This Day In History, February 23rd.
Five Historical Events That Happened on February 23rd.
The Gutenberg Bible was originally printed in 1455. The Gutenberg Bible, one of the most priceless books in existence today, is regarded as the first book to be printed using a moveable type printing press.
The Battle of the Alamo started in 1836. Mexican forces besieged the Alamo mission in San Antonio, Texas, during the Battle of the Alamo, which served as a turning point in the Texan Revolution. The Texan defenders held out for 13 days despite being significantly outnumbered before succumbing.
The Rotary Club was established in Chicago, Illinois, in the year 1905. The Rotary Club is a worldwide association of business and professional leaders that works to spread charity and peace throughout the world.
U.S. Marines raised the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II in 1945. Joe Rosenthal captured this event's iconic image, which went on to become one of the war's most well-known pictures and is regarded as one of photography's all-time greats.
Spain attained democracy in 1981. After dictator Francisco Franco passed away in 1975, Spain held its first democratic elections in more than 40 years on February 23, 1981. When Spain made the transition to a democratic system of government, the elections signaled the start of a new period in its history.
This Day In History, February 23rd, 1455: The Gutenberg Bible was first published.
One of the most important books ever printed, the Gutenberg Bible is widely recognized as a turning point in the history of printing. It was created by Johannes Gutenberg, a German printer and inventor who, in the middle of the 15th century, invented the movable type printing process. The two volumes of the Gutenberg Bible include a combined 1,282 pages. Since just 180 copies are thought to have been printed, collectors and institutions today place a great value on surviving copies.
February 23rd, 1836: The Battle of the Alamo began. The Battle of the Alamo was a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution, as Mexican forces besieged the Alamo mission in San Antonio, Texas.
The Texas Revolution, which pitted the Mexican government against immigrants in Texas who want to break away from Mexico and form an independent republic, was marked by the Battle of the Alamo. A small group of Texas rebels were defending the Alamo mission when a Mexican army under the command of General Antonio López de Santa Anna started to lay siege to it in February 1836. Famous individuals like James Bowie and Davy Crockett were among the defenders. The Texans held out for 13 days despite being vastly outnumbered before the Mexican army broke through the walls and took control of the Alamo. The battle is regarded as a valiant and patriotic incident in Texas history and became a representation of the Texan resistance.
1905: The Rotary Club was founded in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
On February 23, 1905, in Chicago, attorney Paul Harris and a group of business associates established the Rotary Club. The group wanted to establish a setting where business people from all backgrounds could interact and share ideas. The Rotary Club still encourages service, community involvement, and peace today as a worldwide organization with over 35,000 clubs in more than 200 nations. The Rotary Club's members take part in a variety of charitable and community service initiatives, such as campaigns to end polio, advance literacy, and offer access to clean water and sanitary facilities.
1945: During World War II, U.S. Marines raised the American flag on Iwo Jima.
One of the most enduring images from World War II is the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima. U.S. Marines conquered Mount Suribachi on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945, and a squad of Marines hoisted the American flag atop a pole there. Joe Rosenthal, an Associated Press photographer, captured the action in a picture that went viral and ultimately became a statue. The image, which represents the valor and sacrifice of the US military during the combat, is regarded as one of the most iconic and identifiable ones from the war.
1981: Spain became a democracy. On February 23, 1981, Spain held its first democratic elections in over 40 years, following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.
Spain witnessed a period of political change after the death of the autocrat Francisco Franco in 1975, known as the Spanish Transition. A new democratic constitution was written during this time, and democratic elections were held. Spain held its first democratic elections on February 23, 1981, marking a crucial turning point in the nation's democratic transition. Felipe Gonzalez's Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) won the elections. Significant political and social changes resulted with the introduction of democracy in Spain, including the decentralization of authority, acceptance of regional autonomy, and reinforcement of civil freedoms and human rights.