Major Events of February 2014: 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 2014 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of February 2014: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Feb 2014 Syrian Civil War Death Toll Reaches Grim Milestone: The Syrian civil war death toll reaches 130,000, with approximately 4 million people displaced, underscoring the humanitarian crisis and international community's failure to resolve the conflict.
- 02 Feb 2014 Philip Seymour Hoffman's Death: Acclaimed American actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, Oscar winner for Best Actor in 2006, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment at age 46. Initial reports suggested a potential drug overdose, highlighting the ongoing struggle with substance abuse in the entertainment industry.
- 03 Feb 2014 2014 Moscow School Shooting: A 15-year-old student perpetrated a tragic shooting at School 263 on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia, killing a geography teacher and a police officer, and wounding 8 additional individuals. This incident marked the first known school shooting in Russia's history.
- 04 Feb 2014 Microsoft Leadership Transition: Microsoft internally promoted Satya Nadella to become its next CEO, marking a significant leadership change in one of the world's most influential technology companies. John W. Thompson was simultaneously appointed as chairman.
- 05 Feb 2014 Spratly Islands Diplomatic Tension: Philippine President Benigno Aquino III drew a provocative historical parallel, comparing China's territorial claims in the South China Sea to Nazi Germany's invasion of Czechoslovakia, escalating diplomatic tensions.
- 06 Feb 2014 Syrian Civil War: Battle for Aleppo Central Prison: Intense fighting between Syrian government forces and rebel groups erupted around Aleppo Central Prison, with uncertain control of the facility amid the ongoing civil war.
- 07 Feb 2014 2014 Winter Olympics Open in Sochi: The XXII Winter Olympic Games officially open in Sochi, Russia. During the ceremony, a dramatic incident occurs when a man attempts to hijack a Pegasus Airlines plane, ultimately being taken into custody in Istanbul, Turkey.
- 08 Feb 2014 Ole Einar Bjorndalen's Olympic Achievement: Norwegian athlete Ole Einar Bjorndalen achieved a historic milestone at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics by tying the record of 12 Winter Olympic medals, winning a gold medal in the men's biathlon sprint. This remarkable accomplishment solidifies his status as one of the most successful winter athletes in Olympic history.
- 09 Feb 2014 Federal Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announces that the Federal government officially recognizes same-sex marriages, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ rights.
- 10 Feb 2014 Yemen Agrees to Federal Transformation: A Yemeni presidential panel reached a landmark agreement to transform the country's political structure into a federation comprising six regions, potentially reshaping the nation's governance.
- 11 Feb 2014 Historic China-Taiwan Governmental Meetings: After a 65-year gap, the first governmental meetings took place between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan), marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough in cross-strait relations.
- 12 Feb 2014 Venezuela Protests Escalate: Massive protests erupted in Caracas against the government, driven by economic frustrations including high inflation. What began as a peaceful march turned violent, resulting in three deaths. Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was arrested, further intensifying the political unrest. President Maduro characterized the events as a planned coup attempt.
- 13 Feb 2014 Virginia Judge Strikes Down Gay Marriage Ban: A Virginia judge declared the state's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, marking another significant legal victory for marriage equality in the United States.
- 14 Feb 2014 Enrico Letta Resigns as Italian Prime Minister: After less than a year in office, Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta resigned following internal pressure from his Democratic Party, reflecting the volatile nature of Italian political leadership.
- 15 Feb 2014 Virginia Same-Sex Marriage Ban Overturned: A U.S. federal court struck down Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage, representing a significant legal victory for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.
- 16 Feb 2014 Ukraine Protest Developments: Anti-government protesters in Ukraine ended their two-month occupation of Kyiv's city hall following an amnesty offer, signaling potential de-escalation in the ongoing political crisis.
- 17 Feb 2014 UN Accuses North Korea of Atrocities: The United Nations issued a damning report accusing North Korea of systematic human rights violations, calling for an investigation by the International Criminal Court.
- 18 Feb 2014 Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 Begins: A pivotal moment in Ukrainian history where violent confrontations between protesters, riot police, and unknown shooters erupted in Kiev, ultimately leading to the dramatic ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych after five days of intense conflict.
- 19 Feb 2014 Ukraine Protests: Yanukovych and Opposition Agree to Truce: After intense protests and violent confrontations, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders negotiate a temporary truce. At least 25 people have been killed and 241 others injured during the escalating riots in Kyiv.
- 20 Feb 2014 Euromaidan Protests: Deadly Violence in Kyiv: Dozens of Euromaidan anti-government protesters were killed in Ukraine's capital Kyiv, with many reportedly murdered by snipers during intense street confrontations.
- 21 Feb 2014 Deadly Kiev Protest Crackdown: Ukrainian police open fire on protesters in Kiev, resulting in 27 fatalities and approximately 570 injuries, marking a violent escalation of the Euromaidan protests.
- 22 Feb 2014 Ukrainian Parliament Expels President Yanukovych: The Ukrainian parliament votes to remove President Viktor Yanukovych from power. Yanukovych, currently based in Kharkiv, denounces the events in Kiev as a 'coup' and rejects the parliamentary decision.
- 23 Feb 2014 Ukrainian Revolution of 2014: Yanukovych Blocked from Leaving: Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was prevented from flying to Russia by customs officials in Donetsk, marking a critical moment in the Ukrainian political crisis.
- 24 Feb 2014 2014 Ukrainian Revolution Developments: The European Commission recognized Oleksandr Turchynov as Ukraine's legitimate interim President. Stepan Kubiv was appointed as the new governor of Ukraine's National Bank. An arrest warrant was issued for former President Viktor Yanukovych and other officials in connection with the alleged killing of protesters during the revolution.
- 25 Feb 2014 Pro-Russian Protesters Block Crimean Parliament: Hundreds of pro-Russian protesters blocked the Crimean parliament, demanding a referendum on Crimea's independence. This event was a critical moment in the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, ultimately leading to the annexation of Crimea.
- 26 Feb 2014 2014 Ukrainian Revolution and Crimean Crisis: On February 26, 2014, significant political changes occurred in Ukraine during the ongoing revolution. Oleksandr Turchynov was officially appointed as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In response to the violent protests, the Berkut elite police unit, which was implicated in the deaths of protesters, was disbanded by acting interior minister Arsen Avakov. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered military exercises near the Ukrainian border, escalating tensions in the region.
- 27 Feb 2014 Crimean Parliament Seized by Pro-Russian Forces: Armed men with Russian national symbols took over the Supreme Council of Crimea following clashes between Russian protesters and ethnic Tatars, with Ukrainian security forces placed on high alert.
- 28 Feb 2014 Russian Military Intervention in Crimea: Russia officially confirms the deployment of troops to Ukraine's Crimea region, citing the protection of its strategic interests. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Ukrainian crisis and tensions between Russia and Ukraine.