Europa
- 1918: Lithuania declares independence from Russia and Germany. The Act of Independence was unanimously adopted by the Council of Lithuania, marking the restoration of Lithuania’s statehood after centuries of foreign domination. This day is now celebrated as Restoration of Lithuania’s Statehood Day.
- 1270: Battle of Karuse—The Grand Duchy of Lithuania defeated the Livonian Order, a key event in the medieval Baltic region.
- 1646: Battle of Torrington in Devon, England, was the last major battle of the First English Civil War, marking a turning point in British history.
- 1742: Spencer Compton becomes British Prime Minister, a notable political transition in the United Kingdom.
- 1899: President of France Félix Faure dies in office, a major event in French political history.
- 1940: British commandos board the German tanker Altmark in Jøssingfjord, Norway, freeing hundreds of British prisoners and creating an international incident due to the violation of Norway’s neutrality during World War II.
- 1945: Soviets surround Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland) as part of their advance into eastern Germany in the final months of World War II.
- 1854: Franz Liszt’s symphony “Orpheus” premieres in Weimar, Germany.
- 1859: The French government standardizes the musical pitch A above middle C to 435 Hz.
America
- 1862: American Civil War – Capture of Fort Donelson
General Ulysses S. Grant captured Fort Donelson in Tennessee, marking a major Union victory and leading to the surrender of about 14,000 Confederate soldiers. This victory earned Grant the nickname “Unconditional Surrender” Grant and opened the way for Union advances into the South. - 1804: First Barbary War – Raid on Tripoli
U.S. Navy Lieutenant Stephen Decatur led a daring raid to burn the captured frigate USS Philadelphia in Tripoli harbor, preventing its use by Barbary pirates. This mission is celebrated as a classic feat of naval heroism. - 1959: Fidel Castro becomes Premier of Cuba
Fidel Castro officially took power as Prime Minister of Cuba, transforming the island into the first communist state in the Western Hemisphere after overthrowing Fulgencio Batista. - 1968: First 911 Emergency Telephone System
The first 911 emergency telephone system was inaugurated in Haleyville, Alabama, marking a major advancement in public safety communications. - 1960: USS Triton Begins Submerged Circumnavigation
The U.S. Navy submarine USS Triton set out from Connecticut to begin the first submerged circumnavigation of the globe, a milestone in naval exploration. - 1857: Gallaudet College Incorporated
The National Deaf Mute College (later Gallaudet College) was incorporated in Washington, D.C., becoming the first institution of higher education for the deaf in the world. - 1883: Ladies’ Home Journal Begins Publication
The influential magazine Ladies’ Home Journal began publication, becoming a staple in American households.
Asia
- 1941: Birth of Kim Jong-il
The former Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, was born on this day. His leadership had a profound impact on the Korean Peninsula and global geopolitics. - 1985: Founding of Hezbollah
Hezbollah, a major political and militant organization in Lebanon, was established. It has played a central role in Middle Eastern politics and conflicts. - 1984: Iran launches Operation Dawn 5
During the Iran–Iraq War, Iran initiated a major offensive targeting the Basra–Baghdad highway, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. - 1945: U.S. forces land on Corregidor, Philippines
As part of the campaign to liberate the Philippines during World War II, American troops landed on Corregidor Island, a pivotal event in the Pacific theater. - 1945: U.S. bombing campaign of Tokyo and Kantō region begins
The United States began a significant bombing campaign against Japanese cities, marking a critical phase in the closing months of World War II. - 2013: Bombing in Hazara Town, Pakistan
A devastating bomb attack in Hazara Town, Quetta, killed 84 people and injured 190, highlighting ongoing sectarian violence in Pakistan. - 2005: Kyoto Protocol comes into force
The Kyoto Protocol, a landmark international treaty on climate change, officially took effect. Many Asian countries are signatories, and the agreement remains central to global environmental policy. - 1944: Death of Dadasaheb Phalke, regarded as the father of Indian cinema.
- Birth anniversaries of Rajendralal Mitra (Indologist) and Wasim Jaffer (cricketer).
- 1665: Osaka Castle in Japan was struck by lightning and burned down.
- 1872: Japan held its first military review by the emperor.
- 1959: Japan began minting new coins (100 yen, 50 yen, and 10 yen).
Africa
- 1897: The Benin Expedition
On this day, British forces captured, looted, and set fire to Benin City (in present-day Nigeria) during the punitive Benin Expedition. This led to the end of the Benin Kingdom, with the famous Benin Bronzes and other artworks taken to Britain. - 1977: Murder of Archbishop Janani Luwum
Uganda commemorates Archbishop Janani Luwum Memorial Day on February 16. Luwum, the Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, was murdered by Idi Amin’s regime after he spoke out against government abuses. This day is a public holiday in Uganda, honoring his legacy and martyrdom. - 1877: Chief Sekukuni signs peace treaty
Chief Sekukuni of the Bapedi signed a peace treaty with the Boers in the Transvaal, an important event in South African history. - 1920: First flight from England to Cape Town begins
South African aviators Pierre van Ryneveld and Quintin Brand set off from England, aiming to be the first to fly to Cape Town. Their journey became a landmark in African aviation history. - 1906: Lagos incorporated into Southern Nigeria
Lagos, now Nigeria’s largest city, was incorporated into the Southern Nigeria Protectorate, shaping the administrative and colonial history of Nigeria. - 2011: Protests in Libya
Inspired by the Arab Spring, protests erupted in Libya on February 16, eventually leading to the civil war and the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
This day in history: 16 february