In History, Today on February 4

The United States formally announces an end to its support for Saudi-led offensive operations in the Yemen war, emphasizing a renewed focus on diplomatic solutions.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Hualien County in Taiwan, causing significant damage and resulting in 17 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

TransAsia Airways Flight 235 crashed into the Keelung River shortly after takeoff from Taipei Songshan Airport, resulting in 43 fatalities.

Iran launched a live monkey into space as part of a space mission to advance their aerospace capabilities, leading to concerns over potential military applications of their space program.

The International Day of Human Fraternity was observed for the first time, following a United Nations resolution to promote cultural and religious tolerance.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck southern Chile, causing panic among residents but no significant damage or casualties. The region had been on high alert since a devastating earthquake in 2010.

Facebook celebrated its 6th anniversary, having grown significantly since its launch in 2004. By this date, Facebook had reached 400 million active users, marking a substantial milestone in its rapid growth as a leading social media platform.

Facebook, a social networking service, was launched by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates at Harvard University.

A civil jury found O.J. Simpson liable for the wrongful deaths of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson.

The New Year of the Bosnian Serbs is celebrated for the first time without violence, marking a step towards peace in the region.

A coup attempt was launched in Venezuela by Hugo Chávez and his supporters, which ultimately failed but marked the beginning of his rise to power.

Patty Hearst, the granddaughter of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army.

Yasser Arafat was appointed leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

The All-Nippon Airways Flight 60, a Boeing 727, crashes into Tokyo Bay, killing all 133 on board.

The Yalta Conference began, where Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin met to discuss the post-war reorganization of Europe.

The 1932 Winter Olympics open in Lake Placid, New York.

The Great Baltimore Fire begins, which would burn for over 30 hours and destroy over 1,500 buildings in Baltimore, Maryland.

The French liner SS Afrique sinks off the coast of Soulac-sur-Mer in France, leading to numerous fatalities.

The Philippine-American War begins with the Battle of Manila as hostilities break out between Filipino and American forces.

The Confederate States of America was formed in Montgomery, Alabama, by representatives from six southern states that seceded from the United States.

The state of New York hosts a large reception banquet to celebrate the completion of the Erie Canal, which transformed trade and transportation across the northeast United States.

After a long series of failed negotiations with Britain to resolve trade and territorial disputes, Admiral Sir James Saumarez published orders announcing the blockade of Guadeloupe and Martinique for violating British trade restrictions.

The Ohio legislature passes a bill that officially declares its boundaries, completing its formal entry into the Union after being recognized the previous year in 1802.

The French National Convention abolished slavery in all French territories.

George Washington was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States by the Electoral College.

The Thirteen Years' War between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order began with the signing of the Confederation of Prussian cities in Marienburg (Malbork). This war would significantly alter the political landscape in Eastern Europe.

An earthquake strikes the region of Friuli in the northern part of present-day Italy, causing significant destruction and loss of life. It is known as the Friuli earthquake and is considered one of the most destructive quakes in the region during the Middle Ages.

A severe earthquake struck the island of Sicily, causing considerable devastation and loss of life. This event is part of a series of seismic activities that affected the region during that period.

The Song dynasty was established in China when Zhao Kuangyin was crowned Emperor Taizu of Song, marking the beginning of a period of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing.

Roman Emperor Septimius Severus died in Eboracum (modern-day York, England). His death marked the end of his reign and the beginning of a power struggle between his sons, Caracalla and Geta.