What happened on February 12 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
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Abraham Lincoln is born
Abraham Lincoln, a self-made man from the frontier, would become one of the most revered presidents in U.S. history, known for his leadership during the Civil War and his dedication to ending slavery.
- Born in a log cabin in Kentucky, Lincoln overcame poverty and limited formal education to become a lawyer and politician.
- As the 16th president, he preserved the Union during the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation, leading to the abolition of slavery in the U.S.
- Assassinated in 1865, Lincoln’s legacy endures as a symbol of democracy, equality, and perseverance.
The trial of Slobodan Milošević begins
The trial of Slobodan Milošević at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was a defining moment in international law and accountability for war crimes.
- Milošević faced charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s.
- The trial, starting on February 12, 2002, marked the first time a sitting head of state was tried for such crimes in an international court.
- Milošević’s death in 2006 before a verdict was reached left questions about justice and the tribunal’s effectiveness.
The last emperor of China is forced to abdicate
The abdication of Emperor Puyi, a six-year-old child at the time, marked the conclusion of China’s imperial history and the emergence of a republic.
- Pressured by the revolutionary forces of Sun Yat-sen, the Qing government relinquished power, officially ending dynastic rule.
- Puyi’s abdication paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of China under provisional president Sun Yat-sen.
- After losing power, Puyi lived a life filled with political intrigue, serving briefly as a puppet ruler under Japanese occupation, before eventually living in obscurity in Communist China.
Four men steal Edvard Munch’s painting The Scream
In a bold art heist, thieves stole one of the most famous paintings in history, Edvard Munch’s The Scream, capturing the world’s attention.
- On February 12, 1994, during the Lillehammer Winter Olympics, the thieves broke into the National Gallery in Oslo, leaving behind a taunting note: “Thanks for the poor security.”
- The Scream, a depiction of existential dread, is one of the most iconic works of art in modern history.
- After an extensive investigation, the painting was recovered unharmed on May 7, 1994, reinforcing its cultural significance.
