What Happened on February 12 in History?
February 12 is most famously known as the birthday of two giants of the 19th century: Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin. Beyond these major births, the day has seen the founding of influential organizations, the end of imperial dynasties, and historic political acquittals.
Major Births & Deaths
Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865): The 16th U.S. President was born in a log cabin in Kentucky.
Charles Darwin (1809–1882): Coincidentally born on the same day as Lincoln, the British naturalist developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
Bill Russell (1934–2022): The legendary NBA center and first Black coach in major U.S. professional sports was born.
Immanuel Kant (1724–1804): The influential German philosopher died on this day.
Political & Global Milestones
Founding of the NAACP (1909): The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded on the centennial of Lincoln's birth to fight for civil rights.
End of Imperial China (1912): The six-year-old Emperor Puyi abdicated, ending 2,000 years of imperial rule and the 267-year Manchu dynasty.
Bill Clinton's Acquittal (1999): The U.S. Senate acquitted President Bill Clinton on both articles of impeachment (perjury and obstruction of justice).
Chilean Independence (1818): Chile formally proclaimed its independence from Spain, one year after the decisive Battle of Chacabuco.
Slobodan Milošević Trial (2002): The war crimes trial of the former Yugoslav president began at The Hague.
Culture & Science
"Rhapsody in Blue" Premiere (1924): George Gershwin's iconic symphonic jazz masterpiece was performed for the first time in New York City.
The "New Look" (1947): Fashion designer Christian Dior launched his first collection in Paris, introducing a feminine silhouette that redefined postwar fashion.
Theft of "The Scream" (1994): Four men broke into the National Gallery of Norway and stole Edvard Munch’s iconic painting; it was recovered a few months later.
Asteroid Landing (2001): NASA's NEAR Shoemaker became the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid, touching down on 433 Eros.
