February 14 is remembered for a range of pivotal events that have shaped global diplomacy, politics, technology, and culture over the centuries. From medieval coronations to modern tragedies, the day has witnessed moments of triumph, invention, and controversy. Here is a timeline of significant developments across history.
Henry II Crowned Holy Roman Emperor- 1014
On February 14, 1014, Henry II was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Benedict VIII. Known for his deep religious devotion, Henry II earned admiration from contemporaries and historians alike. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen the Church and the empire, earning him canonisation in 1146. Henry II’s legacy as a pious and reform-minded ruler continues to be recognised in European history.
Birth of Babur – 1483
The future founder of the Mughal Empire, Babur, was born on this day in 1483 in present-day Uzbekistan. A direct descendant of Timur through his father and Genghis Khan through his mother, Babur later conquered northern India and established the Mughal dynasty. His memoirs, the Baburnama, offer a rich account of his life, ambitions, and the political landscape of Central Asia and India. Babur’s legacy endures through the Mughal Empire’s profound influence on Indian art, architecture, and governance.
Henry Pelham Becomes Britain’s First Lord of the Treasury – 1743
Henry Pelham assumed the office of Britain’s first Lord of the Treasury on February 14, 1743. Serving as Prime Minister until his death in 1754, Pelham implemented key legislative reforms, including the Jewish Naturalisation Act 1753 and the Marriage Act 1753. His tenure is noted for stabilising government finances and strengthening parliamentary authority during a period of significant political change in Britain.
Alexander Graham Bell Applies for Telephone Patent – 1876
February 14, 1876, marked a milestone in communication history as Alexander Graham Bell applied for a patent for the telephone. On the same day, inventor Elisha Gray submitted a separate application. The ensuing legal dispute culminated in the American Supreme Court recognising Bell as the legitimate inventor. Bell’s telephone revolutionised global communication and laid the groundwork for the modern telecommunications industry.
Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago – 1929
One of the most infamous episodes of American gangster history occurred on February 14, 1929, when seven members of a rival gang were gunned down in Chicago. The massacre, widely believed to have been orchestrated by Al Capone, highlighted the violent competition between organised crime factions during Prohibition. The event has since become a symbol of the lawlessness and brutality of Chicago’s gangster era.
Birth of Indian Actress Madhubala – 1933
On February 14, 1933, Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi, better known as Madhubala, was born in Delhi. Celebrated for her beauty, charm, and acting talent, she gained widespread acclaim for her role as Anarkali in the historical drama Mughal-e-Azam. Despite her untimely death at 36 due to a congenital heart condition, Madhubala remains one of the most beloved figures in Indian cinema, symbolising grace and artistic excellence.
Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance, and Mutual Assistance – 1950
On February 14, 1950, the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance, and Mutual Assistance was signed between the People’s Republic of China and the Soviet Union. The agreement strengthened military and political ties, provided security guarantees for China, and fostered cooperation in economic and technological fields. This treaty shaped early Cold War dynamics in Asia and demonstrated the strategic alliance between the two communist powers.
Secret Recording System Installed in the White House – 1971
American President Richard Nixon secretly installed a recording system in the White House on February 14, 1971. These tapes later became central evidence in the Watergate scandal, leading to Nixon’s resignation in 1974. The clandestine system reflected both the technological capabilities of the era and the political tensions that defined Nixon’s presidency.
Fatwa Against Salman Rushdie – 1989
On February 14, 1989, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against author Salman Rushdie and his publisher over the novel The Satanic Verses. The decree called for Rushdie’s assassination, igniting global debates on freedom of expression, religious sensitivities, and literary censorship. The controversy left a lasting impact on international discourse regarding creative freedom and state influence.
Pulwama Terror Attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir – 2019
February 14, 2019, witnessed a tragic terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, when a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicles was targeted by a suicide bomber. The attack claimed 40 lives and left many injured. It significantly influenced Indian security policy and was followed months later by the revocation of Article 370, integrating Jammu and Kashmir more closely into the Indian Union and bifurcating it into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
