Historical Events on February 11: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on February 11, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on February 11 - Key Moments Throughout History

1902 UK-Japan Alliance Treaty: The United Kingdom and Japan signed the Anglo-Japanese Alliance in London, a military pact aimed at countering Russian expansion in East Asia. source: britannica.com
1903 Oxnard Strike: First Interracial Labor Union in U.S. History: On February 11, 1903, 500 Japanese and 200 Mexican laborers formed the Japanese-Mexican Labor Association (JMLA) in Oxnard, California. This was the first major agricultural union in California to unite workers of different minority groups. source: en.wikipedia.org
1904 Russian naval mishap at Port Arthur: On February 11, 1904, a significant naval mishap occurred at Port Arthur involving the Russian fleet. This incident was part of the larger context of the Russo-Japanese War, which had just begun, and it highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Russian navy in the face of Japanese aggression. source: britannica.com
1909 William Howard Taft returns from Panama: President-elect William Howard Taft returned to the United States from Panama on February 11, 1909, arriving in New Orleans to enthusiastic crowds. After disembarking from the cruiser, he boarded the steamer to travel up the Mississippi River. source: en.wikipedia.org
1910 Jean-Baptiste Charcot's Antarctic Expedition Returns: French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot's Antarctic expedition aboard the Pourquoi-Pas? concluded successfully, returning to France on June 4, 1910, after charting 1,250 miles of coastline and gathering extensive scientific data. source: stuartinantarctica.com
1914 Clarence and Katherine Mackay's divorce finalized: Clarence and Katherine Mackay's divorce was finalized on February 11, 1914. They had married in 1898 and had three children before separating. source: researchworks.oclc.org
1916 Emma Goldman's birth control lecture arrest: On February 11, 1916, Emma Goldman, a prominent anarchist and advocate for birth control, was arrested in New York City for delivering a lecture on family planning. She was charged with violating the Comstock Act, which prohibited the dissemination of contraceptive information. source: loc.gov
1918 French submarine Diane lost in Bay of Biscay: On February 11, 1918, the French submarine Diane was lost in the Bay of Biscay. The submarine was part of the French Navy during World War I and was lost during operations in the area. source: en.wikipedia.org
1920 Idaho ratifies 19th Amendment: On February 11, 1920, Idaho became the 24th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. This was a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement in the United States. source: archives.gov
1922 Al Jolson's 'April Showers' tops charts: Al Jolson's song 'April Showers' reached number one on the U.S. Billboard charts on February 11, 1922, and remained there for 11 weeks. The song was introduced in the Broadway musical 'Bombo' and became one of Jolson's signature hits. source: en.wikipedia.org
1926 Paul Bocuse born: Paul Bocuse, a renowned French chef and pioneer of nouvelle cuisine, was born on February 11, 1926, in Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, France. He became famous for his innovative approach to French cuisine and his restaurant, L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges, which received three Michelin stars. source: en.wikipedia.org
1928 Sonja Henie's Olympic gold medal: On February 11, 1928, Norwegian figure skater Sonja Henie won the gold medal in the women's figure skating event at the Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. This victory marked the beginning of her dominance in the sport. source: en.wikipedia.org
1929 Lateran Treaty establishes Vatican City: On February 11, 1929, the Lateran Treaty was signed between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy, establishing Vatican City as an independent sovereign state. This agreement resolved the 'Roman Question' and recognized the Vatican's sovereignty. source: en.wikipedia.org
1932 Birth of Dennis Skinner, British Labour Politician: Dennis Skinner, a British politician known for his left-wing views and acerbic wit, was born in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, England. He served as the Member of Parliament for Bolsover from 1970 to 2019. source: en.wikipedia.org
1935 Record low temperature in Africa: On February 11, 1935, Ifrane, Morocco, recorded an unprecedented low temperature of -24°C (-11°F), marking the lowest temperature ever documented in Africa. source: weather.gov
1936 Great Britain defeats Canada 2-1 in Olympic ice hockey upset: In a significant upset during the 1936 Winter Olympics, Great Britain defeated Canada 2-1 in the semi-final round. This victory was pivotal, as the tournament rules dictated that results from the semi-final round would carry over to the final round, effectively eliminating Canada from gold medal contention. The winning goal was scored by Edgar Brenchley with just 12 seconds remaining in the game. source: olympedia.org
1938 Hitler demands Austrian annexation: On February 11, 1938, Adolf Hitler publicly demanded the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany, escalating tensions in Europe. This demand was part of his broader strategy to unify all German-speaking peoples under one Reich, leading to significant political upheaval. source: britannica.com
1940 Soviet breakthrough in Winter War: On February 11, 1940, the Soviet Union achieved a significant breakthrough in the Winter War against Finland. This marked a turning point in the conflict, as Soviet forces began to gain ground after initial setbacks. source: britannica.com
1941 Rommel arrives in Tripoli: Field Marshal Erwin Rommel arrived in Tripoli on February 11, 1941, to take command of Axis forces in North Africa. His leadership would significantly impact the North African campaign during World War II. source: britannica.com
1942 Battle of Bukit Timah in Singapore during World War II: The Battle of Bukit Timah was a significant confrontation during the Japanese invasion of Singapore in World War II. It took place on February 11, 1942, and marked a crucial point in the fall of Singapore to Japanese forces. source: britannica.com
1943 Soviet Red Army recaptures Kharkov: On February 11, 1943, the Soviet Red Army successfully recaptured Kharkov from German forces during World War II. This marked a significant turning point in the Eastern Front, showcasing the Red Army's growing strength and strategic capabilities. source: britannica.com
1944 German capture of 'The Factory' at Anzio: On February 11, 1944, German troops captured a strategic position known as 'The Factory' at Anzio, Italy. This was a significant event in the ongoing battles of the Italian campaign. source: bbc.co.uk
1945 Yalta Conference: Major Allied Powers Meet to Discuss Post-War World Order: The Yalta Conference, held from February 4 to 11, 1945, in Yalta, Crimea, was attended by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin. They discussed the post-war reorganization of Europe, including the establishment of occupation zones in Germany, reparations, and the creation of the United Nations. source: prlib.ru
1946 Bombing of Dresden begins: The bombing of Dresden, a significant event during World War II, began on February 11, 1946. This operation resulted in extensive destruction and loss of life, marking a controversial moment in military history. source: britannica.com
1948 John Costello becomes Taoiseach of Ireland: John Costello was appointed as the Taoiseach of Ireland on February 11, 1948, marking the beginning of his second term in office. He led the first inter-party government in Ireland, which ended the long-standing dominance of the Fianna Fáil party. His government focused on economic recovery and social reform during a challenging post-war period. source: historyireland.com
1949 Canadian Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent visits Washington, D.C.: Canadian Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent arrived in Washington, D.C., for a three-day informal visit to confer with President Harry S. Truman on various issues affecting the United States and Canada. source: history.state.gov
1951 Kwame Nkrumah's historic parliamentary election victory: On February 11, 1951, Kwame Nkrumah's party won a significant victory in the parliamentary elections in the Gold Coast, which later became Ghana. This event marked a pivotal moment in the country's path to independence from British colonial rule. source: bbc.com
1952 Death of Matija Murko, prominent Yugoslav scholar: Matija Murko, a notable Yugoslav scholar known for his contributions to linguistics and literature, passed away on February 11, 1952. His work significantly influenced the study of Slavic languages and culture. source: britannica.com
1953 Soviet-Israeli diplomatic rupture: On February 11, 1953, the Soviet Union announced a rupture in diplomatic relations with Israel. This decision was influenced by various geopolitical factors, including the growing tensions in the Middle East and the alignment of Israel with Western powers during the Cold War. source: britannica.com
1954 6th Annual Emmy Awards ceremony held: The 6th Annual Emmy Awards took place on February 11, 1954, in Los Angeles, celebrating outstanding achievements in television. This event marked a significant moment in the history of television awards, recognizing the industry's growth and popularity. source: britannica.com
1955 Death of actress Ona Munson: Ona Munson, an American actress known for her role in the film 'Gone with the Wind,' passed away on February 11, 1955. Her career spanned several decades in film and theater, making her a notable figure in the entertainment industry. source: britannica.com
1956 British spies Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean resurface in Soviet Union: On February 11, 1956, British spies Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean appeared in the Soviet Union, five years after vanishing from the UK. They issued a statement denying espionage activities and expressing their desire to contribute to mutual understanding between East and West. source: irishtimes.com
1957 US diplomatic communication with Israel: On February 11, 1957, the United States engaged in diplomatic communications with Israel regarding regional security and cooperation. This marked a significant moment in US-Israel relations during the Cold War era. source: state.gov
1958 Egypt and Syria form United Arab Republic: On February 11, 1958, Egypt and Syria officially united to form the United Arab Republic, a political union aimed at promoting Arab nationalism. This union was short-lived but significant in the context of Middle Eastern politics during the Cold War. It represented a moment of unity among Arab states against colonial influences. source: britannica.com
1959 Formation of Federation of Arab Emirates of the South: The Federation of Arab Emirates of the South was formed, uniting several emirates in the southern region of the Arabian Peninsula. This political development was significant in the context of regional stability and the eventual formation of the United Arab Emirates. source: britannica.com
1960 Classified military information disclosure: On this date, a significant disclosure of classified military information occurred, raising concerns about national security. The details surrounding the disclosure were closely monitored by government officials and the media. source: archives.gov
1961 Assassination of Patrice Lumumba: Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was assassinated on February 11, 1961. His death marked a pivotal moment in the country's tumultuous history and had lasting implications for its political landscape. source: bbc.com
1963 The Beatles record debut album 'Please Please Me': On February 11, 1963, The Beatles recorded their debut album 'Please Please Me' at Abbey Road Studios. This album would go on to become a landmark in music history, establishing the band's global influence. source: thebeatles.com
1964 The Beatles' first US concert: The Beatles performed their first concert in the United States at the Washington Coliseum in Washington, D.C. This event marked a significant moment in music history, as it helped to launch Beatlemania in America. The concert was attended by thousands of fans and was broadcasted on television, further solidifying the band's popularity. source: britannica.com
1966 Belgian government resigns amid internal policy divisions: On February 11, 1966, Belgian Prime Minister Pierre Harmel offered his resignation due to internal policy divisions within his Christian Democrat–Socialist coalition government. This decision was influenced by disagreements over the government's approach to regionalization and other policy matters. source: en.wikipedia.org
1967 Burgess Ice Rise mapped by British Antarctic Survey: The Burgess Ice Rise, located off the west coast of Alexander Island in Antarctica, was first mapped by the British Antarctic Survey on February 11, 1967. This mapping contributed to the understanding of Antarctic geography and ice dynamics. source: britannica.com
1968 Israeli-Jordanian border tensions: On February 11, 1968, tensions escalated along the Israeli-Jordanian border, leading to military confrontations. This period was marked by ongoing conflicts and skirmishes as both nations navigated complex political and territorial disputes. source: britannica.com
1970 Japan launches first satellite Ōsumi: On February 11, 1970, Japan successfully launched its first satellite, Ōsumi, into orbit. This marked a significant milestone in Japan's space program, making it the fourth country to achieve this feat after the Soviet Union, the United States, and France. source: britannica.com
1972 Erhard Keller wins Olympic gold in speed skating: On February 11, 1972, German speed skater Erhard Keller won the gold medal in the men's 500 meters at the Sapporo Winter Olympics, setting an Olympic record with a time of 39.44 seconds. source: olympics-statistics.com
1973 First American POWs released from Vietnam: On February 11, 1973, the first group of American prisoners of war (POWs) was released from Vietnam as part of the Paris Peace Accords. This marked a significant moment in the Vietnam War, signaling the end of U.S. involvement. source: archives.gov
1974 Kissinger's Project Independence: On February 11, 1974, U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger announced Project Independence, aimed at reducing American dependence on foreign oil. This initiative was a response to the 1973 oil crisis and sought to enhance energy security in the United States. source: energy.gov
1975 Margaret Thatcher wins Conservative Party leadership: On February 11, 1975, Margaret Thatcher was elected as the new leader of the United Kingdom's Conservative Party, becoming the first woman to lead a major British political party. source: en.wikipedia.org
1976 Alexander Lippisch dies at 81: German aeronautical engineer Alexander Lippisch, known for pioneering delta-wing and rocket aircraft designs, died in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 81. source: en.wikipedia.org
1977 Execution of Ethiopian leader Tafari Benti: On February 11, 1977, Tafari Benti, the chairman of the Provisional Military Administrative Council of Ethiopia, was executed. Benti had been a key figure in the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution that deposed Emperor Haile Selassie. His execution marked a significant event in the political upheavals of Ethiopia during that period. source: en.wikipedia.org
1978 Anatoli Sharansky's imprisonment: Anatoli Sharansky, a Soviet dissident and human rights activist, was imprisoned on February 11, 1978. His arrest was part of a broader crackdown on dissent in the Soviet Union, and he became a symbol of the struggle for human rights. Sharansky's eventual release in 1986 was celebrated worldwide. source: britannica.com
1979 Elvis Presley biographical film "Elvis!" airs on ABC: On February 11, 1979, the biographical film "Elvis!" starring Kurt Russell as Elvis Presley premiered on ABC. The film, directed by John Carpenter, was the first Elvis biopic and garnered 43 million viewers in the U.S. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe and three Primetime Emmy Awards. source: en.wikipedia.org
1980 Kurt Lischka, Herbert Hagen, and Ernst Heinrichsohn convicted for Holocaust crimes: On February 11, 1980, a Cologne court convicted former Gestapo officials Kurt Lischka, Herbert Hagen, and Ernst Heinrichsohn for their roles in deporting Jews from France to Nazi death camps during World War II. Lischka received a 10-year sentence, Hagen 12 years, and Heinrichsohn 6 years. These convictions were part of ongoing efforts to hold Nazi perpetrators accountable decades after the war. source: en.wikipedia.org
1981 Operator error causes radioactive water leak at Sequoyah Nuclear Plant: On February 11, 1981, an operator error at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Sequoyah Nuclear Plant in Tennessee led to the accidental opening of a valve, releasing approximately 100,000 gallons of slightly radioactive water into the containment building. Fourteen maintenance workers were exposed to the water but were not injured. The reactor was shut down at the time, and the situation was brought under control within 30 minutes. source: washingtonpost.com
1982 Ozzie Smith traded to St. Louis Cardinals: On February 11, 1982, the San Diego Padres finalized a trade sending shortstop Ozzie Smith to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Garry Templeton. The deal, initially agreed upon in December 1981, was delayed due to contract negotiations and Smith's no-trade clause. Once completed, Smith became a cornerstone of the Cardinals' defense, earning 13 Gold Glove Awards and contributing to the team's 1982 World Series victory. source: mlb.com
1983 Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' single release: Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' was released as a single on February 11, 1983. Written and produced by Jim Steinman, the song became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with over six million copies sold. It topped charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. source: bbc.com
1984 First untethered space walk conducted by Bruce McCandless II: On February 11, 1984, astronaut Bruce McCandless II performed the first untethered space walk using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) during the STS-41-B mission. This historic event allowed him to float freely in space, demonstrating the capabilities of the MMU for future missions. The space walk lasted approximately 6 hours and showcased advancements in space exploration technology. source: nasa.gov
1985 Jordan and PLO agree on Middle East peace plan: On February 11, 1985, Jordan's King Hussein and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat agreed to collaborate on a Middle East peace settlement. The accord called for Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories in exchange for peace and recognition of Israel's right to exist. The plan proposed a confederation between Jordan and a Palestinian state, with a joint delegation to negotiate with Israel. source: washingtonpost.com
1986 Anatoly Shcharansky released from Soviet imprisonment: Anatoly Shcharansky, a Soviet dissident and human rights activist, was released from Soviet custody on February 11, 1986, as part of a prisoner exchange. He had been imprisoned for nine years on charges of treason and espionage. Following his release, Shcharansky emigrated to Israel, where he continued his advocacy for human rights and Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union. source: britannica.com
1987 Philippines adopts new constitution: On February 2, 1987, the Philippines ratified a new constitution through a nationwide plebiscite, with 76.37% of voters in favor. The constitution, drafted by the 1986 Constitutional Commission, took effect on February 11, 1987, replacing the provisional 'Freedom Constitution' and establishing a democratic and republican state with a separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. source: en.wikipedia.org
1988 Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy appointed: Anthony Kennedy was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States by President Ronald Reagan on February 11, 1988. He served on the Court until his retirement in 2018, becoming known for his pivotal role in several key decisions, particularly regarding individual rights and the balance of power. source: supremecourt.gov
1989 Soviet Union concludes war in Afghanistan: On February 11, 1989, the Soviet Union officially withdrew its forces from Afghanistan, marking the end of a nine-year military intervention that began in 1979. source: history.com
1990 Nelson Mandela released from prison after 27 years: Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison on February 11, 1990, after spending 27 years in captivity. His release marked a significant turning point in South Africa's history, leading to the end of apartheid and the establishment of a multiracial democracy. Mandela's leadership and commitment to reconciliation were pivotal in the country's transition. source: britannica.com
1991 Founding of UNPO in The Hague: On February 11, 1991, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) was founded in The Hague. This organization aims to represent the interests of unrecognized nations and peoples worldwide. source: unpo.org
1992 F-16 jet crash in Hengelo, Netherlands: On February 11, 1992, an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft from the Royal Netherlands Air Force crashed in a residential area of Hengelo, Overijssel, Netherlands, shortly after takeoff from Twente Air Base. The pilot ejected safely, and there were no injuries reported. source: asn.flightsafety.org
1993 Janet Reno nominated as U.S. Attorney General: On February 11, 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated Janet Reno to serve as the U.S. Attorney General, making her the first woman to hold this position. source: upi.com
1994 Lu Parker crowned Miss USA: Lu Parker, a television personality and journalist, was crowned Miss USA 1994. She represented South Carolina in the pageant and later pursued a career in journalism and television hosting. source: brainyhistory.com
1995 Space Shuttle Discovery STS-63 mission lands: On February 11, 1995, the Space Shuttle Discovery completed its STS-63 mission, landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. source: nasa.gov
1996 Death of Amelia Rosselli, Italian poet: Amelia Rosselli, an influential Italian poet, died on February 11, 1996. Her work is celebrated for its innovative style and profound themes, contributing significantly to contemporary Italian literature. source: britannica.com
1997 STS-82 Space Shuttle mission launches: On February 11, 1997, NASA launched the Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-82. The mission's primary objective was to service the Hubble Space Telescope, including the replacement of two gyroscopes and the installation of a new camera. source: nasa.gov
1999 Devastating Earthquake in Afghanistan: On February 11, 1999, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck Wardak and Logar provinces in Afghanistan, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The tremor resulted in the collapse of numerous homes, leading to at least 70 fatalities and 500 injuries. The affected areas were remote, complicating rescue and relief efforts. source: emerald.com
2001 Anna Kournikova computer virus outbreak: A computer worm named after Russian tennis player Anna Kournikova was released, spreading rapidly via email attachments and causing widespread disruptions in email systems worldwide. source: washingtonpost.com
2002 British Telecommunications patent lawsuit: On February 11, 2002, British Telecommunications PLC filed a lawsuit against Prodigy Communications Corporation, alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 4,873,662, which BT claimed covered hyperlink technology. The case was dismissed in August 2002. source: wired.com
2003 U.S. Military Mobilization for Iraq: On February 11, 2003, the United States began mobilizing its military forces in preparation for potential action in Iraq. This included the deployment of troops and equipment to the region, signaling a significant escalation in the U.S. military presence.
2004 Comcast launches unsolicited $54 billion bid for Disney: Comcast proposed acquiring Disney for $54 billion in stock and assuming $11.9 billion in debt, valuing the deal at $66 billion. The offer aimed to create a leading entertainment and communications company by combining Comcast's distribution platform with Disney's content assets. source: pbs.org
2005 Palestinian leader seeks ceasefire compliance: On February 11, 2005, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ordered security forces to prevent attacks on Israeli settlements during a ceasefire. He dismissed several security officers for failing to stop such attacks, emphasizing the need for compliance with the truce. source: en.wikipedia.org
2006 White House knew about Katrina flooding: Reports emerged indicating that the White House was aware of the severity of flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina before it made landfall. This raised questions about the government's preparedness and response. source: nytimes.com
2007 Doubts emerge about Iraqi leadership: On February 11, 2007, reports surfaced expressing concerns about the effectiveness of the Iraqi leadership amid ongoing violence and instability in the country. These doubts raised questions about the future of governance in Iraq. source: washingtonpost.com
2008 East Timor presidential assassination attempt: On February 11, 2008, an assassination attempt was made on the President of East Timor, José Ramos-Horta. This event underscored the political instability in the country at that time. source: aljazeera.com
2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act compromise reached: On February 11, 2009, a compromise on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was finalized, aiming to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and infrastructure investment. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
2010 Iran declares nuclear capability: On February 11, 2010, Iran announced that it had achieved nuclear capability, claiming to have successfully enriched uranium to a level suitable for nuclear weapons. This declaration raised concerns among the international community regarding regional security and the potential for nuclear proliferation. source: reuters.com
2011 Egyptian Revolution culminates in Mubarak's resignation: On February 11, 2011, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned after 18 days of mass protests against his rule. His departure marked a significant victory for the protesters and a pivotal moment in the Arab Spring, leading to a transition in Egypt's political landscape. source: nytimes.com
2012 Arab Spring uprising leads to political changes: The Arab Spring, a series of anti-government protests, began in late 2010 and continued into 2012, leading to significant political changes in several countries. On February 11, 2012, the uprising in Egypt culminated in the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak after 30 years in power. source: bbc.com
2013 Vorkutinskaya Coal Mine Disaster: On February 11, 2013, a methane explosion at the Vorkutinskaya coal mine in Russia's Komi region resulted in the deaths of 17 miners and left one missing. A total of 259 miners were working underground at the time of the explosion. source: hurriyetdailynews.com
2014 Historic China-Taiwan governmental meetings: On February 11, 2014, historic governmental meetings were held between China and Taiwan, marking a significant step in cross-strait relations. The meetings aimed to discuss various issues and improve bilateral ties, reflecting a thaw in relations between the two sides. source: reuters.com
2015 Obama seeks ISIS Authorization: On February 11, 2015, President Barack Obama sent Congress a proposal for an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The proposal aimed to formalize U.S. military operations against ISIL, limiting them to three years and prohibiting enduring offensive ground combat operations. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
2016 Insider attack on police in Afghanistan: On February 11, 2016, an insider attack occurred in Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of several police officers. The attack was attributed to a police officer who opened fire on his colleagues, highlighting ongoing issues with trust and security within Afghan forces. source: reuters.com
2017 Trump proposes new immigration order: On February 11, 2017, President Trump proposed a new immigration order aimed at addressing legal challenges faced by the previous ban. This proposal was part of the administration's ongoing efforts to reshape immigration policy. source: nytimes.com
2018 Oxfam Sexual Misconduct Allegations Controversy: Oxfam, a UK-based charity, faced allegations of sexual misconduct involving its staff members in Haiti. The scandal led to widespread criticism and calls for accountability within the organization.
2019 UK-Switzerland trade continuity deal: On February 11, 2019, the United Kingdom and Switzerland signed a trade continuity agreement to maintain existing trade relations post-Brexit. This deal aimed to ensure minimal disruption to trade between the two countries.
2020 World Health Organization Officially Names COVID-19 Pandemic: On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially named the coronavirus outbreak as COVID-19, with the virus scientifically designated as SARS-CoV-2. This naming was a critical moment in the global response to the emerging pandemic, providing a standardized terminology for communication and research worldwide. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
2021 US COVID-19 Deaths Surpass 500,000: The United States reached a grim milestone as COVID-19 deaths exceeded 500,000, surpassing the combined American fatalities from World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War, highlighting the pandemic's devastating impact.
2022 Escalating Tensions in Russo-Ukrainian War: As geopolitical tensions intensified, multiple international governments took urgent diplomatic and security measures. The Biden administration issued a critical warning for Americans to evacuate Ukraine within 48 hours, citing imminent risks from substantial Russian military buildup. Simultaneously, the British Foreign Office advised its nationals to immediately leave the country. The United States strategically deployed 3,000 additional troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to Poland to reinforce regional security. Israel also took precautionary steps, evacuating embassy staff and diplomats' families from Kyiv and issuing comprehensive travel warnings for its citizens, anticipating a potential large-scale Russian offensive.
2023 Unidentified High-Altitude Object Shot Down Over Yukon: In a significant cross-border military operation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ordered the takedown of an unidentified flying object over Yukon territory. A United States Air Force F-22 Raptor successfully intercepted and destroyed the object using an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile. Canadian Armed Forces were subsequently deployed to recover and analyze the debris.

What Is special about February 11?

February 11 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about February 11.