In History, Today on February 28

The United Nations General Assembly holds an emergency special session to address the Russian invasion of Ukraine, marking a rare occurrence of such a session.

The first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Nigeria, marking the first reported case in sub-Saharan Africa.

Russian politician Boris Nemtsov is assassinated in Moscow, sparking international condemnation and protests.

Pope Benedict XVI resigns from the papacy, becoming the first pope to do so since Gregory XII in 1415.

The 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile triggers a tsunami across the Pacific Ocean, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

The Supreme Court of the United States delivered a landmark decision in the case of Roper v. Simmons, ruling that it is unconstitutional to impose capital punishment for crimes committed by minors under the age of 18. This decision affected the laws in 25 states and had a significant impact on juvenile justice.

The Euro currency becomes the sole legal tender in the 12 Eurozone countries, replacing national currencies completely.

The Nisqually earthquake, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake, struck the Puget Sound region of Washington State, causing significant damage and injuries.

An earthquake in northern Iran kills around 1,100 people.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) attempts to execute a search warrant at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, leading to a deadly shootout.

The Gulf War officially ends as the President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, declares a ceasefire.

Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme is assassinated in Stockholm, leading to a major investigation and political upheaval in Sweden.

The final episode of the television series M*A*S*H airs, becoming the most-watched television episode in U.S. history at that time.

The first color television sets using the NTSC standard are offered for sale to the general public.

James Watson and Francis Crick announce that they have determined the double-helix structure of DNA, a pivotal moment in the field of genetics.

The 228 Incident occurs in Taiwan when an anti-government uprising begins, resulting in a violent crackdown by the Kuomintang-led Republic of China government.

DuPont scientist Wallace Carothers invents nylon, a synthetic polymer that would revolutionize the textile industry.

The Reichstag Fire Decree was issued by President Paul von Hindenburg of Germany, following the Reichstag fire, which suspended civil liberties and allowed for the arrest of political opponents.

The British Empire accepts the de facto independence of Egypt by formally ending its protectorate status, although British military occupation continues.

The USS Indiana is launched as the U.S. Navy's first modern battleship.

Hellenistic bust of Hera of Cherchel is discovered, believed to be a work of the Lysippos school.

A gun on the USS Princeton explodes during a demonstration, killing six people, including two United States Cabinet members.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad is incorporated, becoming the first U.S. company to be granted a charter for the transportation of passengers and freight.

John Wesley charters the first Methodist Church in the United States, marking a key development in the spread of Methodism.

Today marks the end of the 'old style' Julian calendar in Sweden. Sweden, in an attempt to switch to the Gregorian calendar, made a one-time adjustment where February 30th was skipped this year, allowing for February 28 to be the last day of February.

The Scottish National Covenant was signed in Edinburgh, a pivotal event in the history of Scotland, asserting Scottish Presbyterianism and resisting the imposition of Anglican practices.

The Aztec king Cuauhtémoc was executed by Spanish conquistadors under Hernán Cortés, marking a significant moment in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.

A significant event known as the 'Battle of Worringen' took place near the town of Worringen, located in present-day Germany. This confrontation was a decisive moment in the War of the Limburg Succession between Henry VI, Count of Luxembourg, and Adolf V, Count of Berg, among others. The battle concluded with a pivotal victory for a coalition of local forces led by John I, Duke of Brabant, which shaped the territorial politics of the region.

The Edict of Thessalonica was issued by Roman Emperors Theodosius I, Gratian, and Valentinian II, establishing Nicene Christianity as the official state religion of the Roman Empire.

Roman Emperor Valentinian I is proclaimed Augustus, marking the beginning of his reign. He would later co-rule with his brother Valens, overseeing the Western Roman Empire.

The Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats the usurper Clodius Albinus at the Battle of Lugdunum, securing his control over the Roman Empire.