On February 12th, history unfolds with a cascade of significant events that have left an indelible mark on the world. From groundbreaking discoveries and technological innovations to pivotal political shifts and cultural milestones, this date resonates with a rich tapestry of historical significance. Join us as we embark on a journey through time to explore the Major Historical Events on February 12 that have shaped our collective narrative, each adding a unique thread to the fabric of human history.
Major Historical Events on February 12- Today in History
1502: Vasco da Gama’s Second Voyage
Vasco da Gama embarks on his second voyage from Lisbon, Portugal, to India, furthering European exploration and trade routes to the East Indies and establishing Portugal’s maritime dominance in the region.
1700: Great Northern War Begins
The Great Northern War commences in Northern Europe, sparking a conflict between Denmark–Norway, Saxony, Russia, and the Swedish Empire, with far-reaching consequences for European geopolitics and power dynamics.
1719: Founding of Onderlinge van 1719 u.a.
The Onderlinge van 1719 u.a., the oldest existing life insurance company in the Netherlands, is established, pioneering the concept of life insurance and shaping the landscape of financial services in Europe.
1733: Foundation of Georgia
James Oglethorpe founds Georgia at the site of Savannah, laying the groundwork for one of the original Thirteen Colonies and contributing to the expansion of British colonial territories in North America.
1793: First US Fugitive Slave Law
The first US fugitive slave law is passed, mandating the return of escaped slaves to their owners. This legislation underscores the tensions surrounding slavery in the early United States and exacerbates conflicts between free and slave states.
1851: Discovery of Gold in New South Wales
Edward Hargraves and three companions discover gold at Ophir, New South Wales, igniting Australia’s first gold rush and fundamentally transforming the economic and social landscape of the continent.
1865: Henry Highland Garnet’s Historic Sermon
Edward Hargraves and three companions discover gold at Ophir, New South Wales, igniting Australia’s first gold rush and fundamentally transforming the economic and social landscape of the continent.
1870: Utah Women’s Suffrage Law
Utah becomes the second US territory to grant women the right to vote, following Wyoming’s lead. This legislation marks a milestone in the women’s suffrage movement and expands political participation for women in the western United States.
1877: First News Dispatch by Telephone
The first news dispatch by telephone occurs between Boston and Salem, Massachusetts, revolutionizing communication and paving the way for rapid advancements in telecommunications technology.
1879: Opening of First Artificial Ice Rink
The first artificial ice rink in North America opens at Madison Square Garden in New York City, revolutionizing winter sports and recreational ice skating in urban centers.
1886: Formation of Second British
Conservative Government
The second British Conservative government of Marquess of Salisbury forms in alliance with the Liberal Unionist Party, shaping British politics and policies during a period of significant social and economic change.
1925: Approval of First Federal Arbitration Law
The US Congress approves the first federal arbitration law, providing a framework for resolving disputes outside of the traditional court system and promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts through arbitration.
1932: French Figure Skating Champions’ Olympic Victory
French figure skating duo Pierrre and Andrée Brunet win their second consecutive Olympic gold medal in pairs figure skating at the Lake Placid Games, showcasing their skill and artistry on the ice.
1935: First Demonstration of Aircraft Detection by Radio Signals
Robert Watson-Watt and Arnold Wilkins conduct the first secret demonstration of radio signals detecting aircraft at Daventry, England, laying the groundwork for radar technology and modern air defense systems.
1955: McGuire Sisters’ Chart-Topping Single
The McGuire Sisters’ single “Sincerely” reaches number one on the charts and remains there for 10 weeks, solidifying their place in music history and marking a milestone in the pop music scene of the 1950s.
1955: US Advisors Sent to South Vietnam
President Eisenhower sends the first US advisors to South Vietnam, marking the beginning of American involvement in the Vietnam War and setting the stage for decades of conflict and turmoil in Southeast Asia.
1961: Mushtaq Mohammad’s Cricket Century
Pakistani cricketer Mushtaq Mohammad scores his first test cricket century for Pakistan at the age of 17, showcasing his talent and potential as a cricketing prodigy on the international stage.
1974: Arab States’ Oil Strategy Discussion
Heads of state from Algeria, Egypt, Syria, and Saudi Arabia convene to discuss oil strategy in light of developments in Arab-Israeli disengagement, shaping global energy policy and geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
1978: US Female Figure Skating Championship
Linda Fratianne wins the US female Figure Skating championship, showcasing her skill and artistry on the ice and solidifying her place as one of America’s top figure skaters during the late 1970s.
1979: Launch of Soviet Oceanographic Satellite
The Soviet Union launches Kosmos 1076, the first Soviet oceanographic satellite, contributing to advancements in oceanography and environmental research on a global scale.
1981: Empire State Building Stair-Stepping Record
Pete Squires sets a record for climbing 1575 steps of the Empire State Building in just 10 minutes, demonstrating exceptional physical endurance and athletic prowess in stair-stepping.
1984: Italian Luger’s Olympic Victory
Italian luger Paul Hildgarten wins the men’s singles luge event at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics, showcasing his skill and precision on the icy track and earning Olympic glory for Italy.
1984: Cale Yarborough’s Daytona 500
Qualification Record
Cale Yarborough becomes the first Daytona 500 qualifier to reach speeds above 200 MPH, setting a new standard for speed and performance in NASCAR racing and cementing his legacy as a racing legend.
1984: East German Luger’s Olympic Triumph
East German luger Steffi Martin wins the first of two consecutive gold medals in the women’s singles luge event at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics, demonstrating her dominance in the sport and solidifying her place in Olympic history.
1998: Unconstitutionality of Line-Item Veto Law
US district judge T Hogan declares the line-item veto law unconstitutional, sparking debates over presidential powers and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government.
2001: NEAR Shoemaker’s Asteroid Landing
The NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft successfully lands on the asteroid 433 Eros, becoming the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid and providing valuable insights into the composition and structure of asteroids.
2013: Alleged North Korean Nuclear Test
The NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft successfully lands on the asteroid 433 Eros, becoming the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid and providing valuable insights into the composition and structure of asteroids.
2014: Warning of Job Mechanization
Peter Diamandis warns that 50% of US jobs are under threat of mechanization within 10 years, highlighting the potential impact of automation on the workforce and urging preparations for technological disruptions.
2016: Britain’s Mars Map
Britain’s Ordnance Survey releases a map of Mars using NASA data on Flickr, showcasing advances in space exploration and the collaborative efforts of international space agencies in mapping distant planets.
2016: Fiji Ratifies UN Climate Deal
Fiji becomes the first country to ratify the UN climate deal signed in Paris, demonstrating global commitment to combating climate change and setting an example for international cooperation on environmental issues.
2018: Ireen Wüst’s Winter Olympics Gold
Dutch speed skater Ireen Wüst wins an individual gold medal in the 1,500m at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, becoming the first Winter Olympian to achieve this feat in four consecutive Games and setting a new standard for excellence in speed skating.
2019: Australian Government’s Historic Loss
The Australian government suffers a historic loss as an amendment allowing offshore sick refugees access to healthcare passes, marking the first time in 78 years that the government has lost a vote on its own bill.
2019: Increase in Global Greenery
NASA data reveals a 5% increase in global greenery since the early 2000s, primarily due to tree planting initiatives in China and intensive farming practices in India, highlighting efforts to combat deforestation and promote environmental sustainability.
2019: Rare Black Panthers Spotted
Rare black panthers are spotted for the first time in nearly 100 years in Laikipia County, Kenya, sparking excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species.
2019: US National Debt Milestone
The US national debt surpasses $22 trillion for the first time, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility and government spending in the world’s largest economy.
2023: Opening of India’s Longest Expressway
India inaugurates the first section of its longest expressway, linking Mumbai with New Delhi over a distance of 1,386 kilometers, enhancing connectivity and facilitating transportation infrastructure development in the country.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on February 10 – Today in History
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