Major Events of February 1931: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from February 1931 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of February 1931: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Feb 1931 Birth of Boris Yeltsin: Boris Yeltsin, the first President of Russia, was born on February 1, 1931, in the village of Butka, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Soviet Union. He served as President from 1991 to 1999. source: britannica.com
- 05 Feb 1931 Malcolm Campbell sets groundbreaking land speed record: On February 5, 1931, British driver Malcolm Campbell set a new land speed record of 246.08 mph (396.03 km/h) at Daytona Beach, Florida, driving the Campbell-Napier-Railton Blue Bird. source: britannica.com
- 13 Feb 1931 Nevada Gambling Legislation Introduction: On February 13, 1931, Assemblyman Phil M. Tobin introduced Assembly Bill 98, aiming to legalize gambling in Nevada. This bill marked the beginning of the state's move to regulate gambling, which was later signed into law by Governor Fred B. Balzar on March 19, 1931. source: ebsco.com
- 15 Feb 1931 Actor Louis Mann passes away: Louis Mann, an American theatre actor and director, died on February 15, 1931, in New York City at the age of 65. He was known for his performances in both Broadway productions and motion pictures. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Feb 1931 Birth of Otis Blackwell: Otis Blackwell, an influential American songwriter known for hits like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Don't Be Cruel," was born in Brooklyn, New York. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Feb 1931 Birth of Amanda Blake, American Actress: Amanda Blake, an American actress best known for her role as Miss Kitty on "Gunsmoke," was born in Buffalo, New York. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Feb 1931 First aircraft hijacking in Peru: The first documented hijacking of a civilian airliner occurred on February 21, 1931, when a Pan American-Grace Airways airmail flight landed in Arequipa, Peru, and was surrounded by armed guerillas. The hijackers demanded that the pilot, Captain Byron Dague Rickards, drop propaganda leaflets on Peruvian cities to rally support for their efforts to overthrow the provisional presidency of Lt. Col. Luis Miguel Sánchez Cerro in Lima. When Rickards refused, the rebels took him hostage, along with the other two members of his crew: George Hillman, a mechanic, and Bill Grey, a pilot for the Faucett Aviation Company. The three men were held for several days but were unharmed and "free to go where they please within the city" until British officials negotiated their release. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 23 Feb 1931 Death of Dame Nellie Melba, renowned Australian soprano: Dame Nellie Melba, a renowned Australian soprano, passed away on February 23, 1931. She was celebrated for her contributions to opera and was one of the most famous singers of her time. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Feb 1931 La Placita Raid: A Dark Chapter in Immigration Enforcement: On February 26, 1931, in Los Angeles, immigration agents and local police conducted a raid at La Placita Park, a popular gathering spot for the Mexican community. Approximately 400 individuals were detained and questioned about their legal status, leading to the deportation of many, including U.S. citizens. This event was part of a broader campaign of forced deportations during the Great Depression. source: washingtonpost.com
- 27 Feb 1931 Al Capone Sentenced for Contempt of Court: On February 27, 1931, notorious gangster Al Capone was sentenced for contempt of court. This legal action was part of the ongoing efforts to prosecute Capone for various criminal activities. source: history.com
- 28 Feb 1931 Oswald Mosley Founds New Political Party: On February 28, 1931, Oswald Mosley, a British politician, founded the New Party. This political movement aimed to address economic challenges and was a precursor to the British Union of Fascists. source: britannica.com