#22ndfebruary #onthisday #history History Unfolds on February 22nd: A Global Lookback
On February 22nd, historical events, cultural celebrations, and individual achievements unfold worldwide. Here's a glimpse into some of the notable happenings on this date:
Echoes of the Past:
• 1541: Founding of Santiago, Chile: Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia establishes the city, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization in Chile.
• 1818: Chile Declares Independence: Bernardo O'Higgins formally approved the Chilean Declaration of Independence, culminating years of struggle for freedom from Spanish rule.
• 1864: Treaty of Lahore: After the Second Anglo-Sikh War, this treaty grants British control over Punjab, impacting the political landscape of South Asia.
• 1912: Puyi Abdicates the Chinese Throne: The last Qing emperor, Puyi, formally relinquishes power, marking the end of 2,132 years of imperial rule in China.
• 1948: First Transatlantic Balloon Flight: Jean Piccard and André Dewitters, pioneering high-altitude balloon flight technology, embark on this historic journey.
• 1953: Anglo-Egyptian Agreement: British troops withdraw from the Suez Canal Zone, ending a long period of occupation.
• 1994: Winter Olympics Open in Lillehammer, Norway: Athletes from 67 nations compete in various winter sports, showcasing athletic prowess and international cooperation.
Cultural Tapestry:
• Sri Lanka: Independence Day: Celebrated with parades, traditional dances, and cultural events as Sri Lanka gained independence from the British Empire in 1948.
• China: Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): Depending on the lunar calendar, families gather for feasts, fireworks, and lion dances to usher in the New Year.
• France: Crêpe Day: Families and friends come together to enjoy sweet and savory crêpes, commemorating Pope Gelasius I's act of feeding the poor with crêpes during a food shortage.
• United States: Hug Day: A friendly reminder to show affection and appreciation through a hug.
Individual Achievements:
• 1809: Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, is born.
• 1934: Bill Russell, legendary basketball player and NBA champion, enters the world.
• 1948: Ray Kurzweil, computer scientist and futurist, is born.
• 1993: Omar Bradley, decorated US general and WWII hero,
passes away.
• 2019: The Republic of Macedonia changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia.
Remembering Lost Icons:
• 2011: Cliff Gorman, an American actor known for his powerful presence, departs.
• 2014: Sid Caesar, comedic powerhouse and pioneer of early live television, passes away.
