Events on February 29 - Key Moments Throughout History

Historical Events on February 29: 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 29, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on February 29 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1908 Birth of Dee Brown, American writer and historian: Dorris Alexander 'Dee' Brown, an American novelist, historian, and librarian, was born in Alberta, Louisiana. He is best known for his book 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee', which details the history of the United States' westward colonization from the perspective of Native Americans. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1924 Al Rosen: Notable Baseball Player Born: Al Rosen, a prominent American baseball player, was born on February 29, 1924. He played as a third baseman for the Cleveland Indians and later became the team's general manager. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 1932 Mäntsälä uprising in Finland: The Mäntsälä Uprising, which began on February 27, 1932, culminated on February 29, 1932, as right-wing factions attempted to seize control in Finland. This uprising was a critical moment in the country's political history, reflecting the struggle between democratic and authoritarian forces. source: britannica.com
  • 1936 US Neutrality Act signed into law: The United States Neutrality Act, designed to prevent the nation from being drawn into external conflicts, was signed into law on February 29, 1936. The act imposed restrictions on American citizens and businesses to avoid involvement in foreign wars. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1944 Operation Brewer - Admiralty Islands Invasion: Operation Brewer was a series of battles in the New Guinea campaign of World War II, focusing on capturing the Japanese-held Admiralty Islands. The operation began on February 29, 1944, with U.S. forces landing on Los Negros Island, aiming to secure airfields and eliminate the Japanese garrison. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1956 Eisenhower announces second presidential campaign: On February 29, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower announced his candidacy for a second term in the 1956 presidential election. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1960 Devastating Agadir Earthquake: A catastrophic earthquake struck Agadir, Morocco, on February 29, 1960, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1964 Johnson's State Department press conference: On February 29, 1964, President Johnson held a press conference at the State Department, addressing various foreign policy issues. This event was part of his administration's efforts to communicate its stance on international relations during a turbulent period. source: presidency.ucsb.edu
  • 1968 MLB Minimum Salary Increase: Major League Baseball establishes a new minimum player salary of $10,000, reflecting growing professionalization of sports.
  • 1972 ITT Antitrust Controversy Exposed: The ITT antitrust controversy came to light in February 1972, involving allegations of anti-competitive practices. This controversy had significant implications for corporate regulation and antitrust laws in the United States. source: justice.gov
  • 1980 Buddy Holly's glasses discovered in Iowa after 21 years: On February 29, 1980, a pair of Buddy Holly's iconic black-framed glasses, lost since his death in 1959, were found in a sealed envelope in a courthouse storage vault in Mason City, Iowa. The glasses had been discovered shortly after the 1959 plane crash but were misplaced until their rediscovery in 1980. They were eventually returned to Holly's widow, Maria Elena, and are now on display at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock, Texas. source: history.com
  • 1988 Desmond Tutu arrested during anti-apartheid protest in Cape Town: On February 29, 1988, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and other religious leaders were arrested in Cape Town for marching to Parliament to protest the government's ban on anti-apartheid activities. The group, including Tutu, was detained briefly and released after being informed that formal charges might be considered. Tutu emphasized their obedience to God over the law, stating, "We are not defying the law; we are obeying God." source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1992 Bosnian independence referendum begins: An independence referendum was held in Bosnia and Herzegovina from February 29 to March 1, 1992, following the first free elections of 1990 and rising ethnic tensions leading to the breakup of Yugoslavia. The referendum question was: "Are you in favor of a sovereign and independent Bosnia-Herzegovina, a state of equal citizens and nations of Muslims, Serbs, Croats and others who live in it?" Independence was strongly favored by Bosniaks and Bosnian Croats, while Bosnian Serbs largely boycotted the referendum or were prevented from participating by Bosnian Serb authorities. The total voter turnout was 63.6%, with 99.7% voting in favor of independence. However, the referendum failed to attain the constitutionally required two-thirds majority since only 64% of eligible voters participated. On March 3, Alija Izetbegović declared the independence of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the parliament ratified the action. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1996 Siege of Sarajevo officially ends: The Siege of Sarajevo, a prolonged military blockade during the Bosnian War, officially ended on February 29, 1996. This marked a significant moment in the peace process following years of conflict in the region. source: bbc.com
  • 2004 76th Academy Awards Highlights: The 76th Academy Awards, held on February 29, 2004, featured notable wins for 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,' which secured 11 Oscars, including Best Picture. Other winners included Charlize Theron for Best Actress and Sean Penn for Best Actor. The ceremony was marked by memorable performances and speeches, celebrating the achievements of the film industry over the past year. source: oscars.org
  • 2008 Deadly Terrorist Attack in Pakistan: On February 29, 2008, a suicide bombing in Lahore, Pakistan, killed at least 20 people and injured dozens more. The attack targeted a security checkpoint and was attributed to militants seeking to destabilize the region.
  • 2012 Deadly Tornadoes Strike Midwest: A series of tornadoes devastate the midwestern United States, resulting in twelve fatalities, with six deaths concentrated in Harrisburg, Illinois.
  • 2016 ISIL suicide bombing at Shi'ite funeral in Miqdadiyah: On February 29, 2016, a suicide bombing occurred at a Shi'ite funeral in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, resulting in at least 38 fatalities and 58 injuries. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attack, which targeted a funeral for a Shi'ite militia fighter. The bombing also killed a local commander of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, a Shi'ite militia group. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 2020 Global COVID-19 Pandemic Developments: Multiple countries reported their first COVID-19 cases, including Ireland, Qatar, Luxembourg, and Ecuador. The United Arab Emirates took preventive measures by suspending school activities and closing nurseries. Australia recorded its first coronavirus-related death, involving a 78-year-old man evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

What Is special about February 29?

February 29 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 29.