1. 1455 – The Gutenberg Bible is printed
On February 23, 1455, the Gutenberg Bible, also known as the 42-line Bible, was completed by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany. This event marked the start of the age of the printed book in the West and revolutionized the way information was disseminated. Prior to this invention, books were copied by hand, a slow and costly process. The Gutenberg Bible was the first major book printed using movable type, making literature more accessible to the public. This innovation paved the way for the spread of knowledge during the Renaissance and beyond.
2. 1836 – The Battle of the Alamo begins
The Battle of the Alamo commenced on February 23, 1836, when Mexican forces led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna besieged the Texan defenders at the Alamo Mission in San Antonio, Texas. The defenders, including famous figures like James Bowie, William B. Travis, and Davy Crockett, held out for 13 days despite being heavily outnumbered. The battle became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice for the Texan independence movement. The phrase “Remember the Alamo” later became a rallying cry during the Texas Revolution. Although the battle ended in a Mexican victory, it ultimately galvanized Texan forces to win their independence.
3. 1917 – The February Revolution begins in Russia
On February 23, 1917 (March 8 in the Gregorian calendar), the February Revolution started in Petrograd, Russia, marking the beginning of the end for the Russian Empire. Women textile workers led a strike and protests demanding bread and better living conditions, which quickly escalated into widespread riots and mutinies by soldiers. The unrest forced Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate, ending centuries of Romanov rule. This revolution paved the way for the establishment of the Provisional Government and eventually the Bolshevik takeover later that year. The February Revolution was a pivotal moment that reshaped Russian society and politics.
4. 1945 – U.S. forces raise the flag on Iwo Jima
On February 23, 1945, during World War II, U.S. Marines famously raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima. This iconic event was captured in the photograph by Joe Rosenthal, which became one of the most famous images of the war. The battle for Iwo Jima was brutal and costly, but securing the island was strategically important for the U.S. as a base for air operations against Japan. The flag raising symbolized hope, courage, and determination for the American forces. It remains a powerful symbol of military valor and sacrifice.
5. 1954 – The first mass inoculation of children against polio begins in Pittsburgh
On February 23, 1954, the first large-scale test of the polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This vaccination campaign marked a significant step toward controlling and eventually eradicating polio, a disease that caused widespread paralysis and death, especially among children. The vaccine trials involved over a million children across the United States in one of the largest medical experiments in history. The success of the vaccine eventually led to a dramatic decrease in polio cases worldwide. This breakthrough is considered one of the greatest achievements in medical science.
6. 1981 – Spanish Prime Minister survives an attempted coup
On February 23, 1981, Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero led an armed coup attempt in Spain, known as the 23-F coup. Tejero and armed Civil Guards stormed the Spanish Congress of Deputies during the vote to confirm a new prime minister. The coup aimed to halt the country’s transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco. King Juan Carlos I played a crucial role by publicly denouncing the coup and supporting the democratic government. The failure of the coup reinforced Spain’s commitment to democracy and stability.
7. 1919 – The League of Nations is founded
The League of Nations was founded on February 23, 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I. It was the first international organization aimed at maintaining world peace and preventing future conflicts through diplomacy and collective security. The League sought to resolve disputes between nations without resorting to war and to promote disarmament. However, it faced challenges such as the absence of major powers like the United States and its inability to prevent aggression in the 1930s. Despite its flaws, the League laid the groundwork for the United Nations after World War II.
8. 2005 – YouTube is activated
On February 23, 2005, YouTube, the popular video-sharing platform, was officially activated by its founders Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. The site quickly became a revolutionary platform for user-generated content, allowing people to upload, share, and view videos worldwide. This innovation changed the landscape of media consumption, allowing for the viral spread of information, entertainment, and education. YouTube has since grown into one of the largest websites on the internet, influencing culture, politics, and business. It democratized access to video content and created new opportunities for creators.
9. 1866 – The first recorded use of the word “OK”
On February 23, 1866, the word “OK” was first published in the Boston Morning Post as a humorous abbreviation for “oll korrect,” a playful misspelling of “all correct.” The term quickly gained popularity and became one of the most widely recognized expressions in English and many other languages. Its simplicity and versatility helped it spread globally as a way to signify agreement, acceptance, or acknowledgment. The origin of “OK” is a fascinating example of linguistic evolution and American cultural influence. Today, it is an integral part of everyday communication.
10. 1911 – The first International Women’s Day is celebrated
February 23, 1911, marked one of the earliest celebrations of International Women’s Day in several European countries including Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The day was established to honor women’s achievements and advocate for their rights, including suffrage, better working conditions, and equality. It was rooted in the labor movement and socialist politics of the early 20th century. Over time, International Women’s Day has become a global event celebrated annually on March 8, highlighting ongoing struggles and successes in gender equality. Its origins on February 23 reflect the early momentum for women’s rights activism.