Osun Defender History Corner: February 24 In Focus

Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashbacks and recall some events that marked this day.

February 24, 1583

Pope Gregory XIII issues the Papal bull Inter gravissimas, establishing the Gregorian calendar.

February 24, 1803

The Supreme Court of the United States, in Marbury v. Madison, establishes the principle of judicial review.

February 24, 1821

Mexican rebels led by Antonio López de Santa Anna seize the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas.

February 24, 1868

The U.S. House of Representatives impeaches President Andrew Johnson.

February 24, 1918

Estonia declares its independence from Russia.

February 24, 1920

The Nazi Party (NSDAP) is founded in Munich, Germany.

February 24, 1942

The Battle of Los Angeles occurs during World War II, mistakenly identifying a weather balloon as a Japanese enemy aircraft.

February 24, 1981

Buckingham Palace announces the engagement of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

February 24, 1989

United Airlines Flight 811 suffers an explosive decompression over the Pacific Ocean, killing 9 passengers.

February 24, 1991

The Gulf War ends as Iraqi forces retreat from Kuwait.

February 24, 2008

Fidel Castro resigns as President of Cuba after nearly 50 years in power.

February 24, 2010

A magnitude 8.8 earthquake strikes off the coast of Chile, triggering a tsunami and resulting in over 500 fatalities.

February 24, 2011

A series of protests and uprisings known as the Arab Spring begin in Libya.

February 24, 2015

Egypt launches airstrikes against ISIL targets in Libya following the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians.

February 24, 2018

The United Nations Security Council adopts a 30-day ceasefire resolution in Syria, amid escalating violence in Eastern Ghouta.

February 24, 2019

Pope Francis convenes a historic summit on clergy sexual abuse, addressing the issue within the Catholic Church.

February 24, 2020

President Ashraf Ghani is declared the winner of the controversial Afghan presidential election, amid allegations of fraud.

February 24, 2021

Myanmar’s military stages a coup, detaining civilian leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi and declaring a state of emergency.

February 24, 2022

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope successfully completes its final deployment, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on February 24. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.