What Happened on February 25 in History?
February 25 is a day marked by legendary sports victories, groundbreaking civil rights milestones, and seismic shifts in global politics.
Major Historical Events
Muhammad Ali's First Title (1964): In one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) defeated Sonny Liston in Miami Beach to become the world heavyweight champion for the first time.
First African American in Congress (1870): Hiram Rhodes Revels, a Republican from Mississippi, was sworn into the U.S. Senate, making him the first African American to serve in either house of Congress.
Khrushchev's "Secret Speech" (1956): Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev delivered a marathon speech denouncing the "cult of personality" and brutality of his predecessor, Josef Stalin, signaling a period of de-Stalinization in the USSR.
People Power Revolution (1986): Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos fled the country after 20 years of rule following a tainted election. Corazon Aquino was sworn in as the nation's first female president.
Samuel Colt's Revolver Patent (1836): Inventor Samuel Colt was granted a U.S. patent for his revolving cylinder multi-shot firearm, revolutionizing the gun industry.
Abolition of Prussia (1947): The Allied Control Council formally proclaimed the dissolution of the state of Prussia, effectively ending its centuries-long existence in German history.
Notable Birthdays
George Harrison (1943): The "Quiet Beatle," legendary lead guitarist and singer-songwriter for The Beatles.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841): A leading French painter and a founder of the Impressionist style.
Sean Astin (1971): Actor known for his roles as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings and Mikey in The Goonies.
Chelsea Handler (1975): Comedian, actress, and former late-night talk show host.
Rashida Jones (1976): Actress known for Parks and Recreation and The Office.
Notable Deaths
Bill Paxton (2017): Versatile American actor, director, musician, and four-time Golden Globe nominee.
Other Milestones
1791: President George Washington signed the bill creating the first Bank of the United States.
1862: The U.S. Congress passed the Legal Tender Act, authorizing the use of paper notes ("greenbacks") to help finance the Civil War.
1913: The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave Congress the power to collect income taxes, was declared in effect.
1997: Scientists at the Roslin Institute introduced Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell.
2024: The U.S. and Britain struck 18 Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks on Red Sea shipping.
