In History, Today on February 15

The birth of Galileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer, who played a major role in the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century.

The city of St. Louis is established as a French trading post by Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau.

The USS Maine explodes and sinks in Havana Harbor, Cuba, leading to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

Singapore falls to Japanese forces during World War II, marking one of the greatest defeats in British military history.

Canada's new maple leaf flag is raised for the first time, replacing the Union Jack and the Red Ensign.

The Soviet Union officially announces that all of its troops have left Afghanistan, ending a nine-year military intervention.

Millions of people around the world participated in protests against the impending invasion of Iraq, making it one of the largest anti-war rallies in history.

A meteor exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuring over 1,500 people and causing extensive damage to buildings. It was the largest recorded meteor strike in over a century.

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to fund the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, bypassing Congress.