This Day in History: February

Look back in time and examine the amazing events that happened on this day in history and which helped shape the world as we know it.

Course No. 90044

This collection of historical moments reveals pivotal February events that changed science, civil rights, and global politics – from ancient discoveries to modern social movements. Each concise lecture brings a different day to life through expert analysis and storytelling.

Video Lessons

01: February 6, 1895 – Babe Ruth Born (8 min)

Discover how the baseball legend transformed America’s favorite pastime.

02: February 11, 1990 – Mandela Freed (10 min)

Professor Douglas Linder examines the end of 27-year imprisonment that changed South Africa.

03: February 23, 1945 – Iwo Jima Flag Raising (8 min)

A four-star general analyzes this iconic WWII moment captured in the famous photograph.

04: February 24, 1868 – Johnson Impeached (10 min)

The dramatic trial and aftermath of America’s first presidential impeachment.

05: February 7, 1964 – Beatlemania Hits America (7 min)

Historian Michael Sheldon relives The Beatles’ revolutionary arrival in the U.S.

06: February 13, 1945 – Dresden Bombing Begins (3 min)

Michael Shelden explores Churchill’s controversial WWII decision.

07: February 28, 1953 – DNA Structure Discovered (6 min)

Professor Sam Kean recounts Watson and Crick’s race to solve life’s blueprint.

08: February 1, 1884 – Oxford Dictionary Published (9 min)

Professor Anne Curzan reveals the 40-year effort to create the definitive English reference.

09: February 18, 1930 – Pluto Discovered (8 min)

Sabine Stanley traces how this celestial finding redefined planetary science.

10: February 1, 1960 – Greensboro Sit-ins Begin (9 min)

Dr. Richard Kurin shows how four students launched the civil rights movement’s iconic protest.

11: February 16, 1923 – Tutankhamun’s Tomb Opened (6 min)

The dramatic excavation of Egypt’s most famous archaeological discovery.