Europa
- 1815: Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from Elba. After being exiled in 1814, Napoleon escaped from the island of Elba on this day, gathering support and returning to France, which led to the period known as the Hundred Days.
- 1848: Publication of the Communist Manifesto. The pamphlet, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, was published in London and became a foundational text for socialist and communist movements across Europe and the world.
- 1885: The General Act of the Berlin Conference is issued. Representatives of major European powers (including the UK, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and others) signed the General Act, formalizing the partitioning of Africa among European nations—a major event in colonial history with deep European involvement.
- 1935: First demonstration of RADAR. Robert Watson-Watt, a British scientist, demonstrated RADAR technology, which would become crucial during World War II.
- 1936: February 26 Incident in Japan. While not a European event, it involved the assassination of several Japanese leaders, including those with diplomatic ties to Europe.
- 1920: Premiere of “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” This German Expressionist film, considered a classic of silent horror cinema, premiered and had a significant influence on European and global film.
- 1797: The Bank of England issues the first one-pound note.
- 1564: The Council of Trent concludes, establishing a key distinction between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.
- 1340: King Edward III of England is declared King of France, a significant event in the context of the Hundred Years’ War.
America
- 1993: World Trade Center Bombing
A truck bomb exploded in the parking garage beneath the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The attack, carried out by Islamist militants, killed six people and injured over 1,000. It was the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil at the time and was intended to bring down both towers, a goal that was not achieved. The buildings would later be destroyed in the September 11, 2001 attacks. - 1919: Grand Canyon National Park Established
President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation designating the Grand Canyon as a U.S. National Park, protecting one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. - 1863: National Banking Act Signed
President Abraham Lincoln signed the National Banking Act into law, creating a system of national banks and establishing a national currency, which helped stabilize the U.S. economy during the Civil War. - 1870: First Pneumatic Subway in New York City
The Beach Pneumatic Transit, a demonstration subway line, opened in New York City, showcasing early innovations in urban transportation. - 1917: First Jazz Record Created
The Original Dixieland Jass Band recorded “Livery Stable Blues” in New York, marking the creation of the first jazz record—a milestone in American music history. - 1929: Grand Teton National Park Established
President Calvin Coolidge signed legislation creating Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, further expanding the U.S. national park system. - 1970: National Public Radio (NPR) Founded
NPR was incorporated as a nonprofit media organization, which would become a major provider of news and cultural programming in the United States. - 1987: Iran–Contra Affair—Tower Commission Report
The Tower Commission released its report, criticizing President Ronald Reagan for failing to control his national security staff during the Iran–Contra affair.
Asia
- 1936: February 26 Incident (Japan)
A group of young Imperial Japanese Army officers launched an attempted coup d’état in Tokyo, aiming to purge the government and military leadership of their rivals and ideological opponents. The rebels assassinated several high-ranking officials, including two former prime ministers, and occupied parts of central Tokyo. However, they failed to assassinate Prime Minister Keisuke Okada or seize the Imperial Palace. The uprising was suppressed after three days, resulting in the execution of 19 leaders and imprisonment of 40 others. The incident had lasting effects on Japanese politics, weakening moderate elements and increasing military influence over the government. - 1233: Mongol–Jin War (China)
The Mongol army captured Kaifeng, the capital of the Jin dynasty, after a prolonged siege. This was a significant milestone in the Mongol conquest of northern China. - 1285: Tran Binh Trong (Vietnam)
Vietnamese general Tran Binh Trong was killed after being captured by Mongol-Yuan invaders. His refusal to surrender became a symbol of national loyalty and resistance. - 1365: Founding of the Ava Kingdom (Myanmar)
King Thado Minbya founded the Ava Kingdom and its royal city, which became a major power in Upper Burma. - 1945: Battle of Corregidor (Philippines)
U.S. troops recaptured the island of Corregidor from Japanese forces, marking a key moment in the liberation of the Philippines during World War II. - 1973: Vietnam–Australia Diplomatic Relations
Vietnam officially established diplomatic relations with Australia, marking a step in its postwar international integration. - 1937: Zamboanga Becomes a City (Philippines)
Zamboanga was officially declared a city by Commonwealth Act No. 39, signed by President Manuel L. Quezon.
Africa
- 1885: Conclusion of the Berlin Conference
On February 26, 1885, the Berlin Conference officially ended. Over three months, diplomats from 14 Western powers—without any African representation—negotiated and formalized the division of Africa among European colonial powers. The resulting General Act established rules for claiming territory, guaranteed free trade and navigation on the Congo and Niger rivers, and called for the suppression of the slave trade. However, the conference’s decisions led to the arbitrary partition of Africa, disregarding existing ethnic and political boundaries, and set the stage for decades of colonial rule, exploitation, and conflict. - 1926: Carter G. Woodson launches Negro History Week
On this day, Carter G. Woodson began Negro History Week, which later evolved into Black History Month. While this event originated in the United States, it is significant for the African diaspora and the global recognition of African and African-descended peoples’ history and contributions. - 1980: Egypt and Israel establish full diplomatic relations
On February 26, 1980, Egypt and Israel formally established diplomatic relations, marking a historic step in Middle Eastern and North African diplomacy.
This day in history: 26 february