Major Events of February 1911: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from February 1911 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of February 1911: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 Feb 1911 Launch of HMS Thunderer: The British Royal Navy launched the super-dreadnought HMS Thunderer on February 1, 1911. This warship represented the cutting-edge naval technology of its time, reflecting Britain's maritime power and military preparedness during the pre-World War I era.
02 Feb 1911 Antarctic Explorers' Dramatic Encounter at Bay of Whales: In a historic moment of polar exploration, the crews of Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova and Roald Amundsen's Fram expeditions confronted each other at the Bay of Whales. This encounter marked a critical point in the intense race to reach the South Pole. When informed of Amundsen's competitive presence, Scott reportedly responded with a mix of frustration and competitive spirit, exclaiming: 'By Jove, what a chance we have missed! We might have taken Amundsen and sent him back to his ship!'
03 Feb 1911 Bjorko Sound Ice Fishermen Disaster: On February 3, 1911, a devastating maritime tragedy occurred in the Bjorko Sound (now known as the Gulf of Finland) when a massive ice floe unexpectedly fractured, causing the sudden death of 253 local ice fishermen. The fishermen had established a temporary 'fishing village' on the frozen surface, unaware of the precarious nature of their makeshift settlement. The sudden breaking of the ice led to a catastrophic event where all 253 individuals were lost, highlighting the extreme dangers of ice fishing in early 20th-century Nordic conditions.
04 Feb 1911 Political Assassination in Tehran Sparks Diplomatic Tension: On February 4, 1911, Sani al-Dowleh, the Minister of Finance of Persia (modern-day Iran), was assassinated in Tehran by two Armenian assassins who were Russian subjects. The incident escalated into a significant diplomatic crisis when the Russian legation provided sanctuary to the assassins and refused to extradite them for prosecution by Persian authorities. This event highlighted the complex geopolitical tensions of the early 20th century, where foreign powers often intervened in Persian internal affairs and challenged the country's sovereignty.
05 Feb 1911 Suppression of Haitian Revolution: The ongoing revolution in Haiti was decisively suppressed after government troops captured and executed the revolutionary leader, General Montreuil Guillaume. This event marked a significant setback for revolutionary forces seeking political change.
06 Feb 1911 Birth of Ronald Reagan: Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, was born in Tampico, Illinois. He later became a notable actor and politician, serving as President from 1981 to 1989, and was famously known for his role in the film 'Bedtime for Bonzo'.
07 Feb 1911 National Progressive Republican League Founded: Wisconsin Senator Robert LaFollette established the National Progressive Republican League in Washington, D.C., signaling a pivotal moment in early 20th-century American political reform and progressive movement.
08 Feb 1911 US Intervention in Honduras: The United States played a role in overthrowing President Miguel Dávila of Honduras, demonstrating the era's complex geopolitical interventions in Latin America.
09 Feb 1911 Crumpacker Bill Passes House of Representatives: On February 9, 1911, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Crumpacker Bill, which was designed to increase the number of representatives in Congress. This legislation was set to take effect in 1913, potentially altering the legislative representation of various states based on population changes.
10 Feb 1911 Champagne Appellation of Origin Law Passed: The French Chamber of Deputies enacted a landmark legislation that legally protected the term 'champagne', restricting its use exclusively to white wines produced in the Marne province by local vignerons and négociants. This protectionist measure sparked significant controversy, leading to tensions and violent protests among winemakers from other French regions who felt economically marginalized by the new regulation.
11 Feb 1911 Establishment of Lincoln Memorial Commission: On February 11, 1911, the United States Congress officially established the Lincoln Memorial Commission. This pivotal governmental body was tasked with identifying and selecting an appropriate location for the proposed memorial honoring President Abraham Lincoln, a critical step in commemorating one of the most significant leaders in American history. The commission would ultimately play a crucial role in determining the iconic location on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where the memorial would be constructed.
12 Feb 1911 Political Assassination in Tehran Sparks International Tension: On February 12, 1911, a significant political incident occurred in Tehran, Persia (modern-day Iran), when Sani al-Dowleh, the country's Minister of Finance, was assassinated by two Armenian assassins who were Russian subjects. The murder was particularly controversial because the Russian legation provided sanctuary to the killers and refused to extradite them for prosecution by Persian authorities. This event highlighted the complex diplomatic tensions between Persia, Russia, and the ongoing power struggles in the region during the early 20th century.
13 Feb 1911 Birth of Faiz Ahmed Faiz: Faiz Ahmed Faiz, a renowned Urdu poet and the first Asian recipient of the Lenin Peace Prize, was born in Sialkot, Pakistan. He would become one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, known for his progressive and politically engaged poetry that championed social justice and human rights.
14 Feb 1911 First Official Flight of US Navy's First Airplane: On February 14, 1911, the United States Navy achieved a significant milestone in aviation history with the first official flight of the Curtiss A-1 Triad. This pioneering aircraft, designed by Glenn Curtiss, was a groundbreaking seaplane capable of taking off and landing on both water and land, marking a crucial moment in naval aviation development. The successful flight demonstrated the potential of aircraft for military maritime operations and set the stage for future naval aviation capabilities.
15 Feb 1911 Jess Willard's Professional Boxing Debut: Jess Willard, a future heavyweight boxing champion, fought his first professional boxing match. Despite losing in the 10th round due to a foul, this event marked the beginning of his notable boxing career. Willard would later become famous for defeating Jack Johnson in 1915 and becoming the world heavyweight champion.
16 Feb 1911 U.S. Resolution to Annex Canada Proposed: On February 16, 1911, U.S. Representative William Stiles Bennet, a Republican from New York and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced a controversial resolution proposing the annexation of Canada by the United States. The provocative proposal was designed to create diplomatic tension and was never seriously considered. When brought to a committee vote, the resolution was decisively rejected, with a 9-1 vote against annexation. President William Howard Taft intervened to expedite the resolution's dismissal, recognizing the potential diplomatic damage such a proposal could cause to U.S.-Canadian relations.
17 Feb 1911 First Amphibian Flight to and from a Ship: On February 17, 1911, aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss achieved a groundbreaking milestone in maritime aviation by successfully conducting the first amphibian flight to and from a ship in San Diego, California. This historic event marked a significant advancement in early 20th-century aviation technology, demonstrating the potential for aircraft to operate both on water and land, and to interact with naval vessels.
18 Feb 1911 First Official Airmail Flight in British India: On February 18, 1911, a historic milestone in postal and aviation history occurred when 23-year-old pilot Henri Pequet conducted the first official airmail flight in British India. He successfully transported 6,500 letters from Allahabad to Naini, covering a distance of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). This pioneering flight marked a significant moment in the early development of aerial postal services.
19 Feb 1911 Uneventful Day in 1911: While no specific major historical events were recorded for February 19, 1911, this day represents a typical moment in the early 20th century. The world was in a period of significant transition, with technological innovations, colonial expansions, and social changes characterizing the era. Although no landmark events occurred on this specific date, it was part of a dynamic period leading up to World War I.
21 Feb 1911 Gustav Mahler's Final Concert Performance: On February 21, 1911, renowned composer and conductor Gustav Mahler led his final concert with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. During this poignant performance, he premiered Ferruccio Busoni's Berceuse élégiaque, marking a significant moment in classical music history. This concert would be one of Mahler's last public appearances before his untimely death, symbolizing the end of an extraordinary musical era.
22 Feb 1911 British Parliament Bill First Reading Passes: The House of Commons successfully passed the first reading of the 'Parliament Bill', a significant legislative measure that would grant the House of Commons veto power over the House of Lords. This vote, with 351 in favor and 227 against, represented a crucial moment in British parliamentary reform, potentially reshaping the balance of political power in the United Kingdom.
23 Feb 1911 Antisemitic Expulsion of Jewish Families in Tchernigov Province: In an act of severe discrimination, the Governor of the Chernihiv oblast (Tchernigov province) in Little Russia (now Ukraine) forcibly expelled 200 Jewish families, compelling them to depart on foot through harsh, snowy conditions, reflecting the systemic persecution of Jewish communities during this historical period.
24 Feb 1911 Uneventful Day in 1911: While no specific significant historical events were recorded for February 24, 1911, this date represents a typical day during the early 20th century. The year 1911 was marked by significant global developments, including technological advancements, political shifts, and social changes. Though this particular date might seem unremarkable, it was part of a dynamic period of human history.
25 Feb 1911 Premiere of Natoma Opera by Victor Herbert: Victor Herbert's opera 'Natoma' premiered at the Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marking a significant moment in early 20th-century American classical music. The opera represented Herbert's ambitious attempt to create a distinctly American operatic work.
26 Feb 1911 Launch of HMS Thunderer, British Super-Dreadnought: The British Royal Navy launched the HMS Thunderer, a powerful super-dreadnought battleship, symbolizing the naval arms race and technological advancement of the early 20th century. This vessel represented the cutting-edge maritime military technology of its time.
27 Feb 1911 First Electric Starter for Automobile Unveiled by Charles F. Kettering: On February 27, 1911, inventor Charles F. Kettering revolutionized automotive technology by demonstrating the first practical electric starter for an automobile. During a groundbreaking presentation, Kettering successfully started the engine of a Cadillac using an electric mechanism, eliminating the need for the dangerous and physically demanding hand-crank method previously used to start vehicle engines. This innovation significantly improved automobile usability and safety, making driving more accessible to a broader range of people, including women and older individuals who struggled with manual engine starting.
28 Feb 1911 President Taft Nominates First African-American for U.S. Attorney General: In a groundbreaking moment for racial representation in American government, President William Howard Taft nominated William H. Lewis, an African-American from Massachusetts, to be United States Attorney General. This nomination was a significant step towards racial progress in early 20th-century American politics, though Lewis was not ultimately confirmed.