What happened on February 28 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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The end of the first gulf war
The Gulf War officially ended with a ceasefire agreement between the United States-led coalition and Iraq, concluding the intense conflict that had begun with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The war resulted in significant casualties and territorial shifts, and its end marked the beginning of new geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
• The coalition forces, led by the United States, liberated Kuwait after weeks of intense air and ground operations.
• Iraq was forced to retreat, and sanctions were imposed, affecting its economy and military capabilities.
• The ceasefire agreement laid the groundwork for the subsequent Iraq War in 2003.
Watson and crick announce DNA structure discovery
James D. Watson and Francis Crick revealed their groundbreaking discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA, a pivotal moment in the history of biology. This discovery formed the foundation of modern genetics and had lasting implications for medicine, agriculture, and forensics.
• Watson and Crick’s discovery was based on X-ray diffraction data, primarily from Rosalind Franklin.
• The structure revealed how genetic information is stored, replicated, and transmitted within cells.
• Their work earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which they shared with Maurice Wilkins.
The raid on the branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) launched a raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, aiming to arrest cult leader David Koresh, leading to a deadly confrontation. This incident escalated into a 51-day standoff that would become a symbol of federal overreach and law enforcement challenges.
• The raid was prompted by allegations of illegal weapons possession and child abuse within the compound.
• The initial gunfire left four BATF agents and five Davidians dead, escalating tensions.
• The standoff culminated in a final siege by the FBI, resulting in the deaths of Koresh and many of his followers.
Assassination of Swedish prime minster Olof Palme
Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme was assassinated in Stockholm while walking home with his wife. The murder shocked the nation and sparked a lengthy investigation that remains unresolved for many years. Palme’s assassination became one of Sweden’s most high-profile unsolved crimes.
• Palme was shot in the back while walking down a street in central Stockholm.
• The case saw numerous theories and suspects, but no definitive evidence led to a conviction for decades.
• His death left a significant void in Swedish politics and raised questions about the safety of high-ranking officials in Sweden.