What Happened on February 15 in History?
February 15 is a date marked by major military turning points, the adoption of national symbols, and the births of scientific and social pioneers.
Historical Highlights
Sinking of the USS Maine (1898): The American battleship exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba, killing 260 crew members. This event became a rallying cry that led the U.S. into the Spanish-American War.
Fall of Singapore (1942): During World War II, British forces surrendered Singapore to the Japanese. This was the largest surrender of British-led military personnel in history.
Adoption of the Canadian Flag (1965): The now-iconic Maple Leaf flag was raised for the first time over Parliament Hill in Ottawa, officially replacing the Canadian Red Ensign.
Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan (1989): The Soviet Union completed its military pullout from Afghanistan after nine years of war.
Global Iraq War Protests (2003): In what is considered the largest peace demonstration in history, millions of people in over 600 cities worldwide protested against the impending invasion of Iraq.
Science & Technology
Galileo Galilei Born (1564): The "father of modern science" was born in Pisa, Italy.
ENIAC Dedication (1946): The first electronic general-purpose computer was formally dedicated at the University of Pennsylvania.
Human Genome Draft (2001): The first draft sequence of the complete human genome was published in the journal Nature.
Chelyabinsk Meteor (2013): A meteor exploded over Russia’s western Siberian sky, creating a shock wave that injured nearly 1,500 people.
Sports & Culture
Muhammad Ali Upset (1978): Leon Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali by a split decision to become the world heavyweight champion.
Daytona 500 Legacy (1998 & 2004): Racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. won his first and only Daytona 500 in 1998. Exactly six years later in 2004, his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the same event.
First Teddy Bear (1903): The first "Teddy bear," named after President Theodore Roosevelt, was placed on sale by inventor Morris Michtom.
Disney's Cinderella (1950): Walt Disney's animated classic premiered in theaters.
Notable Birthdays
Susan B. Anthony (1820): American social reformer and women’s rights activist.
Matt Groening (1954): Creator of The Simpsons and Futurama.
Jane Seymour (1951): English-American actress.
Jaromír Jágr (1972): Czech hockey legend.
Megan Thee Stallion (1995): American rapper and songwriter.
Holidays & Observances
National Flag of Canada Day: Commemorating the 1965 adoption of the maple leaf.
Singles Awareness Day: A lighthearted alternative to Valentine's Day celebrating self-love and independence.
