In History, Today on February 2

The United States announced it would deploy additional troops to Eastern Europe amid rising tensions with Russia over the Ukraine border situation, seeking to reinforce NATO allies in the region.

The military of Myanmar staged a coup d'état, detaining civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other government officials, leading to widespread protests and international condemnation.

The United States declared a public health emergency in response to the coronavirus, imposing quarantines and restricting entry for travelers from China.

The United Nations declared the famine in parts of South Sudan, affecting over 100,000 people and putting millions more at risk of starvation.

The Seattle Seahawks won their first Super Bowl, defeating the Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Congressional leaders in the United States announced a new bipartisan agreement that avoided the fiscal cliff.

A massive snowstorm hit large portions of the United States, affecting about a third of the country. It disrupted transportation and led to widespread power outages.

The Australian government issued an official apology to indigenous Australians, particularly the Stolen Generations, for past mistreatment.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Fourth Assessment Report's Summary for Policymakers, stating that global warming is undeniable and that human activity is the main cause.

The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was ratified by Russia, allowing it to come into force on February 16, 2005.

Swiss tennis player Roger Federer became the world No. 1 ranked player for the first time in his career, a position he would hold for a record 237 consecutive weeks.

South African President F.W. de Klerk announces the unbanning of the African National Congress and promises the release of Nelson Mandela, paving the way for the end of apartheid.

The last Soviet armored column left Kabul, ending nine years of military occupation in Afghanistan.

The international Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran, to conserve and sustainably use wetlands.

Elizabeth II becomes Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms after the death of her father, King George VI, marking the beginning of her long reign.

The Battle of Stalingrad ended with the surrender of German forces, marking a turning point in World War II.

James Joyce's novel 'Ulysses' was published in Paris, a landmark in modernist literature.

The first Groundhog Day was observed in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs was formed in the United States, establishing the first major league in baseball.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the Mexican-American War and ceding large territories to the United States.

The Bank of England issued its first £1 and £2 notes, which represented a significant development in the evolution of modern banking.

Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish sailor, was rescued after being marooned on a desert island, inspiring Daniel Defoe's novel 'Robinson Crusoe'.

New Amsterdam, later renamed New York City, was incorporated.

Spaniard Pedro de Mendoza founded Buenos Aires, Argentina.

King Edward III of England was declared King of England, following the abdication of his father, Edward II.

Conrad II was crowned King of Burgundy, consolidating his rule over the Kingdom of Burgundy.

The Council of Agde, a synod of bishops, took place in the Visigothic Kingdom of Toulouse. It was convened by Caesarius of Arles and addressed various ecclesiastical issues, including church discipline and the conduct of clergy.