a young age, Shivaji displayed remarkable courage and intelligence. He began building a loyal following and strategically captured forts, laying the foundation for the Maratha Empire. His vision of freedom, good governance and Hindu cultural pride made him a revered figure in Indian history.
This Day, That Year
In 2016, American author Harper Lee died at the age of 89.
US President Franklin D Roosevelt signed the executive order allowing the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II in 1942.
In 1878, American inventor Thomas Edison patented the phonograph.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
