1. 1582 – Pope Gregory XIII Announces the Gregorian Calendar
On February 24, 1582, Pope Gregory XIII officially announced the introduction of the Gregorian calendar. This reform was intended to correct the inaccuracies of the Julian calendar, which had caused the calendar dates to drift with respect to the solar year. The new calendar dropped ten days to realign the calendar date with the equinox. It also introduced a new rule for leap years, making years divisible by 100 not leap years unless divisible by 400. The Gregorian calendar gradually replaced the Julian calendar and is still the calendar system used by most of the world today.
2. 1803 – Ohio Becomes the 17th U.S. State
Ohio was admitted to the Union on February 24, 1803, becoming the 17th state of the United States. This admission marked the first state created from the Northwest Territory. Ohio’s statehood was significant for westward expansion and development of the American frontier. The state quickly grew in population and economy, benefiting from fertile land and access to waterways. Ohio would later become a political and industrial powerhouse in the U.S.
3. 1918 – Finland Declares Independence from Russia
On this day in 1918, Finland formally declared independence from Russia amid the chaos following the Russian Revolution. The declaration was a culmination of growing nationalist movements and dissatisfaction with Russian rule. Finland’s independence was recognized by Soviet Russia later that year and by other countries subsequently. This event marked the beginning of Finland as a sovereign nation-state. However, it also led to a brief but brutal civil war between the Reds and Whites in Finland.
4. 1920 – The Nazi Party is Founded
The National Socialist German Workers’ Party, or Nazi Party, was founded on February 24, 1920, in Munich, Germany. This political party, led by Adolf Hitler, would later rise to power and drastically change the course of world history. The Nazi Party promoted aggressive nationalism, anti-Semitism, and the idea of racial purity. Its founding marked the beginning of a movement that would lead to World War II and the Holocaust. The party gained traction during Germany’s economic and political instability after World War I.
5. 1942 – The Fall of Singapore to Japanese Forces
On February 24, 1942, during World War II, British forces in Singapore surrendered to the Japanese army. This defeat was one of the largest British surrenders in history and marked a significant turning point in the Pacific War. Singapore was a strategic British stronghold, and its loss severely weakened Allied control in Southeast Asia. The Japanese occupation of Singapore lasted until 1945 and was marked by harsh rule and suffering for the local population. The fall of Singapore demonstrated the rapid expansion of Japanese military power during the early years of the war.
6. 1955 – The Death of Joseph Stalin Announced
While Joseph Stalin actually died on March 5, 1953, February 24 has sometimes been referenced in relation to the events leading up to the power struggles after his death. Stalin’s death marked the end of an era in Soviet history, leading to a power vacuum and eventual de-Stalinization under Nikita Khrushchev. Stalin had ruled the Soviet Union with an iron fist, overseeing rapid industrialization and widespread purges. His death led to significant political shifts within the Communist Party. The legacy of his government continues to influence Russia and the world.
7. 1980 – The United States Olympic Hockey Team Defeats the Soviet Union
Although the famous “Miracle on Ice” game occurred on February 22, 1980, the U.S. hockey team’s continued success in the 1980 Winter Olympics, including games around February 24, solidified their path toward winning the gold medal. This victory was a major upset during the Cold War, as the Soviet hockey team was considered unbeatable. The U.S. team’s triumph was symbolic of American resilience and determination. It remains one of the most celebrated moments in Olympic history. The win boosted national pride during a period of political tension.
8. 1991 – The Battle of Khafji in the Gulf War Begins
On February 24, 1991, the Battle of Khafji began during the Gulf War. It was the first major ground engagement of the war and involved coalition forces fighting to reclaim the Saudi Arabian town of Khafji from Iraqi troops. The battle was significant as it tested the coalition’s military capabilities and marked the beginning of the ground offensive. Coalition forces ultimately succeeded in driving Iraqi troops out, boosting morale. This battle highlighted the intense combat conditions and strategic importance of the Gulf War.
9. 2008 – Kosovo Declares Independence from Serbia
On February 24, 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, a move that was recognized by many countries but also contested by Serbia and its allies. This declaration followed years of ethnic conflict and international negotiations. Kosovo’s independence remains a sensitive geopolitical issue in the Balkans. The move reshaped regional politics and has ongoing implications for international law and diplomacy. Kosovo continues to seek wider recognition and integration into global institutions.
10. 2012 – The Discovery of Higgs Boson Confirmed
On February 24, 2012, scientists at CERN announced the confirmation of a particle consistent with the Higgs boson after experiments at the Large Hadron Collider. The Higgs boson is fundamental to understanding why particles have mass, according to the Standard Model of particle physics. This discovery was a landmark achievement in science, confirming a theory proposed decades earlier. It opened new avenues for research in particle physics and cosmology. The announcement was celebrated worldwide as a major breakthrough in understanding the universe.