By Ephraim Agbo
From ancient coronations to modern revolutions, February 15 has shaped every corner of the world. Here’s a look at pivotal events on this day.
🌍 Africa
- 1978 – End of the Ogaden War: Ethiopia, backed by Soviet and Cuban forces, recaptured the Ogaden region from Somalia, ending the Ethiopian-Somali war.
- 1961 – Lumumba’s Assassination Confirmed: News broke of the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s independence leader, highlighting Cold War-era foreign interference.
🌏 Asia
- 1942 – Fall of Singapore: British forces surrendered to Japan, marking the largest British defeat in history and shifting power in Southeast Asia.
- 1989 – Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan: The last Soviet troops left Afghanistan after nine years, ending a costly Cold War conflict.
- 1996 – Chinese Rocket Disaster: A Long March 3B rocket crashed near Xichang, killing dozens and exposing risks in China’s space program.
- 1967 – India-USSR Space Pact: India and the Soviet Union signed an agreement that laid the foundation for India’s future space program.
🌍 Europe
- 1564 – Birth of Galileo Galilei: The Italian astronomer and physicist, key to the Scientific Revolution, was born in Pisa.
- 590 CE – Khosrau II Crowned King of Persia: His reign expanded the Sasanian Empire and intensified conflicts with the Byzantine Empire.
- 1945 – Bombing of Dresden: Allied forces bombed the German city of Dresden, sparking ethical debates about targeting civilians in war.
- 1971 – UK Decimalisation: Britain switched from pounds-shillings-pence to a decimal currency system, simplifying transactions.
🌎 North America
- 1898 – USS Maine Explosion: The U.S. battleship exploded in Havana Harbor, accelerating tensions with Spain and leading to the Spanish-American War.
- 1965 – Canada’s Maple Leaf Flag Adopted: Canada replaced the British Red Ensign with its red-and-white maple leaf flag, symbolizing national identity.
- 1946 – ENIAC Unveiled: The world’s first general-purpose electronic computer was introduced in Pennsylvania, revolutionizing technology.
🌎 South America
- 1819 – Bolívar Declares Gran Colombia: Simón Bolívar proclaimed the formation of Gran Colombia, a key step in South America’s independence from Spain.
- 1970 – Dominicana de Aviación Crash: A DC-9 plane crashed off Santo Domingo, killing 102, including Puerto Rico’s national volleyball team.
- 2003 – Anti-Iraq War Protests: Massive protests erupted in Brazil and Argentina, reflecting South America’s opposition to U.S. intervention in Iraq.
🌏 Oceania
- 1942 – Australian POWs in Singapore: Thousands of Australian troops were captured after Singapore fell to Japan, marking a dark chapter in WWII.
- 1979 – Don Dunstan Resigns: The South Australian premier, known for progressive social reforms, stepped down.
- 1963 – Australia Moves to Decimal Currency: Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced plans to replace the British-style pounds system with the Australian dollar.
❄️ Antarctica
- 1874 – Birth of Ernest Shackleton: The legendary Antarctic explorer, known for his survival feats, was born in Ireland.
🎂 Notable Births
- 1820 – Susan B. Anthony (USA): Pioneering women’s rights activist and suffrage leader.
- 1564 – Galileo Galilei (Italy): Revolutionary astronomer and physicist.
- 1954 – Matt Groening (USA): Creator of The Simpsons, one of the longest-running TV shows.
🕊️ Notable Deaths
- 1564 – Michelangelo (Italy): Renaissance genius behind the Sistine Chapel.
- 1965 – Nat King Cole (USA): Iconic jazz and pop singer.
- 2002 – Kevin Smith (New Zealand): Actor known for Xena: Warrior Princess.
🔎 Reflection
From colonial wars to scientific progress, February 15 has shaped the world in countless ways. Today’s actions, too, will be tomorrow’s history.
Curated by WorldviewDigested • 2025-02-15
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