Moina Conley

Written by Moina Conley

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

february-9th-all-facts-events-that-happened-today-in-history
Source: Facts.net

Every day is filled with significant events and historical moments that shape our past, present, and future. On February 9th, numerous noteworthy events have taken place throughout history, leaving a lasting impact in various fields including politics, science, arts, and more. From influential milestones to memorable achievements, this day holds a wealth of knowledge for those interested in exploring the annals of history. In this article, we will delve into the facts and events that occurred on February 9th, highlighting the significant moments that have shaped our world. Join us on this journey as we uncover the fascinating history that unfolded on February 9th.

Key Takeaways:

  • February 9th witnessed major historical events, from Nelson Mandela becoming South Africa’s first black president to the launch of the world’s first electronic digital computer, the ENIAC.
  • Notable births on February 9th include 9th U.S. President William Henry Harrison and actor Tom Hiddleston, while significant deaths include physicist Wilhelm Röntgen and former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
Table of Contents

HISTORICAL EVENTS

  • 1870: The United States Weather Bureau was established.
  • 1942: The Battle of Stalingrad ends with the surrender of the German army.
  • 1964: The Beatles make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, marking the start of Beatlemania in the United States.
  • 1994: Nelson Mandela becomes the first black president of South Africa.
  • 2001: The American submarine USS Greeneville collides with a Japanese fishing vessel, resulting in the deaths of nine crew members.

SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS

  • 1946: The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), the world’s first general-purpose electronic digital computer, is unveiled at the University of Pennsylvania.
  • 1969: The Boeing 747 jumbo jet makes its first commercial flight from New York to London.
  • 1986: Halley’s Comet makes its closest approach to Earth, providing valuable scientific data.
  • 1996: The IBM supercomputer Deep Blue defeats world chess champion Garry Kasparov for the first time in a six-game match.
  • 2004: Mark Zuckerberg launches Facebook, a social networking website that revolutionizes the way people connect and communicate.

POLITICAL MILESTONES

  • 1775: The British Parliament declares Massachusetts to be in rebellion.
  • 1861: Jefferson Davis is elected as the first President of the Confederate States of America.
  • 1933: The United States Congress passes the Blaine Act, which repeals the prohibition of alcoholic beverages.
  • 1991: Lithuania declares its independence from the Soviet Union, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so.
  • 2011: Hosni Mubarak resigns as the President of Egypt after weeks of mass protests against his regime.

CULTURAL EVENTS

  • 1964: The Beatles’ album “Meet the Beatles!” reaches number one on the Billboard charts, solidifying their popularity in America.
  • 1991: The film “Silence of the Lambs” premieres, eventually winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
  • 2004: The final episode of the television show “Friends” airs, bringing an end to its 10-season run.
  • 2009: Bruce Springsteen performs at the halftime show of Super Bowl XLIII, attracting one of the largest television audiences in history.
  • 2014: The Sochi Winter Olympics officially begin in Russia, showcasing a wide range of winter sports to a global audience.

BIRTHS

  • 1773: William Henry Harrison, 9th President of the United States.
  • 1943: Joe Pesci, American actor and musician.
  • 1954: Chris Gardner, American entrepreneur and motivational speaker, known for his memoir “The Pursuit of Happyness”.
  • 1962: Carole Goble, British computer scientist and academic.
  • 1981: Tom Hiddleston, British actor known for his role as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

NOTABLE DEATHS

  • 1923: Wilhelm Röntgen, German physicist who discovered X-rays.
  • 1945: Eddie Slovik, the only American soldier executed for desertion during World War II.
  • 1981: Bill Haley, American musician and pioneer of rock and roll.
  • 1995: Andrei Sakharov, Russian physicist and human rights activist.
  • 2016: Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Egyptian statesman and former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Conclusion

February 9th marks an important date in history, with significant events and milestones across various fields. From political milestones like Nelson Mandela becoming the first black president of South Africa, to scientific breakthroughs such as the launch of the world’s first general-purpose electronic digital computer, the ENIAC, this date has witnessed remarkable achievements.

Notable cultural events, such as the premiere of the film “Silence of the Lambs” and the final episode of the beloved television show “Friends,” have also occurred on this day. Additionally, famous individuals, including 9th U.S. President William Henry Harrison and actor Tom Hiddleston, have been born on February 9th.

With such a rich history, February 9th serves as a reminder of the significant moments that have shaped our world.

FAQs

Q: What other significant events have occurred on February 9th?

A: Other significant events include the establishment of the United States Weather Bureau in 1870 and the collision of the American submarine USS Greeneville with a Japanese fishing vessel in 2001.

Q: Are there any notable scientific advancements associated with February 9th?

A: Yes, some notable scientific advancements include the first flight of the Boeing 747 jumbo jet in 1969 and the launch of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004.

Q: Who are some well-known individuals born on February 9th?

A: Some well-known individuals born on February 9th include actor Joe Pesci, British actor Tom Hiddleston, and 9th U.S. President William Henry Harrison.

Q: Have any significant deaths occurred on February 9th?

A: Yes, notable deaths include German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen, Russian physicist and human rights activist Andrei Sakharov, and former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

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