Written by Cindee Mccraw
Modified & Updated: 28 Apr 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
Every day is significant in its own way, as it adds to the tapestry of history. February 24th is no exception, featuring a multitude of interesting events and notable facts that have shaped the world we live in today. Throughout history, this date has witnessed momentous occasions, influential figures, and significant breakthroughs across various fields. From decisive battles to groundbreaking inventions and births of renowned individuals, February 24th holds a rich historical significance. In this article, we will delve into the notable facts and events that have occurred on this day throughout history. Join us on a journey through time to explore the impact and legacy of these significant moments on February 24th.
Key Takeaways:
- February 24th has seen major historical events, from battles and scientific breakthroughs to cultural milestones and notable births. It’s a day that showcases the diverse tapestry of human achievements and contributions.
- Notable figures like Steve Jobs and Tennessee Williams were born on February 24th, while events like the Battle of the Alamo and the first successful test of a thermonuclear weapon also mark this date in history.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
- 1836: The Battle of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, Texas, as Mexican forces launch an assault on the Alamo mission
- 1945: The Egyptian Premier, Ahmed Maher Pasha, is assassinated in the Egyptian Parliament after reading a decree
- 1981: Buckingham Palace announces the engagement of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer
- 1999: A China Airlines Airbus A300-600R crashes into a fog-covered hillside near Taipei, Taiwan, killing all 203 people on board
- 2008: Fidel Castro retires as the President of Cuba after nearly 50 years in power
SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS
- 1803: The Supreme Court of the United States establishes its power of judicial review in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison
- 1955: The first successful test of a thermonuclear weapon, code-named Operation Castle Bravo, is conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll
- 1997: The Roslin Institute announces the birth of Dolly the sheep, the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell
- 2000: The first phase of the Human Genome Project is completed, providing a draft sequence of the human genome
- 2011: The Kepler space observatory confirms the discovery of the first Earth-sized exoplanet, Kepler-10b
POLITICAL MILESTONES
- 1525: The execution of the Anabaptist rebellion leader, Thomas Müntzer, takes place in Mühlhausen, Germany
- 1809: The Supreme Court of the United States rules in the case of Fletcher v. Peck, establishing the principle of judicial review of state laws
- 1946: Juan Perón is elected President of Argentina, beginning his first term in office
- 1989: The Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issues a fatwa calling for the death of Salman Rushdie, author of the controversial novel “The Satanic Verses
- 2014: President Viktor Yanukovych of Ukraine is impeached by the Ukrainian Parliament following the Euromaidan protests
CULTURAL EVENTS
- 1582: Pope Gregory XIII announces the Gregorian calendar, replacing the Julian calendar and initiating the adoption of the modern leap year system
- 1938: Nylon is first produced by the chemical company DuPont
- 1969: The Jimi Hendrix Experience performs its last concert together at the Royal Albert Hall in London
- 1998: The film “Titanic” wins a record-tying 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for James Cameron
- 2013: The play “The Book of Mormon” opens on Broadway at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, receiving critical acclaim and multiple Tony Awards
BIRTHS
- 1955: Steve Jobs, American entrepreneur and co-founder of Apple Inc., born in San Francisco, California
- 1966: Billy Zane, American actor, born in Chicago, Illinois
- 1983: Floyd Mayweather Jr., American professional boxer, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan
- 1987: Kesha, American singer-songwriter, born in Los Angeles, California
- 1996: Sergio Pérez, Mexican Formula One driver, born in Guadalajara, Mexico
NOTABLE DEATHS
- 1916: Pyotr Stolypin, Russian statesman and prime minister, assassinated in Kyiv, Ukraine
- 1983: Tennessee Williams, American playwright and author, dies in New York City, New York
- 1991: Jean-Bedel Bokassa, Central African military officer and politician, dies in Bangui, Central African Republic
- 2012: Jan Berenstain, American author and illustrator of children’s books (co-creator of the Berenstain Bears), dies in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
- 2020: Katherine Johnson, African American mathematician and NASA employee, dies in Newport News, Virginia
Conclusion
The events that occurred on February 24th throughout history are a testament to the rich tapestry of human accomplishments and challenges. From significant battles and political milestones to scientific breakthroughs and cultural events, this date has played host to a wide array of noteworthy moments. Births of influential individuals and the passing of notable figures also mark this day as a reminder of the cycles of life and the contributions made by individuals from various fields. It is through reflecting on these events that we gain a deeper appreciation for the shaping of our world and the progress we continue to make.
FAQs
Q: What other significant historical events occurred on February 24th?
A: Some other significant historical events that occurred on February 24th include the invention of the rotary printing press by Richard March Hoe in 1843 and the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948.
Q: Are there any notable birthdays on February 24th?
A: Yes, there are several notable birthdays on February 24th, including the renowned physicist and Nobel laureate Steven Chu, born in 1948, and the Academy Award-winning actress, Halle Berry, born in 1966.
Q: What scientific discoveries have been made on February 24th?
A: On February 24th, 1809, the British naturalist Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands, which later influenced his theory of evolution. In 1997, astronomers announced the discovery of 22 new extrasolar planets, expanding our understanding of the universe beyond our solar system.
Q: Are there any famous historical figures who died on February 24th?
A: Yes, one notable figure who died on February 24th is the English mathematician and computer pioneer, Ada Lovelace, who passed away in 1852. She is celebrated as the world’s first computer programmer and is remembered for her work on Charles Babbage’s analytical engine.
Q: Have any significant cultural events taken place on February 24th?
A: Yes, on February 24th, 1989, the Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her immense contributions to the music industry.
February 24th holds countless intriguing historical events waiting to be explored. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to momentous cultural milestones, this date has witnessed a tapestry of human achievements. Delving deeper into the annals of history reveals even more captivating facts and stories that shaped our world. For those eager to expand their knowledge, investigating significant historical events offers a treasure trove of insights. Uncovering the hidden gems of history provides a fascinating journey through time, connecting us to the people and moments that defined our past.
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