Major Historical Events on February 28- Today in History

February 28 has been a significant date throughout history, marking events that have influenced cultures, nations, and the world. From monumental scientific discoveries and political upheavals to tragic incidents and groundbreaking achievements in entertainment, this day encapsulates moments of triumph, tragedy, innovation, and change. In this blog we’ll explore some of the major Historical Events on February 28.

870 – End of Iconoclasm

In 870, the Byzantine Empire concluded the Fourth Council of Constantinople. This marked the definitive end of the period known as Iconoclasm. The council’s closure was pivotal for the restoration and veneration of icons within the Eastern Orthodox Church.

1710 – Battle of Helsingborg

By 1710, Swedish forces achieved a significant victory over Denmark at the Battle of Helsingborg. This battle was crucial. It secured Sweden’s control over the southern parts of the country. It was a defining moment in the Great Northern War.

1922 – Egypt Gains Independence

In 1922, Egypt gained its independence from the United Kingdom. However, the UK’s influence lingered, affecting Egypt’s sovereignty. This event was a major step towards self-governance but showcased the complexities of colonial withdrawal.

1925 – Charlevoix-Kamouraska Earthquake

The Charlevoix-Kamouraska earthquake in 1925 struck northeastern North America. This seismic event underscored the geological vulnerability of the region, contributing to the understanding of earthquake risks in eastern North America.

1928 – Raman Effect Discovered

The discovery of the Raman Effect by C.V. Raman in 1928 revolutionized physics. This discovery, which involves the scattering of light, earned Raman the Nobel Prize. It opened new pathways in the study of molecular and optical phenomena.

1933 – Reichstag Fire Decree

The Reichstag Fire Decree of 1933 allowed the Nazi Party to suspend civil liberties in Germany. Signed by President Paul von Hindenburg, this decree was a direct response to the Reichstag fire. It facilitated the arrest of political opponents, cementing Hitler’s power.

1940 – First Televised Basketball

The first televised basketball game in 1940 between Pitts and Fordham in New York City marked a milestone in sports broadcasting. This event showcased the growing relationship between sports and television media.

1947 – Taiwan’s February 28 Incident

The February 28 Incident in 1947 saw a violent suppression of civil disorder in Taiwan. The death of an estimated 28,000 civilians marked one of the darkest periods in Taiwan’s history, leading to the White Terror era.

1953 – DNA Structure Announced

James Watson and Francis Crick’s 1953 announcement of DNA’s structure was groundbreaking. Their discovery of the double helix model was a cornerstone in molecular biology. It has profoundly influenced scientific research and understanding of genetic information.

1958 – Floyd County Bus Crash

A tragic accident in 1958 saw a school bus in Floyd County, Kentucky, crash into a wrecker truck and plunge into the Levisa Fork river. The accident resulted in the deaths of the driver and 26 children, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in school transportation.

1959 – Discoverer 1 Launched

Discoverer 1’s failed launch in 1959 was a setback for the American space program. Intended to achieve a polar orbit as the first spy satellite, its failure to reach orbit demonstrated the challenges of early space exploration.

1966 – NASA Astronauts Killed

The tragic deaths of astronauts Elliot See and Charles Bassett in a 1966 crash underscored the inherent risks of space travel. Their T-38 Talon crashed into the McDonnell Aircraft factory, marking a somber moment in NASA’s history.

1967 – Chamberlain’s Record Field Goal

Wilt Chamberlain’s 1967 achievement of a 35th consecutive field goal set a new NBA record. This feat underscored Chamberlain’s dominance in basketball and his unparalleled skill on the court.

1969 – Portugal Earthquake

The 1969 Portugal earthquake affected Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. This seismic event caused significant damage and loss of life, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

1974 – British Election Hung Parliament

The 1974 British election resulted in a hung parliament, showcasing the political complexities of the time. The Liberal Party, led by Jeremy Thorpe, achieved a significant vote share, reflecting the changing landscape of British politics.

1975 – Moorgate Train Crash

In 1975, a devastating crash at London’s Moorgate terminus station occurred when an underground train failed to stop. Crashing into the tunnel’s end, it resulted in 43 deaths. This tragedy highlighted the need for improved safety protocols in public transportation.

1983 – MAS*H Finale Aired

The final episode of MAS*H in 1983 became the most-watched television episode in American history at the time. It marked the end of an era for the beloved television series, drawing nearly 110 million viewers.

1984 – Michael Jackson’s Grammy Wins

Michael Jackson’s 1984 triumph at the 26th Grammy Awards was historic. Winning 8 Grammys in one night, he set records and solidified his status as the King of Pop. This achievement highlighted his immense talent and impact on music.

1985 – Newry Police Station Attacked

The 1985 mortar attack by the Provisional Irish Republican Army on the Newry police station killed nine officers. This event was part of the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland, illustrating the violence that characterized the Troubles.

1986 – Olof Palme Assassinated

The assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme in 1986 shocked the nation. Palme was shot in Stockholm, and his murder remains unsolved. This event had a profound impact on Swedish society and politics.

1991 – Gulf War Ends

The Gulf War ended in 1991 after a UN-declared ceasefire. This conflict was marked by a massive U.S.-led coalition against Iraq. The ceasefire followed Iraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait, concluding a significant chapter in late 20th-century military history.

1993 – Waco Siege Begins

The 1993 Waco siege began with a raid by ATF agents on the Branch Davidian church. This led to a 51-day standoff, culminating in a tragic end. The event raised significant questions about law enforcement and civil liberties.

1997 – Northern Iran Earthquake

The 1997 earthquake in northern Iran caused approximately 1,100 deaths. This natural disaster brought to light the region’s seismic risk and the need for improved emergency response and infrastructure.

1997 – Turkish Military Memorandum

Turkey’s 1997 military memorandum led to the government’s collapse. This event was a critical moment in Turkish politics, showcasing the military’s influence and the challenges of democratic governance.

1998 – Kosovo Conflict Begins

In 1998, conflict escalated in Kosovo as Serbian police launched an offensive against ethnic Albanian separatists. This marked the beginning of a year-long conflict that drew NATO intervention, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the Balkans.

2001 – Nisqually Earthquake Strikes

The 2001 Nisqually earthquake in the southern Puget Sound area highlighted the seismic risks in the Seattle metropolitan area. With a moment magnitude of 6.8, it caused significant damage and underscored the importance of preparedness.

2002 – Gujarat Religious Violence

The 2002 religious violence in Gujarat saw the Naroda Patiya and Gulbarg Society massacres. These events were part of broader communal unrest, resulting in significant loss of life and highlighting deep-seated religious tensions.

2013 – Pope Benedict XVI Resigns

The 2013 resignation of Pope Benedict XVI marked a historic moment in the Catholic Church. His decision to step down due to health reasons brought attention to the pressures of leading the Church and sparked discussions on leadership and tradition.

2016 – DiCaprio Wins Oscar

Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2016 Oscar win for Best Actor for his role in “The Revenant” was long-awaited. His performance was critically acclaimed, and the win was seen as overdue recognition for his acting career. Brie Larson’s win for Best Actress further highlighted the event’s significance.

2021 – Hong Kong Subversion Charges

Forty-seven individuals are charged with “conspiracy to commit subversion” under the new security laws imposed by China, marking the harshest application of these laws to date.

2023 – Greece Train Collision

In 2023, a tragic train collision in Greece near the Vale of Tempe resulted in at least 57 deaths. This disaster underscored the importance of rail safety and prompted calls for improvements in infrastructure and emergency response protocols.

Also Read: Major Historical Events on February 25- Today in History