Eba Noyes

Written by Eba Noyes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

february-4th-all-facts-events-that-happened-today-in-history
Source: Facts.net

Welcome to our daily series highlighting the historical events and interesting facts that took place on this day, February 4th. From groundbreaking discoveries to significant milestones, this date is filled with fascinating moments that have shaped our world. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey back in time as we uncover the remarkable events and noteworthy achievements that occurred on this very day. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a trivia lover, or simply curious about the past, this article aims to provide you with a glimpse into the significant happenings that took place on February 4th throughout history. Let’s dive in and explore the rich tapestry of events that have occurred on this memorable day.

Key Takeaways:

  • On February 4th, historical events like the election of George Washington and the discovery of lithium shaped the world we live in today. It’s a day of remarkable achievements and memorable moments!
  • February 4th marks the birth of influential figures like Rosa Parks and Alice Cooper, as well as the release of Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” It’s a day filled with cultural significance and impactful milestones!
Table of Contents

HISTORICAL EVENTS

  • 1789: George Washington is unanimously elected as the first President of the United States.
  • 1913: The Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing the federal government to impose and collect income taxes, is ratified.
  • 1945: The Yalta Conference begins, with leaders of the Allied powers meeting to discuss the post-World War II reorganization of Germany and other European countries.
  • 1974: Patricia Hearst, granddaughter of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, is kidnapped by the radical left-wing group, the Symbionese Liberation Army.
  • 2004: Facebook, the social networking website founded by Mark Zuckerberg, is launched from his Harvard University dormitory room.

SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS

  • 1677: The first medical publication, the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, is published in London.
  • 1808: Lithium, the lightest metal and an important element in batteries, is discovered by Sir Humphry Davy.
  • 1932: The neutron, a subatomic particle with no net electric charge, is discovered by James Chadwick.
  • 1969: The first test flight of the Boeing 747, the iconic jumbo jet, takes place.
  • 2004: The Mars rover Opportunity lands on the surface of Mars, beginning its mission to explore the red planet.

POLITICAL MILESTONES

  • 1787: The Tordesillas Treaty is signed, dividing the newly discovered lands outside Europe between the Spanish and Portuguese empires.
  • 1938: Adolf Hitler becomes the commander-in-chief of the German armed forces, consolidating his power in Nazi Germany.
  • 1997: A peace treaty is signed in Guatemala, putting an end to the 36-year-long Guatemalan Civil War.
  • 2004: The Republic of Georgia officially joins NATO’s Partnership for Peace program.
  • 2011: The uprising in Egypt, known as the Arab Spring, reaches its peak as massive protests demand the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.

CULTURAL EVENTS

  • 1789: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s last symphony, Symphony No. 41, also known as the “Jupiter Symphony,” is premiered.
  • 1938: Disney’s animated film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is released, marking the studio’s first full-length animated feature.
  • 1964: The Beatles arrive in the United States for their first American visit, kicking off the “British Invasion” of popular music.
  • 2007: The Broadway musical “Wicked” becomes the third-longest-running show in Broadway history.
  • 2018: The Philadelphia Eagles win their first-ever Super Bowl, defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.

BIRTHS

  • 1913: Rosa Parks, American civil rights activist who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
  • 1948: Alice Cooper, American rock singer known for his theatrical stage shows.
  • 1962: Clint Black, American country music singer-songwriter.
  • 1975: Natalie Imbruglia, Australian singer-songwriter and actress.
  • 1986: Hannibal Buress, American comedian and actor.

NOTABLE DEATHS

  • 1199: King Richard I of England, commonly known as Richard the Lionheart.
  • 1902: Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.
  • 2006: Betty Friedan, American feminist and author of “The Feminine Mystique.”
  • 2018: John Mahoney, British-American actor known for his role as Martin Crane in the TV show “Frasier.”
  • 2020: Kirk Douglas, American actor and producer, known for films such as “Spartacus” and “Paths of Glory.”

Conclusion

February 4th has been witness to numerous significant events throughout history. From political milestones such as the election of George Washington as the first President of the United States, to scientific breakthroughs like the discovery of lithium and the neutron, this date holds great historical importance. Moreover, cultural events like the release of Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and the arrival of The Beatles in the United States have left a lasting impact on popular culture. The births of notable individuals such as Rosa Parks and the unfortunate deaths of figures like King Richard I and Kirk Douglas further add to the significance of this date. February 4th truly stands as a day of remarkable achievements and memorable moments.

FAQs

Q: What other major historical events happened on February 4th?

A: Some other major historical events that occurred on February 4th include the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2002 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America in 1776.

Q: Are there any significant scientific breakthroughs associated with February 4th?

A: Yes, in addition to the mentioned discoveries, on February 4th, 1962, James D. Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of the structure of DNA.

Q: Who else notable was born on February 4th?

A: Other notable figures born on February 4th include Alice Cooper, the iconic rock singer, and Natalie Imbruglia, the Australian singer-songwriter and actress.

Q: Have there been any significant historical events on February 4th related to politics?

A: Yes, on February 4th, 1945, the Yalta Conference began, which played a crucial role in shaping the post-World War II world order.

Q: Is there any cultural significance associated with February 4th?

A: Absolutely! The release of Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 1938 marked a significant milestone in the history of cinema as it was the first full-length animated feature film.

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