Historical Events on February 12: 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 12, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on February 12 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Theodore Roosevelt's Vice Presidential Candidacy Statement: On February 12, 1900, New York Governor Theodore Roosevelt publicly declared his unwillingness to be considered as a vice presidential candidate. In a clear and definitive statement, he emphasized that under no circumstances would he accept a nomination for the vice presidency, despite press speculation and personal correspondence urging him to do so.
1901 Creation of North-West Frontier Province: Viceroy of India Lord Curzon establishes the North-West Frontier Province, strategically carving out a new administrative region in the Punjab area bordering Afghanistan, reflecting British colonial administrative reorganization.
1902 Anglo-Japanese Alliance Established: The first Anglo-Japanese Alliance was formally announced, marking a significant diplomatic milestone in early 20th-century international relations. This strategic agreement between the United Kingdom and Japan would prove instrumental in shaping geopolitical dynamics, particularly during World War I. The alliance, which was later renewed in 1905 and 1911, represented a groundbreaking partnership between a European imperial power and an emerging Asian nation, signaling a shift in traditional diplomatic alignments.
1903 Wright Brothers' First Aircraft Engine Test: On February 12, 1903, the groundbreaking aircraft engine that would power the Wright brothers' first successful airplane was run for the first time in Dayton, Ohio. This milestone represented a critical moment in aviation history, marking the first successful attempt to develop a functional heavier-than-air aircraft engine that would soon revolutionize transportation and human mobility.
1904 Russian Cruiser Boyarin Sunk by Naval Mine: During the Russo-Japanese War, the Russian cruiser Boyarin was tragically sunk by a Russian naval mine near Port Arthur, resulting in the death of six crew members. This incident highlighted the dangerous naval conditions and technological risks of maritime warfare during the early 20th century.
1905 Ethnic Conflict in Ottoman Albania: On February 12, 1905, Greek guerrillas attacked the Albanian village of Negovani within the Ottoman Empire, killing Father Kristo, his brother, and three other villagers. This violent incident prompted Albanian guerrilla leader Bajo Topulli to establish the Secret Committee for the Liberation of Albania, escalating tensions in the region.
1906 Launch of HMS Dreadnought - Naval Revolution: The British Royal Navy launches the HMS Dreadnought, a revolutionary battleship that fundamentally transforms naval warfare technology. This massive warship, with its unprecedented large-caliber guns and steam turbine propulsion, instantly renders all existing battleships obsolete and triggers a global naval arms race.
1907 Larchmont Steamship Disaster: On February 12, 1907, a catastrophic maritime accident occurred off the coast of Block Island, New England, when the steamship Larchmont collided with a schooner. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of over 300 lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters in early 20th-century American history. The collision happened during harsh winter conditions, which likely contributed to the high number of fatalities. Many passengers were unable to survive the freezing waters of the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the significant maritime safety challenges of the era.
1908 New York to Paris Auto Race of 1908: A groundbreaking international automobile race began in New York City, challenging drivers to navigate an unprecedented transcontinental route through Alaska and Siberia to Paris. George Schuster emerged victorious after an arduous 88-day journey, demonstrating the emerging capabilities of early automotive technology and human endurance.
1909 Lincoln Centennial Celebration: The United States commemorates the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. President Theodore Roosevelt attends a cornerstone-laying ceremony in Hodgenville, Kentucky, for a building to preserve Lincoln's birthplace log cabin.
1910 Chinese Invasion of Tibet: In a significant geopolitical event, a Chinese military expedition of approximately 2,000 troops invaded Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The invasion forced the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, to seek refuge in British India, marking a critical moment in Tibetan-Chinese relations and highlighting the complex power dynamics of early 20th-century Asia.
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.
1912 Last Emperor of China Abdicates: Puyi (Henry P'u-i), the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, formally abdicates the imperial throne, marking the end of over two centuries of Manchu imperial rule in China. At just six years old, Puyi's abdication symbolizes the dramatic political transformation from imperial monarchy to republican governance.
1913 Yamamoto Gonnohyōe Becomes Prime Minister of Japan: Yamamoto Gonnohyōe, a 60-year-old naval officer and politician who had studied in the United States, assumed the role of Prime Minister of Japan. His appointment marked a significant moment in early 20th-century Japanese political leadership.
1914 Lincoln Memorial Construction Begins: On February 12, 1914, the first cornerstone of the Lincoln Memorial was ceremonially placed in Washington, D.C., marking the official start of construction for this iconic national monument honoring President Abraham Lincoln. The memorial, designed by architect Henry Bacon, would take nearly a decade to complete and would become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States.
1915 Lincoln Memorial Construction Begins: On February 12, 1915, the first stone of the Lincoln Memorial was ceremonially placed in Washington, DC, marking the commencement of this iconic national monument's construction. This moment symbolized a significant tribute to President Abraham Lincoln and his enduring legacy of preserving the Union and advancing civil rights.
1916 Battle of Verdun Preparations Delayed: The Imperial German Army's planned massive offensive against French forces at Verdun was postponed for nine days due to adverse weather conditions, setting the stage for one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War I.
1918 Birth of Julian Schwinger, Renowned Physicist: Julian Schwinger, a brilliant American theoretical physicist, was born on this date. He would later become a Nobel Prize laureate for his groundbreaking contributions to quantum electrodynamics. Schwinger was a key figure in quantum mechanics and made significant advancements in understanding subatomic particle interactions. His work was instrumental in developing quantum field theory and he shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965 with Richard Feynman and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga.
1919 Friedrich Ebert Elected as First President of Germany: Friedrich Ebert was elected as the first President of Germany by the Weimar National Assembly, winning a decisive victory with 277 votes against his opponent Arthur von Posadowsky-Wehner, who received 49 votes. This marked a significant moment in the establishment of the Weimar Republic.
1920 Ottoman Empire's Final Parliamentary Report - Misak-ı Millî: The Parliament of the Ottoman Empire published its final report, the Misak-ı Millî, marking a critical moment in the transition of the Ottoman Empire to the modern Turkish state. This six-point policy was so significant that it prompted the Allied powers to occupy Istanbul on March 16 and sponsor the creation of a new republic with its capital in Ankara.
1921 Bolshevik Revolt in Georgia: The Bolsheviks initiate a revolt in Georgia, setting the stage for an imminent Red Army invasion of the country, marking a significant moment in the Soviet expansion strategy.
1922 Mahatma Gandhi's Moral Protest and Non-Cooperation Movement Suspension: In response to the violent Chauri Chaura incident, where protesters killed British police officers, Mahatma Gandhi initiated a five-day fast as a form of moral and spiritual penance. This act was a powerful demonstration of his commitment to non-violent resistance and his belief in personal accountability. By suspending the Non-Cooperation Movement, Gandhi sought to redirect the independence struggle away from violence and towards peaceful civil disobedience, emphasizing moral and ethical principles in the fight against British colonial rule.
1923 Social Democratic Party Opposes Special Powers Law: The majority Social Democratic Party of Germany opposed a special law that would grant the German government expanded powers in managing the politically and economically tense Ruhr region during the post-World War I period of economic instability.
1924 Tutankhamun Sarcophagus Discovery: Howard Carter and his archaeological team raised the lid of Pharaoh Tutankhamun's stone sarcophagus, revealing his solid gold mummy case. The full case would not be opened until October 28, 1925, marking a pivotal moment in Egyptology.
1925 First US Federal Arbitration Law Approved: The United States Congress passes the first federal arbitration law, establishing a legal framework for resolving disputes outside traditional court systems and marking a significant development in American legal practice.
1926 Leslie Nielsen Birth: Leslie Nielsen, the iconic Canadian actor known for his comedic roles in films like 'Airplane!' and 'The Naked Gun' series, was born in Regina, Saskatchewan.
1927 British Expeditionary Forces Land in Shanghai: British troops landed in Shanghai to protect British residents and interests during a period of significant political instability in China. The deployment was a strategic move to safeguard British citizens and commercial assets in the international settlement.
1928 Literary Dispute Leads to Duel Challenge: French playwright Pierre Veber challenged author Maurice Rostand to a pistol duel after Rostand wrote a negative review of Veber's latest play, *En Bordée*. Rostand ultimately declined the challenge, demonstrating the intense artistic rivalries and dramatic social customs of early 20th-century French literary circles.
1929 Leon Trotsky Arrives in Istanbul: Exiled Soviet politician Leon Trotsky arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, continuing his journey of political exile after being expelled from the Soviet Union by Joseph Stalin. This marked a significant moment in Trotsky's tumultuous post-revolutionary life and the ongoing political conflicts within the Soviet leadership.
1930 Discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh: On February 12, 1930, astronomer Clyde Tombaugh made a groundbreaking astronomical discovery at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, when he first identified Pluto. This discovery expanded humanity's understanding of the solar system and added a ninth planet to our celestial knowledge. Pluto would later be reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006, but its discovery remains a significant milestone in astronomical research.
1931 Dracula Film Premiere: Bela Lugosi introduced film audiences to the iconic character of Count Dracula in the classic horror film *Dracula*, which premiered at the Roxy Theatre in New York City. Lugosi's portrayal would become the definitive representation of the vampire character in popular culture for decades to come.
1932 Andrew Mellon Resigns as U.S. Treasury Secretary: Andrew Mellon, a prominent banker and industrialist who served as U.S. Treasury Secretary under three presidents (Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover), stepped down from his position. Mellon was a key figure in shaping U.S. economic policy during the early stages of the Great Depression.
1933 Nazi Vice-Chancellor Seeks Catholic Support: German Vice-Chancellor Franz von Papen actively sought support from the Catholic Church for the Nazi Party, attempting to build political alliances during the critical early period of Nazi consolidation of power.
1934 Austrian Civil War Details: The Austrian Civil War, also known as the four-day February Uprising, broke out between socialist and conservative-fascist forces, representing a critical moment of political conflict in Austrian history.
1935 USS Macon Airship Disaster: The USS Macon, one of the two largest helium-filled airships in history, crashed and sank into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California during a storm near Point Sur. Despite the catastrophic accident, only two crew members lost their lives, which was significantly fewer casualties compared to previous airship disasters like the Akron and Shenandoah.
1936 Hitler Remilitarizes the Rhineland: Adolf Hitler boldly decides to re-occupy the Rhineland, directly challenging the Treaty of Versailles and marking a significant escalation of Nazi Germany's territorial ambitions. This strategic move remilitarized a demilitarized zone, testing the resolve of European powers and signaling Germany's growing confidence and aggression.
1937 Birth of Last Italian Crown Prince: Vittorio Emanuele di Sovia, the last Crown Prince of Italy, was born. His birth came during a tumultuous period in Italian history, just before the rise of Mussolini and the eventual abolition of the monarchy.
1938 German Troops Enter Austria: German military forces cross the Austrian border, marking a critical moment in the lead-up to the Anschluss - the territorial annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany. This military movement represents a direct violation of international agreements and signals Hitler's expansionist ambitions.
1940 German Submarine U-33 Sunk in Firth of Clyde: German submarine U-33 was sunk in the Firth of Clyde by the minesweeper Gleaner. Of the 42-person crew, 25 perished while 17 survived. Notably, one survivor was carrying three Enigma machine rotors, which were subsequently sent to Alan Turing at the Government Code and Cypher School for critical intelligence analysis.
1941 Rommel Arrives in North Africa: German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel arrived in Libya aboard a Junkers Ju 52 transport aircraft, marking the beginning of his legendary campaign in North Africa, which would earn him the nickname 'Desert Fox'.
1942 DUPE: Battle of Bukit Timah: The Battle of Bukit Timah concluded with a decisive victory for Japanese forces during World War II, marking a significant moment in the Japanese invasion of Singapore.
1943 Roosevelt's Casablanca Summit Radio Address: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a comprehensive nationwide radio address detailing the significant agreements reached during the Casablanca Conference. In this pivotal broadcast, he outlined the Allied strategy and commitment to achieving total victory in World War II, providing transparency and boosting public morale.
1944 Tragic Sinking of the German Steamboat Oria: The German steamboat Oria sank in a severe storm while sailing from Rhodes to Piraeus, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life. Over 4,000 Italian prisoners of war perished in this maritime disaster, marking one of the most significant maritime tragedies of World War II.
1945 San Francisco Chosen for United Nations Conference: San Francisco, California, was selected as the host city for the United Nations Conference, a pivotal moment in establishing post-World War II international diplomacy.
1946 Isaac Woodard Brutally Assaulted, Sparking Civil Rights Movement: African American World War II veteran Isaac Woodard was severely beaten by a South Carolina police officer, resulting in total blindness. This shocking incident of racial violence became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, drawing national attention to systemic racism and police brutality. The event significantly influenced filmmaker Orson Welles and helped galvanize the emerging civil rights activism.
1947 Sikhote-Alin Meteorite Impact: A massive iron meteor weighing an estimated 70-300 tons dramatically broke up approximately 4.5 kilometers above the Earth near Vladivostok, Russia. The event created approximately 200 craters spanning an area of 12 km by 4 km, with crater diameters reaching up to 26.6 meters and depths of 6 meters. Scientists recovered around 8,000 iron meteorites totaling 28-29 tons, with the meteor believed to have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
1948 Gandhi's Final Farewell: Ashes Scattered in Ganges: In a deeply symbolic and emotionally charged ceremony, the mortal remains of Mahatma Gandhi were scattered upon the sacred waters of the Ganges River at Allahabad. An immense crowd estimated between 2 to 3 million people gathered to witness this poignant moment, marking the final public tribute to the leader of India's independence movement.
1949 Assassination of Hassan al-Banna: Hassan al-Banna, the 42-year-old Egyptian imam and founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, was assassinated by the Egyptian secret police, marking a significant and violent moment in the political history of Egypt and Islamic political movements.
1950 McCarthy's Communist Accusations: On February 12, 1950, U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy dramatically claimed to possess a list of 205 communist sympathizers working within the United States government. This sensational allegation marked a pivotal moment in the early Cold War era, sparking widespread fear and initiating the notorious 'Red Scare' that would significantly impact American political and social life throughout the 1950s.
1951 Death of Choudhary Rahmat Ali, Founder of the Name 'Pakistan': Choudhary Rahmat Ali, the prominent Pakistani nationalist who coined the name 'Pakistan' for the country, passed away. Ali was a key intellectual figure in the Pakistan Movement, who first proposed the name in a 1933 pamphlet, symbolizing the regions and peoples of the future nation: Punjab, Afghania (North-West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Iran, Sindh, and Baluchistan.
1952 Birth of Simon MacCorkindale: Simon MacCorkindale, a notable English actor, was born on February 12, 1952. He would later become known for his work in television and film, contributing to the British entertainment industry during the late 20th century.
1953 Sudan Agreement with Britain: The Egyptian government signed a landmark agreement with Britain, granting self-government for Sudan and establishing a path to self-determination within three years, marking a significant step in the decolonization process in North Africa.
1954 Death of Dziga Vertov, Pioneering Soviet Filmmaker: Dziga Vertov, a groundbreaking Russian documentary filmmaker and film theorist, passed away at the age of 58. Known for his innovative 'Kino-Eye' theory and experimental documentary techniques, Vertov was a key figure in Soviet avant-garde cinema. His most famous work, 'Man with a Movie Camera' (1929), is considered a landmark in documentary filmmaking, challenging traditional narrative structures and exploring the potential of film as a medium for capturing reality.
1955 Baikonur Cosmodrome Established: The Soviet Union dedicates the space center in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, which would become the world's first and largest operational space launch facility, playing a crucial role in the Space Race and future space exploration.
1956 Fay Crocker Wins LPGA Miami Beach Golf Open: Professional golfer Fay Crocker secured victory at the LPGA Miami Beach Golf Open, marking a significant moment in women's professional golf during the mid-1950s. Her win highlighted the growing prominence of female athletes in competitive sports during this era.
1957 Discovery of Borazan Material: Researchers announced the groundbreaking development of Borazan, a material scientifically proven to be harder than diamonds. This discovery represents a significant advancement in materials science, potentially revolutionizing industries requiring extremely durable and robust materials such as manufacturing, construction, and advanced engineering.
1958 Early Warning About Global Warming: The Bell Science Series broadcast a groundbreaking television program that presciently warned about the potential catastrophic consequences of CO₂ emissions, including global temperature rise, polar ice cap melting, and significant sea-level increases—a remarkably early scientific communication about climate change.
1959 US Mint Releases 1959 Lincoln Memorial Cent: The United States Mint officially released the 1959 Lincoln Memorial cent into circulation, marking a significant design change in American coinage. This new cent featured the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side, replacing the wheat ears design that had been used since 1909.
1960 France Develops Nuclear Capability: France successfully detonated its first atomic bomb in 1960, becoming the fourth nuclear power after the United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom. This milestone significantly altered the global strategic balance during the Cold War.
1961 Soviet Union Launches Venera 1 Space Probe to Venus: The Soviet Union launched Venera 1, also known as Sputnik 8, towards Venus, marking a significant milestone in early space exploration. This unmanned spacecraft was part of the Soviet space program's ambitious planetary exploration efforts during the Space Race.
1962 Macon Bus Boycott Begins: A bus boycott commenced in Macon, Georgia, as part of the broader civil rights movement challenging racial segregation in public transportation. This local protest was likely inspired by the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott and represented grassroots resistance against discriminatory transit policies.
1963 Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 705 Crash: A tragic aviation disaster occurred when Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 705 crashed into the Florida Everglades shortly after takeoff from Miami International Airport, resulting in the loss of all 45 passengers and crew members on board.
1964 Beatles First New York City Concert: The Beatles performed their first concert in New York City, marking a significant moment in their early international breakthrough and the beginning of the British Invasion of American popular music.
1965 Malcolm X Visits Smethwick: Malcolm X traveled to Smethwick near Birmingham, United Kingdom, following the racially charged 1964 general election. His visit highlighted ongoing racial tensions and discrimination in British society during the civil rights era.
1966 Johnson Affirms US Commitment to South Vietnam: President Lyndon B. Johnson publicly declared the United States' commitment to remaining in South Vietnam until communist aggression was suppressed. This statement underscored the escalating US involvement in the Vietnam War and reflected the Cold War geopolitical tensions of the era.
1967 Beatles Music Videos Debut on Ed Sullivan Show: Promotional films for the Beatles' singles 'Penny Lane' and 'Strawberry Fields' were first broadcast on the Ed Sullivan Show, marking a pivotal moment in music video history.
1968 Phong Nhi and Phong Nhat Massacre: A tragic event during the Vietnam War where Vietnamese civilians in Phong Nhi and Phong Nhat villages were killed, highlighting the brutal nature of the conflict.
1969 Kissinger's Secret China Dialogue Plan: On February 12, 1969, National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger prepared a confidential memorandum for President Richard Nixon outlining a secret strategic plan to establish diplomatic dialogue between the United States and the People's Republic of China. This document was a pivotal early step in what would become a groundbreaking diplomatic rapprochement, ultimately leading to Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972 and a significant shift in Cold War geopolitical dynamics.
1970 Pathet Lao Attacks in Laos Escalate Vietnam War Tensions: Communist Pathet Lao guerrillas launched attacks on Laotian Army units in the 'Plain of Jars' within the Xiangkhoang Plateau. This prompted Laotian Prime Minister Prince Souvanna Phouma to request U.S. aid. In response, the United States escalated its involvement in the Vietnam War by deploying three B-52 bombers to strike Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese Army troops in Laos.
1971 Ken Eastwood's Only Test Cricket Match: Ken Eastwood played his sole Test Cricket match for Australia against England on February 12, 1971. During this match, he scored 5 runs in the first innings and was dismissed for 0 in the second innings, marking a brief and challenging international cricket debut.
1972 Natalie Barney, Lesbian Literary Pioneer, Passes Away: Natalie Barney, a groundbreaking 95-year-old writer and prominent figure in LGBTQ+ literary circles, died. Known for her salon in Paris and her unapologetic exploration of lesbian identity in early 20th-century literature, Barney was a significant cultural icon.
1973 First US POWs Released from North Vietnam: On February 12, 1973, the first group of 116 American prisoners of war were released from North Vietnam and flown to the Philippines as part of the initial prisoner repatriation following the Paris Peace Accords. This marked a significant moment in the Vietnam War, symbolizing the beginning of the end of direct US military involvement in the conflict.
1974 Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's Exile from Soviet Union: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the renowned Nobel Prize-winning author known for his critical works exposing the Soviet gulag system, was forcibly exiled from the Soviet Union. This significant event highlighted the Soviet regime's intolerance of intellectual dissent and marked a pivotal moment in Cold War-era cultural and political history.
1975 Led Zeppelin's Legendary Madison Square Garden Concert: On February 12, 1975, Led Zeppelin delivered an iconic performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City during their Physical Graffiti tour. The concert was a landmark event in rock music history, featuring a powerful 15-song setlist that showcased the band's musical prowess and versatility. Highlights included epic tracks like 'Kashmir', 'Stairway to Heaven', and 'Whole Lotta Love', which demonstrated the band's ability to blend hard rock, blues, and progressive musical styles. This performance was part of Led Zeppelin's peak years, when they were considered one of the most influential and dynamic rock bands in the world.
1976 Pike Committee CIA Leak Scandal: Confidential documents from the Pike Committee's investigation into CIA activities were leaked and published in The Village Voice, causing a major political controversy that exposed potential government intelligence misconduct.
1977 Festac '77: World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture Concludes: The Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (Festac '77) concluded in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a significant celebration of African and Black cultural heritage. This landmark event brought together artists, performers, and cultural representatives from across the African diaspora to showcase and celebrate their diverse artistic expressions.
1978 U.S. Women's Figure Skating Championship: Linda Fratianne won the U.S. Women's Figure Skating Championship, showcasing her exceptional skating skills and competitive prowess.
1979 Battle of N'Djamena in Chad: Prime Minister Hissène Habré initiated a military offensive known as the Battle of N'Djamena, attempting to overthrow President Félix Malloum in a significant political and military confrontation in Chad.
1980 Richard Hadlee Sets New Zealand Cricket Record: Richard Hadlee achieved a significant milestone in New Zealand cricket by becoming the country's top wicket-taker with 117 wickets, establishing himself as a legendary cricket player.
1981 Admiral Bobby R. Inman CIA Appointment: Admiral Bobby R. Inman of the US Navy is appointed as deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), bringing significant military leadership to intelligence operations.
1982 Wayne Gretzky Ties NHL Record: Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky scored his 153rd point of the season, tying a significant NHL record and demonstrating his extraordinary athletic prowess.
1983 Women's Rights Protest Against Discriminatory Law in Pakistan: On February 12, 1983, approximately one hundred women staged a courageous protest in Lahore, Pakistan, against military dictator Zia-ul-Haq's proposed Law of Evidence. This law was widely considered discriminatory towards women's legal rights. Despite facing severe repression—including being tear-gassed, baton-charged, and arrested—the protesters demonstrated remarkable resilience. Their persistent activism ultimately succeeded in repealing the proposed legislation, marking a significant moment in Pakistan's women's rights movement.
1984 Torvill and Dean's Iconic Olympic Performance: British ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean performed their legendary 'Bolero' routine at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics, which would become one of the most famous figure skating performances in history.
1985 Michael Jordan's NBA Debut: Michael Jordan made his historic NBA debut with the Chicago Bulls on February 12, 1985, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most legendary careers in basketball history. This moment signaled the start of Jordan's transformative impact on professional basketball.
1986 Reagan Announces Challenger Accident Commission: Following the tragic Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986, US President Ronald Reagan announced the formation of a presidential commission to thoroughly investigate the causes of the catastrophic accident that resulted in the loss of all seven crew members.
1987 Survivors of a black man murdered by KKK members awarded US$7 million damages.
1988 Cold War Naval Confrontation: During the late Cold War period, a significant maritime incident occurred in the Black Sea where the U.S. missile cruiser USS Yorktown was intentionally rammed by the Soviet frigate Bezzavetnyy. This confrontation highlighted the ongoing tensions between the United States and Soviet Union in international waters, demonstrating the high-stakes geopolitical brinkmanship of the era.
1989 Pat Finucane Assassination: Pat Finucane, a prominent Belfast lawyer who represented republican hunger striker Bobby Sands, was brutally murdered by a loyalist paramilitary group while having dinner with his family, highlighting the intense sectarian violence during the Northern Ireland conflict.
1990 German Reunification Agreement: A landmark two-stage plan is agreed upon for the reunification of Germany, signaling the imminent end of the Cold War division and a transformative moment in European geopolitical history.
1991 Iceland Recognizes Lithuania's Independence: On February 12, 1991, Iceland officially recognized Lithuania's independence, marking a significant diplomatic milestone during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This recognition was part of the broader international support for Baltic states seeking self-determination.
1992 Mongolia Adopts New Constitution: Mongolia officially implemented its new Constitution on February 12, 1992, marking a pivotal transition from a socialist state to a democratic parliamentary republic. This constitutional reform followed the peaceful democratic revolution of 1990 and represented a significant shift in Mongolia's political landscape, establishing principles of human rights, multi-party democracy, and market economy.
1993 Murder of James Bulger: Two-year-old James Bulger was abducted from New Strand Shopping Centre in Liverpool by two ten-year-old boys, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, who subsequently tortured and murdered the child. This shocking crime became a landmark case in British criminal history, raising profound questions about juvenile crime and societal responsibility.
1994 XVII Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer: The XVII Olympic Winter Games are held in Lillehammer, Norway, from February 12 to February 27, showcasing world-class winter sports competitions and international athletic excellence.
1995 Mexican Regional Election Shift: In a significant political development, the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) lost regional elections to the PAN (National Action Party), signaling potential political transformation in Mexico.
1996 Death of Bob Shaw, Irish Science Fiction Author: Bob Shaw, a prominent Irish science fiction writer known for his innovative storytelling and contributions to the genre, passed away from cancer at the age of 64. Born in 1931, Shaw was a respected figure in the science fiction literary community, recognized for his imaginative works that explored complex scientific and philosophical themes.
1997 High-Ranking North Korean Official Defects to South Korea: Hwang Jang-yop, a senior secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and a key intellectual architect of North Korea's Juche ideology, dramatically defected to South Korea by seeking asylum at the South Korean embassy in Beijing. This was a significant geopolitical event that highlighted internal tensions within the North Korean regime.
1998 Presidential Line-Item Veto Declared Unconstitutional: The United States federal judge declared the presidential line-item veto unconstitutional, marking a significant moment in the balance of legislative and executive powers. This ruling challenged the president's ability to selectively cancel specific provisions within spending bills, reinforcing the constitutional separation of powers.
1999 Bill Clinton Impeachment Trial Acquittal: The United States Senate votes on the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, ultimately acquitting him on both articles of impeachment. This historic political event marked the end of a contentious process that had gripped the nation, with Clinton becoming the second U.S. president to be impeached but not removed from office.
2000 Death of Charles Schulz: Charles Schulz, the legendary creator of the iconic comic strip 'Peanuts', passed away at the age of 77. His beloved characters like Charlie Brown and Snoopy had entertained generations worldwide.
2001 First Spacecraft Landing on an Asteroid: The NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft successfully landed on asteroid 433 Eros, marking a historic milestone in space exploration. The spacecraft touched down in the 'saddle' region of the asteroid, becoming the first human-made object to land on an asteroid's surface.
2002 Slobodan Milosevic War Crimes Trial Begins: The trial of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic commences at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. He faces serious charges of genocide and war crimes committed in Bosnia, Croatia, and Kosovo during the Yugoslav conflicts of the 1990s. Milosevic would ultimately die in his prison cell in 2006 before the trial could reach its conclusion, leaving significant legal and historical questions unresolved.
2003 Bolivian Political Crisis and Violent Clashes in La Paz: A severe political crisis erupted in La Paz, Bolivia, when striking police confronted the army in a violent standoff. The military attempted to protect the presidential palace from stone-throwing protesters. The confrontation escalated from tear gas to gunfire, resulting in 27 fatalities and over 100 serious injuries. The violence was followed by 24 hours of widespread looting and burning of public and foreign business buildings, highlighting the intense social and political tensions in the country.
2004 San Francisco Begins Issuing Same-Sex Marriage Licenses: On National Freedom to Marry Day, San Francisco officials issued marriage licenses to gay couples and performed the first civil marriage in America by marrying a lesbian couple. More than 80 couples completed the quick ceremony, marking a significant moment in LGBTQ+ civil rights history.
2005 Togo Political Protests: Thousands of protesters in Lomé, Togo, demonstrated against President Faure Gnassingbé's army-installed rule. The protests turned violent, resulting in three protestors being killed during clashes with police and military forces.
2006 US Military Considers Iran Bombing Option: US military strategists reportedly discussed a potential bombing campaign against Iranian nuclear facilities as a last resort if diplomatic efforts fail to address concerns about Iran's nuclear program.
2007 Baghdad Bombing: A devastating series of four bomb attacks in Baghdad resulted in at least 76 civilian casualties, underscoring the ongoing violence and instability in Iraq during the post-invasion period.
2008 2008 US Presidential Primary Results: On Super Tuesday, Barack Obama won the Democratic primaries in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, taking the lead in delegate count against Hillary Clinton for the first time. Simultaneously, John McCain secured victories in the Republican primaries for the same states.
2009 Pope's Statement on Holocaust Denial: Pope Benedict XVI strongly condemned Holocaust denial, describing any attempt to deny the Holocaust as a blatant and inexcusable act of historical revisionism.
2010 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Vancouver: The XXI Olympic Winter Games officially opened in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky lit the outdoor Olympic cauldron in a memorable moment. The games featured 2,600 athletes from 82 nations competing in 86 different events, marking a significant international sporting spectacle.
2011 Algerian Protests Inspired by Egyptian Revolution: Thousands of people, inspired by the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, marched through Algiers in protest of their regime and demanded the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
2012 Syrian Uprising and Arab League Intervention: The Arab League demanded a peacekeeping force be sent to Syria to stop escalating violence. During a lull in the bombardment of Homs, some families managed to escape and protesters took to the streets. Mohammed Ahmed Mustafa al-Dabi, head of the suspended Arab League observer mission, resigned amid ongoing tensions.
2013 Manchester Crown Court: Dale Cregan pleads guilty at Manchester Crown Court to the murders Police officers Nicola Hughes & Fiona Bone. However, he denies two other murders.
2014 A massive winter storm is threatening the south, creating dangerous road conditions, disruptions, and widespread power outages as the North American cold waves continues.
2015 Yemeni Civil War: Ansar al-Sharia, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, takes control of a military base in southern Yemen.
2016 As it was conducting airstrikes against the positions of the Shura Council of Benghazi revolutionaries in the coastal city, a Libyan Air Force MiG-23 aircraft is shot down above Benghazi. According to a Tobruk-based military source, the pilot was able to parachut safely and was found safe. However, his whereabouts are not known.
2017 2017 Turkmenistani presidential elections: Turkmenistani voters go to the polls to vote for a president, with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow likely to win another term.
2018 After Turkish Navy warships blockade a Cypriot offshore drilling ship in the Eastern Mediterranean, it was close to an area where natural gas exploration could take place. The European Union calls for calm and restraint.
2019 2019 Venezuelan Presidential Crisis, United States-Venezuela Relations: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an interview with Orla Guerin of the BBC, accused Trump of being openly white supremacist and "warmongering towards Venezuela", saying that Trump is controlled by the Ku Klux Klan.
2020 First COVID-19 Death Outside China in the Philippines: On February 12, 2020, the Philippines reported the first coronavirus (COVID-19) death outside of China. The victim was a 44-year-old Chinese tourist who had multiple concurrent infections, including COVID-19, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and influenza B. This event marked a significant milestone in the early stages of the global pandemic, highlighting the virus's potential for international transmission and its severe health implications.
2021 COVID-19 Vaccination Challenges in Los Angeles: Los Angeles faced significant vaccine distribution challenges, temporarily closing five vaccination centers, including the large-scale site at Dodger Stadium, due to vaccine dose shortages. President Joe Biden visited the National Institutes of Health, criticizing the previous administration's inadequate preparation for mass vaccination efforts.
2022 Great Backyard Bird Count 2022: The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual, global citizen science event where bird enthusiasts and nature lovers participate in a comprehensive bird observation and recording project. In 2022, the event ran from February 12-15, encouraging people worldwide to count and document bird species in their local environments. Participants use mobile apps, online platforms, and traditional field guides to record bird sightings, contributing valuable data to ornithological research and conservation efforts.
2023 Super Bowl LVII: Kansas City Chiefs Triumph Over Philadelphia Eagles: In a thrilling Super Bowl LVII matchup at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles with a nail-biting score of 38-35. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was named Super Bowl MVP, leading his team to victory despite playing with an ankle injury. This victory marked the Chiefs' third Super Bowl championship in four years, further solidifying their status as a modern NFL dynasty.

What Is special about February 12?

February 12 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 12.