Historical Events on February 29: 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 29, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on February 29 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1904 Theodore Roosevelt Appoints Panama Canal Study Committee: President Theodore Roosevelt established a seven-member committee to conduct a comprehensive study and assessment of the Panama Canal project, a critical infrastructure initiative that would significantly impact international maritime trade and U.S. geopolitical strategy.
  • 1908 Birth of Dee Brown, American Writer and Historian: Dee Brown, an influential American writer and historian, was born. He is best known for his groundbreaking book 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee', a seminal work that provided a Native American perspective on the westward expansion of the United States.
  • 1912 Serbia and Bulgaria Alliance Treaty: Serbia and Bulgaria secretly signed a comprehensive bilateral treaty of alliance, establishing a mutual defense pact for eight years. This diplomatic agreement committed both nations to provide military support to each other in the event of war, reflecting the complex geopolitical tensions in the Balkan region during the early 20th century.
  • 1916 South Carolina Raises Child Labor Minimum Age: The state of South Carolina enacted progressive labor legislation by raising the minimum working age for children in factories, mills, and mines from twelve to fourteen years old. This reform represented an important step in protecting children from exploitative labor practices and promoting child welfare during the early industrial era.
  • 1920 Czechoslovakia Adopts First Constitution: The Czechoslovak National Assembly formally adopts the country's first constitution, establishing the legal and governmental framework for the newly independent state following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I.
  • 1924 Al Rosen: Notable Baseball Player Born: Al Rosen was born on February 29, 1924, a leap day. He would later become a prominent Major League Baseball player, known for his exceptional performance as a third baseman for the Cleveland Indians during the 1950s. Rosen was a five-time All-Star and won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1953.
  • 1928 Tempest Storm: Iconic Burlesque Performer: Tempest Storm was a renowned burlesque performer and actress who became a prominent figure in mid-20th century entertainment. Known for her striking beauty and captivating stage presence, she was one of the most celebrated exotic dancers of her era, helping to define the burlesque art form during a transformative period in American popular culture.
  • 1932 Mäntsälä Uprising in Finland: A dramatic confrontation occurred between Finnish government troops and approximately 5,000 members of the Lapua Movement who were attempting to march on Helsinki, representing a critical moment of civil unrest in Finnish political history.
  • 1936 US Neutrality Act Signed: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Second Neutrality Act, a critical piece of legislation designed to prevent American involvement in potential international conflicts during the rising tensions of the 1930s.
  • 1940 Gone with the Wind Wins 8 Academy Awards: The epic historical romance film 'Gone with the Wind' dominates the 12th Academy Awards, winning 8 Oscars and setting a significant milestone in Hollywood cinema.
  • 1944 Operation Brewer - Admiralty Islands Invasion: During World War II, American forces under General Douglas MacArthur launched Operation Brewer, invading the strategically important Admiralty Islands in the Pacific Theater.
  • 1948 Stern Gang Train Bombing in Mandatory Palestine: On February 29, 1948, the Stern Gang (Lehi), a Jewish paramilitary organization, conducted a devastating terrorist attack by bombing the Cairo-Haifa train, resulting in the deaths of 27 British soldiers. This attack was part of the escalating violence during the final months of the British Mandate of Palestine, as Jewish militant groups sought to pressure British forces to withdraw from the region.
  • 1952 Heligoland Restored to German Authority: The small North Sea island of Heligoland was officially returned to German administrative control, marking a significant post-World War II territorial adjustment.
  • 1956 Eisenhower Announces Second Presidential Campaign: U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower publicly declares his intention to run for a second presidential term, setting the stage for a rematch with Adlai E. Stevenson in the November 6th election.
  • 1960 Devastating Agadir Earthquake: A catastrophic 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck coastal Morocco, causing massive destruction in the city of Agadir. The earthquake resulted in approximately 12,000 fatalities and 12,000 injuries, making it one of the most devastating seismic events in Moroccan history.
  • 1964 LBJ Reveals Secret A-11 Jet Fighter: U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson publicly discloses the United States' secret development of the advanced A-11 jet fighter, a significant technological achievement in military aviation during the Cold War era, highlighting America's aerospace engineering capabilities.
  • 1968 Kerner Commission Report on Racism: The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (Kerner Commission) releases a landmark report highlighting systemic racism and calling for substantial aid and support for Black communities.
  • 1972 South Korea Troop Withdrawal from Vietnam: As part of President Nixon's Vietnamization policy during the Vietnam War, South Korea begins withdrawing 11,000 of its 48,000 troops from Vietnam, signaling a gradual reduction of international military involvement in the conflict.
  • 1976 The Sound of Music TV Broadcast: ABC-TV broadcast the iconic musical film 'The Sound of Music', which was originally released in 1965. At the time, it was the highest-grossing movie in history based on ticket sales. Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, the film tells the true story of the von Trapp family during the rise of Nazi Germany and has since become a beloved classic in cinema history.
  • 1980 Buddy Holly's Glasses Discovered: Twenty-one years after the tragic plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. 'Big Bopper' Richardson, Holly's distinctive heavy black-framed glasses were found in Mason City, Iowa, reigniting memories of the legendary musicians' untimely deaths.
  • 1984 Pierre Trudeau's Political Retirement Announcement: On February 29, 1984, Pierre Trudeau, a prominent Canadian political figure, officially announced his retirement as the leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister of Canada. This marked the end of a significant era in Canadian political history, as Trudeau had been a transformative and influential leader who served multiple terms and shaped the nation's political landscape.
  • 1988 Desmond Tutu's Anti-Apartheid Arrest: Archbishop Desmond Tutu is arrested along with 100 other clergymen during a five-day peaceful demonstration against apartheid in Cape Town, highlighting the resistance to racial segregation.
  • 1992 Bosnian Independence Referendum Begins: The first day of the Bosnian independence referendum, a critical moment in the dissolution of Yugoslavia. The referendum would ultimately seek to determine Bosnia and Herzegovina's political future, with significant implications for regional stability.
  • 1996 Siege of Sarajevo Officially Ends: The prolonged and devastating Siege of Sarajevo, a defining moment of the Bosnian War, officially comes to an end.
  • 2000 Russian Paratroopers Killed in Chechen Attack: During the Second Chechen War, Chechen forces launched a devastating attack on a Russian guard post near Ulus Kert, resulting in the deaths of 84 Russian paratroopers, highlighting the brutal nature of the conflict.
  • 2004 76th Academy Awards Highlights: The 76th Academy Awards celebrated exceptional cinema, with 'The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King' winning all 11 nominated categories. Notable individual awards went to Sean Penn (Best Actor), Charlize Theron (Best Actress), Tim Robbins (Best Supporting Actor), and Renée Zellweger (Best Supporting Actress).
  • 2008 Deadly Terrorist Attack in Pakistan: A tragic series of terrorist attacks in Pakistan's North West Province resulted in the deaths of three police officers from a bomb explosion, followed by a devastating suicide bombing at the funeral that killed an additional 27 people.
  • 2012 Syrian Government Violence: United Nations officials report that Syrian government activities have caused over 7,500 deaths during the ongoing uprising, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
  • 2016 ISIL Suicide Bombing at Shi'ite Funeral in Miqdadiyah: A devastating suicide bombing by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) targeted a Shi'ite funeral in Miqdadiyah, Diyala Governorate, resulting in at least 40 fatalities and 58 injuries. The attack highlighted the ongoing sectarian violence and terrorist activities in Iraq during the Iraqi Civil War period.
  • 2020 Global COVID-19 Pandemic Developments: Multiple countries reported their first COVID-19 cases, including Ireland, Qatar, Luxembourg, and Ecuador. The United Arab Emirates took preventive measures by suspending school activities and closing nurseries. Australia recorded its first coronavirus-related death, involving a 78-year-old man evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

What Is special about February 29?

February 29 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 29.