On this day in history, the Estonian National Council created the Estonian Rescue Committee, bestowing upon it the full powers of the state. This decision was pivotal, as it coincided with the committee's preparation for the declaration of an independent Republic of Estonia. Among the notable members of the committee were Konstantin Päts, Jüri Vilms, and Konstantin Konik, each possessing equal status within the organization.

The Estonian Rescue Committee operated under challenging circumstances, with various parts of the country occupied by Soviet or German forces. Consequently, the committee's activities were conducted covertly from a secret location at Suur-Tartu maantee 11, where they drafted the "Manifest to All the Peoples of Estonia." This manifesto was instrumental in shaping the narrative for Estonia's future amidst the turmoil.

Following the proclamation of independence, the committee appointed Konstantin Päts as the leader of the Estonian Provisional Government. The events of February 19 are historically significant as they also mark various pivotal moments in Estonia's history, including protests in Tartu in 1905 and the founding of Estonia's first dairy cooperative in 1908. These milestones reflect the historical context of Estonia's struggle for independence and nation-building.