On February 1st, various pivotal historical events have unfolded, shaping the course of history. From Henri d’Aguesseau’s appointment as France’s Chancellor in 1717 to the US Supreme Court’s first session in 1790, this date has witnessed milestones in law and governance. Additionally, it marked the founding of the first dental college in 1840, revolutionizing oral healthcare. Here is list of some of the major historical events on February 1 that serve as important chapters in the tapestry of human progress and achievement.
Major Historical Events on February 1 – Today in History
1717: Henri d’Aguesseau Becomes French Chancellor
Henri d’Aguesseau was appointed as the Chancellor of France, marking a significant moment in French legal history. His tenure played a crucial role in shaping the legal system and administration of justice in the country during the 18th century.
1717: Silent Sejm in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
The Silent Sejm session of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth parliament signaled the end of Augustus II’s attempts to establish an absolute monarchy. It also marked the beginning of Russia’s growing influence and control over the Commonwealth, setting the stage for future geopolitical changes in the region.
1788: First US Steamboat Patent
The first US steamboat patent was issued to Briggs & Longstreet by the state of Georgia. This marked an important step in the development of steam-powered transportation, which would later revolutionize travel and commerce in the United States.
1790: US Supreme Court Convenes
The US Supreme Court convened for the first time in New York City, laying the foundation for the highest court in the land. This historic event marked the beginning of the court’s role in interpreting the Constitution and shaping American jurisprudence.
1810: First Insurance Company Managed by African Americans
The African Insurance Company, managed by African Americans, opened in Philadelphia. This pioneering institution provided insurance services and demonstrated early strides in financial empowerment within the African American community.
1860: First Rabbi to Open House of Representatives
Morris Raphall, a rabbi from New York City, became the first rabbi to deliver an opening prayer in the House of Representatives. This event symbolized religious diversity and inclusivity in American government.
1840: Baltimore College of Dental Surgery Founded
The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, the first dental college in the United States, was incorporated. Its establishment marked a crucial development in the field of dentistry and dental education.
1865: JS Rock Admitted to US Supreme Court Bar
JS Rock, an African American lawyer, was admitted to the bar of the United States Supreme Court. This historic achievement marked a significant milestone in the fight for racial equality and representation within the legal profession.
1871: Jefferson Long’s Speech in US House of Representatives
Jefferson Long of Georgia became the first African American to make an official speech in the US House of Representatives. He used this platform to advocate for his opposition to leniency towards former Confederates, reflecting the turbulent post-Civil War era.
1880: The Stage Newspaper’s First Edition
The first edition of The Stage, a theatrical newspaper, was published. It became a significant source of information and commentary on the world of theater, enhancing the cultural and entertainment landscape.
1884: First Volume of Oxford English Dictionary
The first volume of the Oxford English Dictionary (A-Ant) was published. This monumental work aimed to document and define the English language comprehensively, contributing to the preservation of the language’s rich history and development.
1893: Thomas Edison’s Movie Studio
Thomas Edison completed the world’s first movie studio in West Orange, New Jersey. This studio played a pivotal role in the early days of filmmaking, shaping the future of the entertainment industry and cinematic history.
1897: First Auto Insurance Policy Issued
Travelers Insurance Company issued the first auto insurance policy in the United States. This event marked the beginning of the insurance industry’s response to the emerging automobile market, providing coverage for the risks associated with early motor vehicles.
1906: First Federal Penitentiary Completed
The first federal penitentiary building was completed in Leavenworth, Kansas. It represented a significant development in the US correctional system and became a model for future federal prisons.
1924: Ramsay MacDonald Recognizes Soviet Union
Ramsay MacDonald’s incoming Labour government in the United Kingdom formally recognized the Soviet Union, marking a diplomatic milestone in British-Russian relations during the early 20th century.
1929: “The Broadway Melody” Wins First Sound Oscar
“The Broadway Melody,” directed by Harry Beaumont and starring Bessie Love, was released as the first sound film to win an Oscar for Outstanding Picture in 1930. It represented a breakthrough in the transition from silent to sound cinema.
1929: Pi Alpha Phi Founded at UC Berkeley
Pi Alpha Phi, the first Asian American interest fraternity in the United States, was founded at the University of California, Berkeley. It played a pivotal role in providing a sense of community and support for Asian American students.
1940: NBC’s Inter-City Television Broadcast
NBC performed the first inter-city television broadcast from its station in New York City to another in Schenectady, New York, using General Electric relay antennas. This achievement marked a significant advancement in television technology and broadcasting capabilities.
1951: First X-Ray Moving Picture Process
The first X-ray moving picture process was demonstrated, revolutionizing medical imaging and diagnostics. This development allowed for dynamic visualization of internal structures, improving healthcare and scientific research.
1953: First Female Assistant Secretary of State
Dr. A. de Waal made history by becoming the Netherlands’ first female assistant secretary of state, breaking gender barriers in Dutch government and diplomacy.
1955: Hap Day Takes Multiple Roles with Toronto Maple Leafs
Hap Day became the first man to serve as the captain, coach, and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a legendary Canadian NHL club. His multi-faceted role in the team’s leadership was a testament to his influence in hockey history.
1957: Felix Wankel’s Rotary Engine Prototype
Felix Wankel’s first working prototype, DKM 54, of the rotary Wankel engine, was successfully tested at the NSU research and development department in Germany. This marked a significant step in the development of a unique type of internal combustion engine.
1961: First Full-Scale Test of US Minuteman ICBM
The United States conducted the first full-scale test of the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This successful test represented a key milestone in the country’s strategic missile program during the Cold War.
1975: Otis Francis Tabler’s Security Clearance
Otis Francis Tabler became the first openly homosexual individual to receive security clearance to work for the United States Defense Department, marking progress in LGBTQ+ rights and representation.
1978: Harriet Tubman Honored on US Postage Stamp
Harriet Tubman, the iconic abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor, was honored as the first African American woman to appear on a United States postage stamp, celebrating her legacy and contributions to the abolitionist movement.
1979: Trevor Francis Becomes Britain’s First £1 Million Soccer Player
Trevor Francis made history as Britain’s first £1 million soccer player when he transferred from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest. His groundbreaking transfer fee marked a turning point in the economics of football.
1998: Petr Korda Wins Australian Open
Czechoslovakia’s Petr Korda won his first and only Grand Slam event, the Australian Open, defeating Marcelo Rios of Chile 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 in a memorable tennis final.
1998: Lillian E. Fishburne’s Promotion
Lillian E. Fishburne became the first female African American to be promoted to the rank of rear admiral, breaking barriers and advancing diversity within the United States Navy.
2005: Canada Introduces Civil Marriage Act
Canada introduced the Civil Marriage Act, becoming the fourth country to officially sanction same-sex marriage. This landmark legislation represented a significant step towards marriage equality in Canada.
2008: Johan Santana’s Record-Breaking MLB Contract
Minnesota starter Johan Santana signed a groundbreaking 6-year, $137.5 million deal with the New York Mets, becoming the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history. His transfer from the Twins to the Mets marked a major moment in baseball economics.
2009: Iceland’s First Female and Openly Gay Prime Minister
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was elected as Iceland’s first female Prime Minister and the world’s first openly gay head of government, breaking significant societal barriers and promoting LGBTQ+ rights in politics.
2016: Alphabet Surpasses Apple in Market Value
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, surpassed Apple as the world’s most valuable company with a market value of $568 billion, reflecting the growing influence of technology and digital services in the global economy.
2016: Myanmar’s First Freely Elected Parliament in 50 Years
Myanmar held the opening session of its first freely elected parliament in 50 years in Nay Pyi Taw, marking a significant step in the country’s transition towards democracy after decades of military rule.
2018: Indian Government’s Healthcare Plan
The Indian government announced plans to provide free healthcare to 500 million people, signaling a commitment to expanding access to medical services and improving public health in the country.
2019: Australia’s Hottest Month on Record
January 2019 was officially declared as Australia’s hottest month on record by the Bureau of Meteorology, highlighting the urgent challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events in the region.
2022: Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Awarded to Masato Sagawa
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Engineering,” was awarded to Masato Sagawa for his invention of the neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnet.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on January 31 – Today in History
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