Europa
- 1917: Start of the February Revolution in Russia
Demonstrations began in Saint Petersburg (then Petrograd), leading to the eventual collapse of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet state. This revolution was a pivotal moment in both Russian and European history, setting the stage for the 20th century’s political landscape. - 1918: Defender of the Fatherland Day (Russia and former Soviet states)
Celebrated as the founding day of the Red Army, this holiday originated during the Russian Civil War. While Soviet propaganda later claimed a military victory over German forces on this date, historians note that no such battle occurred on February 23, 1918. Instead, the day marks the receipt of a German ultimatum and the subsequent acceptance of harsh peace terms by the Bolsheviks. The holiday, first called Red Army Day, is still observed in Russia and several post-Soviet states as Defender of the Fatherland Day, commemorating military service. - 1820: The Cato Street Conspiracy (United Kingdom)
British authorities uncovered a plot to assassinate government ministers. This event reflected the turbulent political atmosphere in post-Napoleonic Britain and resulted in the execution and transportation of several conspirators. - 1455: Gutenberg Bible Published (Germany)
Traditionally, this is the date when Johannes Gutenberg’s Bible—the first major book printed with movable type—was published in Mainz, Germany. This invention revolutionized the spread of knowledge and is a cornerstone of European cultural history. - 1943: United Panhellenic Organization of Youth Founded (Greece)
This resistance group played a significant role in the Greek struggle against Axis occupation during World War II. - 1945: Liberation of Poznań (Poland)
Soviet and Polish forces liberated the city of Poznań from German occupation during the final months of World War II.
America
- 1836: The Siege of the Alamo Begins
Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna began the siege of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, during the Texas War for Independence. The 13-day siege became a powerful symbol of resistance and sacrifice for Texans and Americans. - 1903: Guantánamo Bay Leased to the United States
Cuba signed an agreement leasing Guantánamo Bay to the United States “in perpetuity” for use as a naval base, a decision with lasting geopolitical implications. - 1945: Flag Raising on Iwo Jima
During World War II, U.S. Marines captured Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima and raised the American flag, an event immortalized in the iconic photograph by Joe Rosenthal. This moment became one of the most enduring images of the war and American military history. - 1942: Japanese Attack on U.S. Mainland
A Japanese submarine shelled an oil refinery near Santa Barbara, California, marking the first attack on the U.S. mainland during World War II. - 1954: First Mass Polio Vaccination
The first mass inoculation against polio was conducted in the United States using Jonas Salk’s vaccine, a major public health milestone. - 1870: Mississippi Readmitted to the Union
Mississippi was officially readmitted to the United States after the Civil War, marking an important step in Reconstruction. - 1905: Founding of the Rotary Club
The first Rotary Club was founded in Chicago by Paul P. Harris, which would grow into a major international service organization. - 1980: Eric Heiden’s Olympic Record
American speed skater Eric Heiden won his fifth gold medal at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics, a record for a single Games. - 2020: Ahmaud Arbery Shooting
Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, was fatally shot in Georgia, sparking national outrage and a landmark legal case.
Asia
- 628: Overthrow of Khosrow II in Persia (Iran)
Khosrow II, the last great shah of the Sasanian Empire, was overthrown. This marked a turning point in Persian history, leading to the eventual fall of the Sasanian dynasty and the rise of Islamic rule in the region. - 705: Empress Wu Zetian Abdicates in China
Empress Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, abdicated the throne, restoring the Tang dynasty. Her reign remains a pivotal period in Chinese history, known for major reforms and the promotion of Buddhism. - 1944: Forced Deportation of Chechen and Ingush Peoples
The Soviet Union began the mass deportation of the Chechen and Ingush populations from the North Caucasus to Central Asia. This operation, ordered by Joseph Stalin, resulted in immense suffering and loss of life among these ethnic groups. - 1942: Battle of Sittang Bridge (Burma/Myanmar)
The Battle of Sittang Bridge ended in a decisive Japanese victory during World War II, severely impacting the British defense of Burma and contributing to the Japanese occupation of much of Southeast Asia. - 1945: Liberation of Manila and Los Baños in the Philippines
Combined Filipino and American forces liberated Manila from Japanese occupation, and the 11th Airborne Division, with Filipino guerrillas, freed over 2,000 captives in the Los Baños internment camp. These events were crucial in ending Japanese control in the Philippines. - 1954: First Council Meeting of SEATO
The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) held its first council meeting, reflecting the geopolitical significance of Southeast Asia during the Cold War.
Africa
- 1854: Independence of the Orange Free State
On February 23, 1854, the Orange Free State—located in what is now South Africa—declared its independence from British control. This followed the signing of the Bloemfontein Convention, which recognized the sovereignty of the Boer settlers in the region. The Orange Free State became a self-governing Boer republic, playing a significant role in the region’s political landscape until its later incorporation into the Union of South Africa in 1910. - 1763: Berbice Slave Uprising (Guyana)
While geographically in South America, the Berbice slave uprising began on this date in the Dutch colony of Berbice (now part of Guyana). This revolt is recognized as one of the earliest and most significant slave uprisings in the Americas, with deep connections to the African diaspora and the history of resistance against colonial slavery.
This day in history: 23 february