This Day In History, February 11th.
Five Historical Events That Happened on February 11th.
Emperor Jimmu Tenno established Japan on this date in 660 BC.
Sebastian de Belalcazar, a Spanish conquistador, founds the city of Quito, Ecuador in 1534.
Thomas Edison, an American inventor, is born in Milan, Ohio in 1847.
1929 - The Lateran Treaty is signed, establishing Vatican City as an independent city-state and putting an end to Italy and the Holy See's "Roman Question."
Nelson Mandela, a South African activist and politician, is released from prison after 27 years.
This Day In History, February 11th: 660 BC - Traditional founding date of Japan by Emperor Jimmu Tenno.
According to Japanese mythology and tradition, February 11th is considered the traditional founding date of Japan. On this day in 660 BC, the legendary Emperor Jimmu Tenno is said to have ascended to the throne and established the imperial line that continues to this day. However, there is little historical evidence to back up this claim, and many scholars believe that the actual process of Japanese state formation was much more complex and gradual. Nonetheless, February 11th is an important part of Japanese national identity and is observed annually as National Foundation Day.
February 4th, 1534: The city of Quito, Ecuador is founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastian de Belalcazar.
Quito is Ecuador's capital and one of the largest cities in South America. Sebastián de Belalcázar, a Spanish conquistador sent by Francisco Pizarro to explore and conquer the region, founded it on February 11th, 1534. Quito was a significant colonial city, and its historic center is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, churches, and monuments. Quito is now a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that serves as Ecuador's political, cultural, and economic center.
1847 - American inventor Thomas Edison is born in Milan, Ohio.
Thomas Alva Edison was an American inventor and businessman who is widely credited with creating many of the devices that have shaped modern life, such as the phonograph, motion picture camera, and practical incandescent light bulb. Edison was born in Milan, Ohio on February 11, 1847, and grew up in Port Huron, Michigan. He received little formal education, but he was an avid reader and self-taught in many fields of science and engineering. Edison went on to found several successful companies, including General Electric, and became one of the world's most famous and influential inventors.
1929 - The Lateran Treaty is signed.
The Lateran Treaty, also known as the Lateran Concordat, was a treaty signed between the Italian government and the Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church, on February 11, 1929. The treaty was intended to settle a long-running dispute between the Italian government and the Holy See regarding the status of the Papal States, which had been dissolved as part of Italy's unification in 1870.
The treaty acknowledged the Holy See's sovereignty over Vatican City, a small city-state within Rome, and established the Vatican as an independent state with its own government, laws, and diplomatic relations. The treaty also recognized Catholicism as Italy's official religion and granted the Catholic Church significant powers privileges and protections.
The Lateran Treaty was a watershed moment in the history of the Catholic Church and Italy, establishing the Vatican as a major player in international affairs. The Vatican is still an important religious and political center today, and its influence can be felt all over the world.
1990 - South African activist and politician Nelson Mandela is released from prison after 27 years of confinement.
Nelson Mandela was the first black South African President from 1994 to 1999. He was an anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist. Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison in Paarl, South Africa, on February 11, 1990, after serving more than 27 years in prison. Mandela was imprisoned for his role in the fight against apartheid, South Africa's system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that existed from 1948 to the early 1990s.
Mandela's release was a watershed moment in South African and global history. It was regarded as a significant step toward the abolition of apartheid and the promotion of democracy and human rights in South Africa.Mandela went on to play a key role in the negotiations that led to the end of apartheid and the establishment of South Africa's democratic government. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in South Africa, and he continues to be a beloved and iconic figure in the global fight for justice and equality.