What happened on February 18 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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Enzo Ferrari is born
Enzo Ferrari, the visionary behind the Ferrari automobile brand and a pioneer in motorsports, was born in Modena, Italy.
- Before founding Ferrari, he was a racing driver for Alfa Romeo and later managed their racing division.
- In 1947, he launched Scuderia Ferrari, which became one of the most dominant teams in Formula One history.
- Ferrari remains one of the most prestigious names in automotive design, synonymous with luxury, speed, and racing excellence.
The Gambia becomes independent from the United Kingdom
The Gambia, a small West African nation, gained independence from British colonial rule, marking a significant moment in its history.
- Following years of political activism, the country achieved self-governance under Prime Minister Dawda Jawara.
- In 1970, The Gambia transitioned from a monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II to a fully independent republic.
The first Ironman Triathlon competition takes place
The inaugural Ironman Triathlon, one of the toughest endurance races in the world, was held in Hawaii, testing the limits of human strength and perseverance.
- The event combined three grueling competitions—a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon.
- The idea came from a debate among athletes about whether swimmers, cyclists, or runners were the fittest.
Ban on fox hunting with dogs comes into force in England and Wales
A historic ban on hunting foxes with dogs was implemented in England and Wales, sparking intense political and social debate.
- Fox hunting had been a traditional sport for centuries but faced growing opposition from animal rights activists.
- The Hunting Act 2004 made it illegal to use dogs to hunt wild mammals, though some exemptions were granted.
- The law remains contentious, with supporters of hunting calling for its repeal and animal welfare groups defending it.