Historical Events on February 4: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on February 4, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on February 4 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Birth of Jacques Prévert, French Poet and Screenwriter: Jacques Prévert, a renowned French poet and screenwriter, was born. He would later become famous for his poetry collection 'Paroles' and significant contributions to French literature and cinema in the mid-20th century.
1901 Tosca's American Debut at Metropolitan Opera House: Giacomo Puccini's renowned opera 'Tosca' made its groundbreaking American premiere at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. This performance marked a significant moment in the cultural exchange between European and American classical music scenes, introducing American audiences to one of Puccini's most dramatic and emotionally charged works.
1902 Charles Lindbergh Birth: Charles A. Lindbergh was born in Detroit, Michigan. He would later become a pioneering aviator famous for being the first person to complete a solo non-stop transatlantic flight in 1927.
1903 Death of Zhang Peilun: Zhang Peilun, a prominent Chinese naval commander and government official, passed away on February 4, 1903. His death marked the end of a significant career in late Qing Dynasty maritime and administrative leadership.
1904 U.S. Troops Withdraw from Cuba: The United States completed its military occupation of Cuba, symbolically marking the end of an era. In a formal ceremony attended by Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma and U.S. Minister Herbert G. Squiers, the American flag was lowered and the Cuban flag raised, signifying Cuba's transition to independence.
1905 Russian Cabinet Proposes First Elected Legislature: In a significant political development, Russia's cabinet of ministers recommended to Tsar Nicholas II the creation of an elected legislature, which would provide citizens with a formal mechanism for political representation and public discourse in national governance.
1906 Birth of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a prominent German Protestant theologian, philosopher, and anti-Nazi dissident, was born in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland). He would later become a key figure in the Christian resistance against the Nazi regime, advocating for social justice and opposing Hitler's policies. Bonhoeffer is renowned for his theological writings, including 'The Cost of Discipleship' and 'Ethics', and was ultimately executed by the Nazis in 1945 for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
1907 Central Labor Union Endorses Drug Regulation Amendment: The Central Labor Union endorsed an amendment to the Penal Code aimed at regulating the sale of potentially dangerous drugs. The proposed legislation would prohibit the sale of opium, chloral, and their derivatives without a physician's prescription. The bill, sponsored by Senator Frawley and Assemblyman Alfred E. Smith, proposed significant penalties for violations, including imprisonment up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. This legislative effort represented an early attempt to control the distribution of potentially addictive and harmful substances.
1908 Death of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in York: Roman Emperor Septimius Severus passed away in Eboracum (modern-day York, England) on February 4, 211 AD, marking a significant moment in Roman imperial history. His death left the Roman Empire in a precarious state, as his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, were known for their intense rivalry and mutual animosity. This familial conflict would soon lead to further political instability, with Caracalla eventually murdering his brother Geta and ruling the empire alone.
1909 California Passes Racist School Segregation Bill: On February 4, 1909, the California House of Representatives passed a deeply discriminatory school segregation bill that mandated separate educational facilities for Asian-American children. The bill specifically targeted children of Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Mongolian descent, effectively institutionalizing racial discrimination in the state's education system. This legislation was part of the broader anti-Asian sentiment prevalent in early 20th-century California, reflecting the systemic racism and xenophobia of the era.
1910 Steamship Kentucky Maritime Incident: The steamship Kentucky began sinking off the treacherous coast of Cape Hatteras early in the morning, marking a significant maritime event that likely resulted in rescue operations and potential loss of life.
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.
1912 Franz Reichelt's Fatal Parachute Experiment: Franz Reichelt, an Austrian-born French tailor and inventor, tragically died while attempting to demonstrate his innovative parachute design by jumping from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Known as the 'Flying Tailor', Reichelt had designed a wearable parachute suit and was determined to prove its effectiveness. His ill-fated experiment on February 4, 1912, resulted in his death when the parachute failed to deploy, and he plummeted to the ground in front of a crowd of witnesses. This event became a cautionary tale about the risks of pioneering technological innovation.
1913 Rosa Parks Birth Year Note: Rosa Lee Parks, a pivotal civil rights activist known for her bus protest, was born in this year.
1914 Formation of United Suffragists: The United Suffragists organization was founded in Great Britain, representing a significant moment in the women's suffrage movement and the ongoing struggle for women's voting rights.
1915 German Zeppelin Raids Begin on Great Britain: Germany initiated a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare and launched zeppelin raids on Great Britain, bringing the war directly to British civilian territories. These aerial attacks represented a new and terrifying dimension of warfare, targeting civilian populations and dramatically escalating the psychological impact of World War I.
1916 Founding of Banaras Hindu University: The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was established in Varanasi, India by prominent education reformer Madan Mohan Malaviya. This landmark institution would become one of the largest residential universities in Asia, playing a crucial role in higher education and academic development in post-colonial India.
1917 Establishment of the Council of Flanders: On February 4, 1917, during the German occupation of Belgium in World War I, the Council of Flanders (Raad van Vlaanderen) was formally established. This political body was created with the support of German authorities and represented an early manifestation of Flemish nationalist aspirations for autonomy and potential separation from Belgium. The council sought to promote Flemish interests and language rights during a tumultuous period of foreign occupation.
1918 General Alexeyev's Failed Moscow Campaign: General Mikhail Alexeyev, leading a force of Don Cossacks, attempted a military action against the Bolsheviks near Moscow. By February 13th, his campaign was decisively defeated, and in the aftermath, Alexeyev took his own life, symbolizing the collapse of anti-Bolshevik resistance.
1919 Women's Suffrage in Belarus: Belarus granted women the fundamental democratic rights to vote and stand for elections, a significant milestone in the country's progression towards gender equality and political representation.
1920 French Prime Minister Seeks Vote of Confidence: Prime Minister Alexandre Millerand requested and received a strong parliamentary vote of confidence, with 518 members supporting the government's foreign policy of strict adherence to the Treaty of Versailles, compared to only 68 opposing votes.
1921 Billy Mitchell's Naval Affairs Testimony: U.S. Army Brigadier General Billy Mitchell testified before the U.S. House Naval Affairs Committee, highlighting the potential military threat posed by advanced airships like the German L-72. His testimony was part of his broader advocacy for air power and military aviation development.
1922 Chauri Chaura Incident during Indian Non-Cooperation Movement: A violent confrontation occurred between participants of Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation movement and local police in the Gorakhpur district of United Provinces. The clash resulted in the deaths of 22 policemen and 3 civilians, which significantly impacted the trajectory of India's independence struggle by leading Gandhi to withdraw the Non-Cooperation movement.
1923 Lausanne Conference Fails Due to British-Turkish Diplomatic Impasse: The Conference of Lausanne, a critical diplomatic meeting aimed at establishing post-World War I territorial agreements, broke down as British Foreign Secretary Lord Curzon failed to negotiate a compromise with Turkish representative İsmet İnönü. This breakdown represented a significant moment in the diplomatic tensions surrounding the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of modern Turkey.
1924 Gandhi's Release from Incarceration: Indian freedom fighter Mohandas Gandhi is released from prison in Ahmedabad after serving less than two years of a six-year sentence for sedition. This release represents a significant moment in India's struggle for independence, highlighting Gandhi's continued resistance against British colonial rule through non-violent civil disobedience.
1925 Floyd Collins Cave Rescue Tunnel Collapse: On February 4, 1925, a dramatic rescue attempt for cave explorer Floyd Collins took a tragic turn when the rescue tunnel being excavated to reach him suddenly collapsed. This setback necessitated the immediate construction of an entirely new tunnel, further complicating the already challenging rescue efforts. The incident highlighted the extreme risks and unpredictability of underground rescue operations during this era.
1926 US Naval Air Force Expansion Plan: The United States House Committee on Naval Affairs received a comprehensive $250 million, five-year strategic plan to significantly enhance the Naval Air Force. The ambitious proposal aimed to nearly double the number of Navy aircraft from 638 to 1,248 by the end of 1931, signaling growing military preparedness in the interwar period.
1927 The Jazz Singer Premieres: The groundbreaking film 'The Jazz Singer', starring Al Jolson, is released, marking a pivotal moment in cinema history as the first feature-length motion picture with synchronized dialogue and singing, effectively launching the era of 'talking pictures'.
1928 First Successful Rhesus Blood Group Transfusion: Karl Landsteiner and Alexander Wiener performed the first successful blood transfusion using the Rhesus (Rh) blood group system, a groundbreaking medical advancement that significantly improved understanding of blood compatibility and transfusion safety.
1929 Archie Jackson's Remarkable Test Cricket Debut: Young Australian cricketer Archie Jackson made a stunning debut in Test Cricket, scoring an impressive 164 runs against England at Adelaide Oval. This remarkable performance marked him as a promising talent in Australian cricket during the late 1920s, showcasing exceptional skill and composure for a debutant player.
1930 Establishment of Indochinese Communist Party: On February 4, 1930, the Indochinese Communist Party was formally established in Vietnam, marking a pivotal moment in the country's political evolution and anti-colonial resistance movement. This party would play a crucial role in Vietnam's struggle for independence and future political landscape.
1931 Isabel Perón: Dancer and First Female President of Argentina: María Estela Martínez de Perón, known as Isabel Perón, was a dancer who later became the first female president of Argentina. She was the wife of Juan Perón and succeeded him as president after his death in 1974.
1932 Japanese Occupation of Harbin: During the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Japanese forces occupied the city of Harbin in Manchuria, China. This event was part of Japan's expansionist strategy in Northeast Asia, which would eventually escalate into full-scale conflict with China.
1933 Hitler's Press Suppression Ordinance: On February 4, 1933, with the approval of German President Paul von Hindenburg, Adolf Hitler decreed the 'Ordinance for the Protection of the German People'. This significant legal measure effectively curtailed press freedoms by empowering police to ban publications deemed a threat to public order. Under this ordinance, violators could be arrested and detained without a warrant for up to three months, marking a critical step in the Nazi regime's systematic suppression of free speech and media.
1934 Uneventful Day in 1934: While no specific major historical events were documented for February 4, 1934, this period was part of the tumultuous decade of the 1930s, marked by global economic depression, rising political tensions in Europe, and significant social transformations. The lack of a notable event does not diminish the broader historical context of this time.
1935 Arms Embargo Against Bolivia Lifted: Great Britain, France, and Sweden officially informed the League of Nations of their decision to lift the arms embargo against Bolivia, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic and military relations in South America during the mid-1930s.
1936 Keynes Publishes Groundbreaking Economic Theory: John Maynard Keynes published 'The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money', a revolutionary economic work that fundamentally transformed modern macroeconomic thought and policy-making.
1937 Hitler Assumes Military Leadership in Nazi Germany: Adolf Hitler officially became commander-in-chief of the German armed forces and simultaneously appointed himself as the German war minister. This strategic move consolidated his absolute power, enabling him to directly control military operations and strategy, which would prove critical in the lead-up to World War II.
1938 Hitler Consolidates Military Power: Adolf Hitler dramatically restructures the German military leadership, abolishing the War Ministry and creating the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (High Command of the Armed Forces). This strategic move gives him direct control of the military. He forces the resignation of key military leaders like General Werner von Fritsch and replaces them with Nazi-aligned officers, including General Walther von Brauchitsch. He also dismisses Foreign Minister Baron Konstantin von Neurath, replacing him with Joachim von Ribbentrop.
1939 Death of Jura Soyfer in Buchenwald: Jura Soyfer, a talented 26-year-old Jewish political writer and cabaret artist, dies in the brutal conditions of Buchenwald concentration camp. His tragic death represents the devastating human cost of Nazi persecution and the systematic oppression of Jewish intellectuals during the Holocaust.
1940 Soviet Offensive in the Winter War: Battle of Summa: During the Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland, Soviet forces launched a massive assault on the strategically critical Karelian Isthmus. This battle was part of the Soviet's attempt to breach Finnish defensive lines and capture key territories, representing a significant moment in the conflict that would test Finland's military resilience against Soviet aggression.
1941 British Mechanized Movement near Benghazi: British forces initiate a strategic mechanized military movement that successfully encircles Italian troops south of Benghazi, demonstrating the British Army's tactical capabilities during the North African Campaign of World War II.
1942 Rommel Advances in North Africa: Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps captured the strategic Libyan city of Derna, continuing his successful campaign in North Africa and showcasing the tactical brilliance of the German military during the early stages of World War II.
1943 Battle of Stalingrad Concludes: The Battle of Stalingrad, one of the most significant and brutal engagements of World War II, comes to an end. Soviet forces successfully defeat the German 6th Army, marking a critical turning point in the war on the Eastern Front. The battle resulted in massive casualties and a decisive strategic victory for the Soviet Union, effectively halting Nazi Germany's advance into the Soviet Union.
1944 Soviet Red Army Advances into Poland: The 1st Ukrainian Front of the Red Army crossed into Polish territory during World War II, representing a significant moment in the Soviet Union's westward offensive against Nazi German forces.
1945 Yalta Conference Begins: World War II: President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Winston Churchill, and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin convene the critical Yalta Conference to discuss the post-war reorganization of Europe and strategic Allied cooperation.
1946 Post-World War II Global Reconstruction Period: On February 4, 1946, the world was in the early stages of post-World War II reconstruction. While no specific landmark event is documented for this exact date, this period was characterized by significant geopolitical reorganization, economic recovery efforts, and the emerging tensions of the Cold War. Nations were rebuilding infrastructure, reestablishing diplomatic relations, and adapting to the new global power dynamics following the war's conclusion.
1947 Franz von Papen Arrested in Nuremberg: Franz von Papen, a prominent German politician who played a significant role in Adolf Hitler's rise to power, was arrested during his denazification trial in Nuremberg. He was specifically charged with falsifying historical documents related to Paul von Hindenburg, a key figure in the transition of German political power in the early 20th century.
1948 Ceylon Gains Independence from Britain: Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) officially gained independence from British colonial rule, marking a significant milestone in the nation's history. The country transitioned from being a British colony to a sovereign state within the British Commonwealth, with King George VI remaining as the head of state.
1949 Assassination Attempt on Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi: On February 4, 1949, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran narrowly survived an assassination attempt at Tehran University. A journalist disguised as a photographer fired five shots at point-blank range, hitting the Shah in the back and mouth. Swift action by the Shah's aides and police immediately subdued the attacker, who later died from injuries sustained during his capture.
1950 U.S. National Security Revelation: Soviet Nuclear Capabilities: U.S. Army Lieutenant General Leslie R. Groves provided critical testimony to a joint congressional committee in Washington, revealing that Soviet espionage, particularly through Dr. Klaus Fuchs, had significantly advanced the USSR's nuclear weapons program. His testimony highlighted that the Soviet Union was not only developing an atomic bomb arsenal but was also competing with the United States in hydrogen bomb technology, marking a pivotal moment in the early Cold War nuclear arms race.
1951 Record-Breaking Surgical Operation: On February 8, 1951, surgeons in Chicago performed an extraordinary 96-hour long operation to remove an ovarian cyst from Gertrude Levandowski. The complex procedure resulted in her losing almost half her body weight, with her final weight being 140 kilograms.
1952 First African American Television Executive Appointed: On February 4, 1952, a groundbreaking moment in media history occurred when the first Black executive was appointed to a leadership position at a major television station, marking a significant milestone in breaking racial barriers in the broadcast industry. This event represented an important step towards diversity and representation in media leadership during the early years of television broadcasting.
1953 Trial of Nazi War Criminals in Bordeaux: Leon Neppel, general curate of the diocese of Strasbourg, provided crucial testimony at the military tribunal in Bordeaux regarding the Oradour-sur-Glane massacre. The trial involved 14 Alsatian Nazis accused of participating in the execution of 642 people during World War II. This trial was part of the ongoing post-war efforts to bring Nazi war criminals to justice and provide accountability for atrocities committed during the Holocaust.
1954 Birth of Andrei Karlov, Russian Diplomat: Andrei Karlov, a notable Russian diplomat, was born on February 4, 1954. Throughout his diplomatic career, Karlov would become an important figure in Russian international relations, serving in various significant diplomatic posts.
1955 Baghdad Pact Signed: The Baghdad Pact, also known as the Middle East Treaty Organization (METO), was a strategic defense agreement signed on February 4, 1955. The pact was initially formed between Turkey and Iraq, with the aim of creating a collective security arrangement against potential Soviet expansion during the Cold War. The United Kingdom, Pakistan, and Iran would later join the alliance, forming a geopolitical buffer zone in the Middle East.
1956 Yasser Arafat Leads Palestine Liberation Organization: Yasser Arafat assumes leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), a pivotal moment in Palestinian political history that would significantly influence Middle Eastern geopolitics.
1957 USS Nautilus Achieves Milestone Voyage: The USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, successfully logged her 60,000th nautical mile, symbolically matching the legendary endurance of the fictional submarine described in Jules Verne's classic novel "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea". This achievement represented a significant technological breakthrough in naval engineering and submarine capabilities during the Cold War era.
1958 Bulganin's Diplomatic Letter to Eisenhower: Soviet Premier Nikolai Bulganin sent his third diplomatic letter in eight weeks to U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, proposing a nine-point agenda for a potential summit meeting. This communication was part of the ongoing diplomatic tensions and negotiations during the Cold War era.
1959 Lawrence Taylor: NFL Linebacker Legend: Lawrence Taylor emerged as one of the most transformative and dominant linebackers in NFL history, revolutionizing the linebacker position for the New York Giants. His exceptional athletic prowess, aggressive playing style, and strategic intelligence redefined defensive play in professional football.
1960 De Gaulle Dismisses Jacques Soustelle: French President Charles de Gaulle dismissed Jacques Soustelle from his position as Deputy Prime Minister for Algeria, signaling a significant political shift in France's colonial administration.
1961 Angolan War of Independence Begins: The Angolan War of Independence erupted, marking the start of a prolonged conflict between Portuguese colonial forces and Angolan nationalist movements seeking to end Portuguese colonial rule in Angola. This conflict would become part of the broader Portuguese Colonial War, lasting until 1974 and significantly impacting the decolonization of Africa.
1962 Rare Planetary Grand Conjunction: An extraordinary astronomical event occurred: a grand conjunction featuring all five naked-eye planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn), simultaneously aligned with the Sun and Moon during a new moon and solar eclipse. Such a celestial alignment is extremely rare and of significant astronomical interest.
1964 24th Amendment Bans Poll Tax: The Twenty-fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, effectively outlawing poll taxes that had been used to disenfranchise African American voters in many Southern states. This amendment was a significant milestone in the civil rights movement, removing a discriminatory barrier to voting.
1965 US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site.
1966 All Nippon Airways Flight 60 Crash in Tokyo Bay: On February 4, 1966, All Nippon Airways Flight 60, a Boeing 727, tragically crashed into Tokyo Bay, resulting in the loss of all 133 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft plummeted into the waters near Haneda Airport, marking one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Japanese history at that time.
1967 Lunar Orbiter 3 Mission Launch: NASA launched Lunar Orbiter 3 from Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 13, with a critical mission to identify potential landing sites for future Surveyor and Apollo spacecraft missions.
1968 Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'Drum Major Instinct' Sermon: Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a powerful sermon titled 'The Drum Major Instinct' at Ebenezer Baptist Church, exploring themes of humility, service, and personal legacy.
1969 Yasser Arafat Becomes PLO Chairman: Yasser Arafat assumed leadership as Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), a pivotal moment in Palestinian political leadership and the Middle East's geopolitical landscape.
1970 Patton Film Premiere: The critically acclaimed war film 'Patton', directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starring George C. Scott, premiered in New York, later winning multiple Academy Awards.
1971 Apollo 14 Moon Landing: The Apollo 14 lunar module Antares successfully landed on the Moon's surface, marking another significant milestone in NASA's Apollo space exploration program.
1972 Strategic Arms Limitation Talks Conclude in Vienna: The 6th round of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks between the United States and Soviet Union concluded in Vienna, Austria, continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce nuclear tensions during the Cold War.
1973 British Army Shooting in Belfast: During the tumultuous period known as 'The Troubles', British Army snipers fatally shot a Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteer and three civilians at a junction in Belfast, highlighting the intense sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland.
1974 M62 Coach Bombing: The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) conducted a devastating terrorist attack by exploding a bomb on a bus carrying off-duty British Armed Forces personnel in Yorkshire, England. The bombing resulted in the tragic deaths of nine soldiers and three civilians, marking a significant moment in the Northern Ireland conflict.
1975 Haicheng Earthquake Prediction Success: The Haicheng earthquake on February 4, 1975, was a significant event in seismological history. The Chinese government successfully evacuated three million residents of southern Liaoning province, advising them to spend the night outdoors in tents at 2:00 PM. At 7:36 PM, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck, causing 2,041 deaths and injuring 27,538 people. This event is considered a landmark in earthquake prediction, demonstrating the potential of scientific observation and proactive warning systems.
1976 In Guatemala and Honduras an earthquake kills more than 22,000.
1977 Chicago Elevated Train Disaster: A tragic Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) elevated train accident occurred when one train rear-ended another and derailed, crashing onto a Chicago street. The catastrophic incident resulted in 11 fatalities and approximately 180 injuries, marking the worst accident in the agency's history.
1978 J.R. Jayewardene Becomes President of Sri Lanka: J.R. Jayewardene became the second President of Sri Lanka, succeeding William Gopallawa. Having previously served as Prime Minister since July 23, 1977, Jayewardene played a pivotal role in transitioning Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) to a presidential system of government, marking a significant political transformation in the nation's governance structure.
1979 UK Billboard Number 1 Song: 'Heart Of Glass' by Blondie reached the top of the UK music charts, highlighting the band's rising popularity and the new wave music genre.
1980 Abolhassan Banisadr Becomes First President of Iran: Abolhassan Banisadr was sworn in as the first president of Iran in a hospital room in Tehran, marking a significant moment in Iran's post-revolutionary political landscape.
1981 Prince Charles Proposes to Lady Diana Spencer: At an intimate dinner in Buckingham Palace, Prince Charles proposed marriage to Lady Diana Spencer, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most famous and scrutinized royal relationships of the 20th century. This proposal would lead to a globally watched wedding later that year.
1982 Suriname Political Upheaval: Suriname's Premier Chin A Sen fled the country, signaling potential political instability and potential regime change in the South American nation.
1983 Death of Karen Carpenter: Karen Carpenter, renowned singer and drummer of the popular duo The Carpenters, tragically passed away at the age of 32 due to complications from anorexia nervosa. Her death highlighted the serious health risks associated with eating disorders and brought significant public awareness to the condition.
1984 Culture Club's 'Karma Chameleon' Tops US Charts: Culture Club's hit single 'Karma Chameleon' reaches number 1 on the US music charts, solidifying the band's international popularity during the 1980s pop music era.
1985 New Zealand-US Nuclear Tensions Escalate: Naval exercises were canceled when the United States refused to disclose the presence of nuclear weapons, highlighting the growing diplomatic friction between the two nations over nuclear policy.
1986 Reagan's 1986 State of the Union Address: President Ronald Reagan delivered his State of the Union Message to Congress, which was originally scheduled for January 28, 1986, but postponed by a week due to the Challenger space shuttle disaster. Reagan began his address by paying heartfelt tribute to the 'brave seven' Challenger crew members and reaffirmed the nation's unwavering commitment to space exploration despite the tragic loss.
1987 Congress Overrides Reagan's Clean Water Act Veto: The United States Congress successfully overrode President Ronald Reagan's veto of the Clean Water Act, demonstrating the legislative branch's commitment to environmental protection and water quality regulations.
1988 Manuel Noriega Indicted on Drug Charges: Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega was indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury on serious drug trafficking and racketeering charges, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Panama relations and international drug enforcement efforts.
1989 Dean Jones Record-Breaking Cricket Performance: Australian cricketer Dean Jones achieved a remarkable individual performance by scoring 216 runs against the West Indies cricket team at the Adelaide Oval. This innings was a significant milestone in Jones's career, demonstrating his exceptional batting skills and ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks.
1990 Tragic Tourist Murders in Egypt: A horrific terrorist incident occurred near Cairo, Egypt, where ten Israeli tourists were brutally murdered, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
1991 Winnie Mandela Faces Legal Charges: Winnie Mandela, wife of African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela, appeared in the Johannesburg Supreme Court to face serious kidnapping and assault charges, highlighting the complex political tensions in South Africa during the apartheid era's final stages.
1992 Hugo Chávez's Failed Coup Attempt in Venezuela: Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chávez led a military coup attempt against Venezuelan President Carlos Andrés Pérez, seeking to overthrow the government. The coup was ultimately unsuccessful but marked a significant moment in Venezuelan political history, foreshadowing Chávez's future rise to power.
1993 Leadership Change at US Central Intelligence Agency: Admiral William O. Studeman concluded his term as acting director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), marking a transition in leadership during a period of post-Cold War intelligence restructuring.
1994 US Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rates: The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) increases the US Federal Funds target rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 percent, marking the first rate hike since May 1989 and signaling a shift in monetary policy.
1995 Massive Tomb Discovery in Valley of the Kings: Archaeologist Kent R. Weeks makes a groundbreaking discovery by exploring KV5, the extensive tomb complex of the sons of Ramesses II. This archaeological find represents the largest tomb ever uncovered in the Valley of the Kings, providing unprecedented insights into the royal family structure and burial practices of ancient Egypt.
1996 Devastating Lijiang Earthquake in China: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the Lijiang region in southwest China, causing massive destruction. The earthquake resulted in at least 240 fatalities, over 14,000 injuries, and left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. The disaster highlighted the region's significant seismic vulnerability and the devastating potential of natural disasters.
1997 O.J. Simpson Civil Liability: O.J. Simpson was found civilly liable for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, marking a significant legal outcome following his previous criminal trial acquittal.
1998 Devastating Hindu Kush Earthquake in Afghanistan: A severe magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, causing massive destruction. The seismic event resulted in 2,323 fatalities, 818 injuries, and the complete destruction of 8,094 houses, highlighting the region's vulnerability to geological instability.
1999 Amadou Diallo Shooting: Amadou Diallo, an unarmed West African immigrant, was fatally shot 41 times by four plainclothes New York City police officers during an unrelated stake-out. This tragic incident became a pivotal moment in discussions about racial profiling and police brutality in the United States.
2000 World Cancer Day Established: The World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium signed the Charter of Paris, officially establishing World Cancer Day. The charter was signed by French President Jacques Chirac and UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura, marking an important global health initiative to raise awareness about cancer prevention, treatment, and research.
2001 NFL Pro Bowl: AFC Dominates NFC: The American Football Conference (AFC) team decisively defeated the National Football Conference (NFC) team 38-17 in the annual Pro Bowl all-star game. Rich Gannon, quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, was named MVP, leading the AFC's offensive performance with remarkable skill and precision.
2002 Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository Proposal: Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham officially notified Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn about the intention to recommend the Yucca Mountain site as a suitable long-term geological repository for nuclear waste. This notification, mandated by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, signaled a potential major development in national nuclear waste management strategy.
2003 Yugoslavia Transforms into Serbia and Montenegro: The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia adopts a new constitution, fundamentally restructuring its political framework by creating a loose confederacy between Montenegro and Serbia. This constitutional change marks a significant shift in the nation's governance and territorial organization.
2004 Facebook Founded by Zuckerberg and Saverin: Facebook, a groundbreaking online social networking platform, was founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin at Harvard University. This innovative website would go on to revolutionize digital communication and social interactions globally.
2005 New York Court Rules on Same-Sex Marriage: The New York State Supreme Court ruled that the state's ban on same-sex marriage violates the state constitution, with the decision stayed for 30 days, marking a significant moment in LGBTQ+ rights.
2006 Iran's Nuclear Program Referred to UN Security Council: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors voted 27-to-8 to refer Iran's nuclear program to the United Nations Security Council. This decision was prompted by Iran's refusal to allow IAEA inspections and its intentions to enrich nuclear material, escalating international tensions.
2007 Baghdad Market Bombing: A devastating bomb explosion in a crowded Baghdad market killed at least 135 people and injured 339 others, representing a significant act of terrorism during the Iraq conflict.
2008 Bush Reveals Record-Breaking Federal Budget: President George W. Bush presents a massive $3.1 trillion spending plan for fiscal 2009, including $515 billion in military spending and $70 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan operations. This is the first electronically presented budget, with significant cuts to domestic programs.
2009 Global Economic Recession of Late 2000s: The late 2000s recession was a severe global economic downturn affecting multiple countries and industries, characterized by significant job losses, financial market instability, and widespread economic challenges.
2010 Curfew Imposed in Srinagar After Protest Killing: Authorities in Srinagar, Kashmir, imposed a curfew following violent protests triggered by the killing of a 15-year-old boy during a demonstration, highlighting ongoing regional tensions.
2011 Egyptian Revolution of 2011: Massive protests continued in Egypt against President Hosni Mubarak's regime, with demonstrators demanding political reform and his immediate resignation. Protesters filled Tahrir Square in Cairo, chanting 'Leave! Leave! Leave!' marking the eleventh day of sustained civil unrest.
2012 California Court Overturns Gay Marriage Ban: A federal appeals court in California rejected the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage that was originally passed in 2008, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ civil rights and marriage equality.
2013 Massive Football Match-Fixing Investigation: Europol announced a comprehensive investigation into potential match-fixing involving 680 football matches, including World Cup and European Championship qualifiers and Champions League games.
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.
2015 Ukraine Military Headquarters Attack: Armed conflict in Ukraine escalated with missile strikes on the military headquarters in Kramatorsk, resulting in 15 deaths and 60 injuries, further demonstrating the ongoing tensions in the region.
2016 Finnish President Warns About Migration Crisis: Finnish President Sauli Niinistö delivered a provocative speech to parliament, arguing that the current migrant flow threatens European Western values and suggesting the UN Refugee Convention is outdated, reflecting growing tensions in the European Migrant Crisis.
2017 Federal Judge Blocks Trump Immigration Order: A federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order against President Trump's executive order, which had suspended US entry for individuals from seven majority-Muslim nations.
2018 Super Bowl LII: The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII, winning their first NFL championship.
2019 European Union Recognizes Juan Guaido: Following Nicolas Maduro's rejection of a European ultimatum to hold new elections, several European Union countries officially recognized Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim President. Some EU nations remained undecided, with Italy's 5 Star Movement opposing external intervention.
2020 Trump Impeachment Trial Nears Conclusion: The United States Senate approached the final stages of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, a pivotal moment in American political history that would ultimately result in his acquittal.
2021 House Removes Marjorie Taylor Greene from Committee Assignments: In a highly partisan vote, the United States House of Representatives voted 230–199 to remove Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican-Georgia) from her assignments on the Education and Labor and Budget committees. This unprecedented action was taken in response to her controversial statements and conspiracy theories.
2022 U.S. Special Forces Kill ISIS Leader in Syria: Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the leader of the Islamic State (ISIS), was killed during a precise counterterrorism raid conducted by U.S. Special Forces in northwestern Syria. The operation represented a significant blow to the terrorist organization's leadership and continued the U.S. military's efforts to combat ISIS.
2023 Chinese Spy Balloon Shot Down Over Atlantic Ocean: On February 4, 2023, a high-altitude surveillance balloon, believed to be of Chinese origin, was shot down by a United States Air Force F-22 Raptor over the Atlantic Ocean. The incident escalated tensions between the United States and China, with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration closing airspace along the east coast and suspending airport arrivals during the operation. This marked the first time an aircraft was shot down on U.S. soil since World War II, highlighting significant geopolitical and national security concerns.

What Is special about February 4?

February 4 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about February 4.