Written by Leta Geer
Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
In the vast tapestry of history, each day holds its own significance with a unique collection of events and facts. February 11th, a date etched in the annals of time, is no exception. From groundbreaking discoveries to momentous achievements and notable births, this day has seen its fair share of historical moments. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, delving into the events that happened on February 11th can provide fascinating insights into the cultural, scientific, and political landscape of the world. Join us as we embark on a journey through time and explore the significant events and remarkable facts that have shaped February 11th into a day worth remembering.
Key Takeaways:
- February 11th marks the start of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, shaping global history and culture.
- On February 11th, important scientific breakthroughs like the cloning of a mammal and political milestones such as the lifting of the ban on political parties in South Africa occurred, leaving a lasting impact.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
- 1979: The Iranian Revolution begins, leading to the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty.
- 1858: Bernadette Soubirous has her first vision of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France.
- 1929: The Lateran Treaty is signed, establishing Vatican City as an independent state.
- 1990: Nelson Mandela is released from Victor Verster Prison after 27 years of imprisonment.
- 1809: Robert Fulton patents the steamboat, marking a significant advancement in transportation.
SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS
- 1973: Researchers at Stanford University develop the first successful recombinant DNA organism.
- 1909: Leo Baekeland invents Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic.
- 1997: Scientists in Scotland announce the successful cloning of a mammal, a sheep named Dolly.
- 1924: Edwin Hubble announces the existence of other galaxies beyond the Milky Way.
- 1878: Thomas Edison patents the phonograph, revolutionizing the recording and playback of sound.
POLITICAL MILESTONES
- 1990: South African President F.W. de Klerk announces the lifting of the ban on political parties.
- 1937: General Franco becomes the leader of the Nationalist faction in the Spanish Civil War.
- 1975: Margaret Thatcher becomes the first female leader of the British Conservative Party.
- 1861: The United States Congress creates the Territory of Colorado, paving the way for statehood.
- 1929: Vatican City becomes a sovereign state with the signing of the Lateran Treaty.
CULTURAL EVENTS
- 1990: Nelson Mandela addresses a crowd of thousands in Soweto, South Africa, after his release from prison.
- 1964: The Beatles make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, launching Beatlemania in the United States.
- 1963: American poet Sylvia Plath posthumously wins the Pulitzer Prize for her collection “The Collected Poems.”
- 1847: Inventor Thomas Alva Edison is born in Milan, Ohio.
- 1943: Artist Jackson Pollock creates his first “drip painting,” a technique that would define his signature style.
BIRTHS
- 1847: Thomas Alva Edison, American inventor and businessman.
- 1898: Leo Szilard, Hungarian-American physicist and inventor of the nuclear chain reaction.
- 1953: Jeb Bush, American politician and former Governor of Florida.
- 1974: D’Angelo, American singer-songwriter and musician.
- 1992: Taylor Lautner, American actor known for his role as Jacob Black in the Twilight franchise.
NOTABLE DEATHS
- 1929: Thomas Edison, American inventor and businessman.
- 1963: Sylvia Plath, American poet and novelist.
- 1974: Billy De Wolfe, American actor and comedian.
- 1994: Carmen McRae, American jazz singer and pianist.
- 2012: Whitney Houston, American singer and actress.
Conclusion
February 11th has been witness to a wide range of significant historical events, scientific breakthroughs, political milestones, cultural events, and notable births and deaths. It is a day that has shaped the course of history, leaving a lasting impact on various fields.
From the Iranian Revolution in 1979 to the invention of Bakelite in 1909, and from the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 to the first appearance of The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, February 11th has marked crucial moments in global history and culture.
Whether it is groundbreaking scientific achievements like the cloning of a mammal or political developments such as the establishment of Vatican City as an independent state through the Lateran Treaty, February 11th holds a significant place in the annals of history.
FAQs
Q: What are some notable events that happened on February 11th?
A: Some notable events that happened on February 11th include the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the invention of Bakelite in 1909, and the release of Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990.
Q: Who were some famous individuals born on February 11th?
A: Some famous individuals born on February 11th include inventor Thomas Alva Edison, physicist Leo Szilard, and actor Taylor Lautner.
Q: Are there any significant scientific breakthroughs associated with February 11th?
A: Yes, February 11th witnessed important scientific breakthroughs such as the successful cloning of a mammal in 1997 and the announcement of other galaxies beyond the Milky Way by Edwin Hubble in 1924.
Q: What political milestones occurred on February 11th?
A: Some political milestones that occurred on February 11th include the lifting of the ban on political parties in South Africa in 1990 and the leadership of Margaret Thatcher becoming the first female leader of the British Conservative Party in 1975.
Q: Who are some notable individuals who passed away on February 11th?
A: Some notable individuals who passed away on February 11th include inventor Thomas Edison in 1931 and singer and actress Whitney Houston in 2012.
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