The week of February 10th to February 16th marks a transformative period in American history, defined by the birth of legendary figures like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, and Susan B. Anthony. Socially and legally, the week saw the founding of the NAACP, the first successful Black professional baseball league, and the ratification of the 25th Amendment, illustrating a recurring theme of progress in civil rights, labor, and constitutional law.
February 10
- 1763: The Treaty of Paris Ends the French and Indian War – This treaty fundamentally altered the map of North America, with France ceding all of its mainland territories east of the Mississippi River to Great Britain, setting the stage for the American Revolution by shifting the balance of power and leading to increased British taxation of the colonies.
- 1967: Ratification of the 25th Amendment – This amendment was officially added to the U.S. Constitution, providing a clear procedure for presidential succession and addressing how to handle a situation where a president is unable to perform their duties.
February 11
- 1847: Birth of Thomas Edison – One of America’s most prolific inventors, Edison was born in Milan, Ohio. His work on the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera helped birth the modern industrial age and transformed American life.
- 1937: The Flint Sit-Down Strike Ends – A landmark moment for American labor, General Motors recognized the United Auto Workers (UAW) after a 44-day strike in Flint, Michigan. This victory led to the rapid unionization of the U.S. auto industry.
February 12
- 1809: Birth of Abraham Lincoln – The 16th President of the United States was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. His leadership during the American Civil War and his role in the abolition of slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation made him one of the most significant figures in world history.
- 1909: Founding of the NAACP – On the centennial of Lincoln’s birth, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in New York City by a diverse group of activists to fight for civil rights and racial justice.
February 13
- 1635: Founding of the Boston Latin School – This became the first public school in America. It established a precedent for public education in the colonies and remains the oldest school in the United States still in operation today.
- 1920: The Negro National League is Formed – Led by Rube Foster, this was the first successful organized Black professional baseball league. It provided a platform for legendary athletes like Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson during the era of segregation in sports.
February 14
- 1876: The Telephone Patent Duel – Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent for the telephone just hours before his competitor, Elisha Gray. This led to one of the most famous legal battles in American history and changed the future of global communication.
- 1903: Creation of the Department of Commerce and Labor – President Theodore Roosevelt signed the bill creating this cabinet-level department to oversee the rapidly growing American economy and the welfare of its workers (later split into two separate departments).
February 15
- 1820: Birth of Susan B. Anthony – A tireless advocate for women’s suffrage, Anthony’s lifelong dedication to the cause was instrumental in the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
- 1898: Sinking of the USS Maine – The battleship exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba, killing 260 American sailors. The event, fueled by “Yellow Journalism,” served as the primary catalyst for the United States to declare war on Spain.
February 16
- 1862: The Battle of Fort Donelson – General Ulysses S. Grant captured this Confederate fort in Tennessee, marking the first major Union victory of the Civil War. His demand for “unconditional and immediate surrender” earned him the nickname “Unconditional Surrender” Grant.
- 1968: First 9-1-1 Emergency System – The first 9-1-1 emergency telephone system in the United States was put into service in Haleyville, Alabama, creating a standardized way for American citizens to reach emergency services.
