Europa
- 2022: Russia Invades Ukraine
On this day, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking the beginning of the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II. This act has had profound consequences for European security, politics, and unity. The invasion is widely recognized as a turning point, and the European Federalist Movement has called for 24 February to be proclaimed European Resistance Day, symbolizing the continent’s ongoing struggle for freedom, democracy, and peace in solidarity with Ukraine. - 1918: Estonian Declaration of Independence
Estonia declared its independence from the Russian Empire on 24 February 1918. This day is celebrated as Independence Day in Estonia, marking the birth of the modern Estonian state. - 1525: Battle of Pavia
A Spanish-Austrian army defeated the French at the Battle of Pavia, a decisive engagement in the Italian Wars that shifted the balance of power in Renaissance Europe. - 1920: Founding of the Nazi Party
The German Nazi Party (NSDAP) was founded by Adolf Hitler in Munich, an event that would have catastrophic consequences for Europe in the decades to come. - 1582: Introduction of the Gregorian Calendar
Pope Gregory XIII ordered the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, which gradually replaced the Julian calendar across Europe and is now the most widely used calendar system worldwide. - 1303: Battle of Roslin
During the First War of Scottish Independence, the English were defeated at the Battle of Roslin, a notable event in British and Scottish history.
America
- 1868: President Andrew Johnson Impeached
On this day, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 126–47 to impeach President Andrew Johnson, making him the first American president to be impeached. The impeachment stemmed from his lenient Reconstruction policies after the Civil War, which angered Radical Republicans in Congress. Johnson was later acquitted by the Senate and remained in office. - 1917: Zimmermann Telegram Delivered
The U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom received the Zimmermann Telegram from Germany. This secret communication proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico if the U.S. entered World War I against Germany, promising Mexico the return of lost territories (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona). The telegram’s revelation helped sway American public opinion toward entering the war. - 1942: The Battle of Los Angeles
A false alarm in Los Angeles led to a massive anti-aircraft barrage, lasting into the early hours of February 25. This event, known as the “Battle of Los Angeles,” occurred during World War II amid fears of a Japanese attack on the U.S. West Coast. - 1970: National Public Radio (NPR) Founded
NPR, a major non-profit media organization in the United States, was founded on this day, becoming a key source of news and cultural programming.
Asia
- 1739: Battle of Karnal (India)
The army of Iranian ruler Nader Shah defeated the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah at Karnal. This decisive victory allowed Nader Shah to sack Delhi, marking a turning point in Mughal and Indian history. - 1822: Inauguration of the First Swaminarayan Temple (India)
The world’s first Swaminarayan temple, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, was inaugurated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This event is significant in the history of Hindu religious architecture and the Swaminarayan movement. - 1826: Treaty of Yandabo (Burma/Myanmar)
The Treaty of Yandabo was signed, ending the First Anglo-Burmese War. This treaty marked the beginning of British colonial dominance in Burma. - 2003: Xinjiang Earthquake (China)
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the Xinjiang region in western China, near the border with Kyrgyzstan. The disaster killed at least 266 people, injured more than 4,000, and caused the collapse of over 1,000 buildings, including homes and schools.
Africa
- 1966: Military Coup in Ghana
On this day, Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, was overthrown in a military coup while on a state visit to Asia. This was the first coup in Ghana’s history and marked a turning point for the nation and for African post-independence politics. The coup is widely regarded as a dark day in Ghanaian and African history, leading to years of political instability and is often cited as being influenced by foreign interests. - 1864: Rebecca Lee Crumpler Becomes First African-American Woman Physician
On 24 February 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. While this event took place in the U.S., it is significant for the African diaspora and is celebrated as an important milestone for people of African descent globally. - 1945: Assassination of Egyptian Premier Ahmad Mahir Pasha
On this day, Egyptian Premier Ahmad Mahir Pasha was assassinated in Parliament after reading a decree, marking a turbulent period in Egypt’s modern political history. - 1887: The Diggers News Appears in Johannesburg
The first issue of The Diggers News was published in Johannesburg, South Africa, reflecting the burgeoning press and public discourse during the gold rush era. - 1968: Rand Afrikaans University Opens in Johannesburg
The opening of Rand Afrikaans University (now part of the University of Johannesburg) marked a significant development in South African higher education.
This day in history: 24 february