February 11th is etched in history with a tapestry of significant events that have shaped the world. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries and technological advancements to pivotal political moments and cultural milestones, this date resonates with a rich array of historical significance. Join us as we delve into the annals of time to explore the Major Historical Events on February 11, each leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of our collective history.
Major Historical Events on February 11- Today in History
1808: Anthracite Coal Experiment
Anthracite coal is first burned as fuel experimentally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This marks a pivotal moment in energy usage, paving the way for widespread coal consumption in industrial and domestic settings.
1826: University College London Founded
University College London is founded, known until 1836 as London University. This establishment contributes to the advancement of education and research, becoming a renowned institution of higher learning in the United Kingdom.
1854: Coal Gas Lighting in San Francisco
For the first time, coal gas is used to light major streets in San Francisco. This innovation enhances urban illumination, improving safety and visibility for residents and travelers in the city.
1916: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Debut
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra presents its first concert at the Lyric Theatre. Led by Gustav Strube of the Peabody Institute, this event marks the beginning of a cultural institution that enriches Baltimore’s music scene.
1929: Vatican City Enclave
Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, is made an enclave of Rome. This administrative change solidifies the Vatican’s unique status as a sovereign entity within the city of Rome.
1938: First Science Fiction TV Program
The world’s first science fiction TV program airs, broadcasting the play R.U.R. by Karel Čapek. This marks an early milestone in the intersection of science fiction and mass media entertainment.
1951: Kwame Nkrumah’s Election Victory
Kwame Nkrumah and his Convention People’s Party win the first legislative general election in the Gold Coast (Ghana) in a landslide. This victory propels Nkrumah into a leadership role in the fight for Ghanaian independence.
1953: USSR-Israel Diplomatic Break
The USSR breaks diplomatic relations with Israel. This political move reflects tensions and shifts in international relations during the Cold War era.
1958: Adoption of Hanyu Pinyin
China’s first National People’s Congress adopts the first edition of Hanyu Pinyin as the official romanization system for Standard Mandarin Chinese. This standardization facilitates communication and language learning in China.
1958: Ruth Carol Taylor’s Flight Attendant Hiring
Ruth Carol Taylor becomes the first African American woman hired as a flight attendant in Ithaca, NY. This milestone breaks racial barriers in the airline industry, paving the way for diversity and inclusion.
1961: Robert Weaver’s Cabinet Appointment
Robert Weaver is sworn in as Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, becoming the first African American appointed to a US cabinet-level position. This historic appointment advances civil rights and diversity in government.
1965: Milwaukee Braves’ Proposal
The Milwaukee Braves propose to pay 5 cents from each ticket to bring a new team to Milwaukee. This initiative aims to expand baseball’s presence in the city and attract more fans to the sport.
1969: Diana Crump’s Jockey Debut
Diana Crump becomes the first US woman jockey to ride against men in Hialelah. Her participation challenges gender norms in horse racing and opens doors for female athletes in the sport.
1970: Japan’s Satellite Launch
Japan becomes the fourth nation to put a satellite (Osumi) in orbit. This technological achievement demonstrates Japan’s growing capabilities in space exploration and satellite technology.
1974: Libya’s Oil Company Nationalization
Libya nationalizes three US oil companies that had not agreed to 51 percent nationalization. This move asserts Libya’s control over its oil resources and marks a shift in global oil geopolitics.
1976: John Curry’s Figure Skating Gold
John Curry wins Britain’s first Olympic gold medal in figure skating at the Innsbruck Winter Games. His victory showcases British excellence in winter sports and inspires future athletes.
1984: Challenger 4’s Return
The 10th NASA Space Shuttle Mission (41B): Challenger 4 returns to Earth. This successful mission contributes to the advancement of space exploration and scientific research.
1991: Unrepresented Nations Organization Formation
The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) forms in The Hague, Netherlands. This organization advocates for the rights and interests of unrepresented and marginalized peoples around the world.
1999: Pluto’s Solar System Status
Pluto moves further away from the sun than Neptune, regaining its status as the solar system’s outermost planet. This astronomical event redefines Pluto’s position in the solar system, sparking scientific debates and discussions.
2008: Assassination Attempts in East Timor
Assassination attempts are made on Xanana Gusmao and Jose Ramos-Horta in East Timor, both failing. These incidents highlight political tensions and challenges in the young nation’s stability and security.
2012: Israeli Air Strikes in Gaza
The Israeli Air Force conducts four air strikes in the Gaza Strip. This escalates tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and draws international attention to the region’s ongoing violence.
2013: Pope Benedict XVI’s Resignation
Pope Benedict XVI announces his resignation, effective from February 28. He becomes the first pope to resign since 1415, sparking discussions about papal succession and the future of the Catholic Church.
2016: Gravitational Waves Discovery
The discovery of gravitational waves, through the collision of two black holes, is announced by physicists from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). This groundbreaking discovery confirms a key prediction of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
2018: Sven Kramer’s Speed Skating Record
Dutchman Sven Kramer becomes the only male speed skater to win the same Olympic event three times, claiming gold in the 5,000m at Pyeongchang. His achievement solidifies his status as one of the greatest speed skaters of all time.
2019: Artificial Intelligence Diagnosis Test
An Artificial Intelligence system competes against physicians in diagnosing 600,000 patients, with A.I. emerging as the victor. This test underscores the potential of A.I. in healthcare and raises questions about its integration into medical practice.
2020: Largest Wave Surfed by a Woman
Brazilian Maya Gabeira rides a 73.5ft (22.4m) wave at Nazaré, Portugal, the largest ever surfed by a woman. This feat demonstrates exceptional skill and bravery in big wave surfing, breaking gender barriers in the sport.
2021: Sister André’s 117th Birthday
French nun Sister André celebrates her 117th birthday in Toulon, after surviving COVID-19. As the world’s second oldest person, her resilience and longevity inspire many, especially during the pandemic era.
2022: Koala Endangerment Listing
Australia lists the koala as endangered for the first time in Queensland, New South Wales, and ACT. This designation highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this iconic species from further decline.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on February 9 – Today in History
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