Top 5 Historical Events on February 24
February 24th has witnessed significant events that have impacted international relations, U.S. politics, historical battles, religious movements, and military operations. Here are key occurrences on February 24:
1. Russia Invades Ukraine (2022):
Tensions that started in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea continued to escalate significantly when Russia launched a massive military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Widespread worldwide condemnation of Russia’s aggressive action led to a confrontation that has had a significant impact on world politics and security. In addition to escalating the conflict in Eastern Europe, the invasion put the post-World War II international order in jeopardy and led to a number of economic sanctions against Russia on the part of Western nations as well as a review of security plans by NATO members. With millions of Ukrainians forced from their homes and thousands of casualties, the conflict has resulted in a humanitarian disaster. The invasion emphasizes how precarious peace is in the post-Cold War age and how vital diplomatic efforts are to end the conflict and bring calm back to the area.
2. Impeachment of U.S. President Andrew Johnson (1868):
February 24, 1868 saw the U.S. House of Representatives voting to impeach President Andrew Johnson, a significant moment as it was the first time a sitting president faced such charges in American history. The impeachment stemmed from Johnson’s lenient Reconstruction policies towards the Southern states after the Civil War, along with his violation of the Tenure of Office Act. Johnson’s Reconstruction approach focused on swiftly readmitting Southern states to the Union with minimal alterations to their social and economic structures, leading to conflict with the more radical Republican-controlled Congress. They aimed to establish stricter measures to protect the rights of freed slaves and guarantee the South’s allegiance to the Union.
Johnson’s impeachment was triggered by his dismissal of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, which went against the Tenure of Office Act passed by Congress to limit the president’s authority to remove specific officeholders without Senate approval. Considering Johnson’s actions as illegal and an abuse of presidential authority, the House of Representatives accused him of “high crimes and misdemeanors,” resulting in his impeachment.
Johnson’s impeachment trial in the Senate commenced on March 5, 1868, and extended over several weeks. Johnson narrowly escaped conviction by just one vote in a series of votes. The trial emphasized the significant political and social divisions in post-war America, showcasing the power struggle between the executive and legislative branches regarding the nation’s Reconstruction efforts.
3. Gulf War Ground Offensive Begins (1991):
On February 24, 1991, a significant phase of the Gulf War began when coalition forces, under the leadership of the United States, initiated a ground offensive to free Kuwait from Iraqi control. After weeks of intense aerial and missile attacks on Iraqi military targets in Kuwait and Iraq, the strategic move was made to weaken Saddam Hussein’s forces and infrastructure. The ground offensive was a pivotal moment in the conflict, leading to the rapid end of the Gulf War and the return of Kuwaiti independence.
In August 1990, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s decision to invade Kuwait was met with international condemnation, leading to the quick formation of a coalition of nations, spearheaded by the United States under President George H.W. Bush. The main goal of the coalition was evident: to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait and reinstate its rightful government. The United Nations Security Council passed resolutions calling for Iraq’s prompt withdrawal from Kuwait, along with the implementation of economic sanctions. When diplomatic efforts and sanctions did not produce the desired outcome, the coalition turned to military action.
Commencing on January 17, 1991, the aerial bombardment phase targeted Iraq’s air defenses, command and control centers, key infrastructure, and the morale and capabilities of its armed forces. When the ground offensive began, the Iraqi forces were already weakened, allowing the ground troops to move forward.
4. Alamo Defenders Call for Help (1836):
On February 24, 1836, during the siege of the Alamo, the defenders inside the mission’s walls urgently requested assistance. This request for help, written in a letter by Lieutenant Colonel William Barret Travis, leader of the Alamo garrison, has become a legendary document in the Texas Revolution. Travis’s letter was written to the People of Texas & All Americans in the World, vividly portraying the dire situation of the Alamo’s defenders and their determination to resist General Antonio López de Santa Anna’s Mexican army, despite facing overwhelming odds.
Travis wrote in his letter that he would never give up or back down, boldly stating, “I will never surrender or retreat… Victory or Death!” This compelling message not only requested immediate support but also aimed to rally backing for the Texan quest for independence from Mexico. Travis emphasized the defenders’ resolve to battle for freedom and independence, despite the probable loss.
The Alamo siege commenced on February 23, 1836, as Santa Anna’s troops reached San Antonio, Texas, and laid siege to the Alamo mission for 13 days. Despite the valiant efforts of the defenders and Travis’s urgent appeal for reinforcements, the Alamo ultimately fell to the Mexican army on March 6, 1836. All Texan defenders, including well-known figures like James Bowie, Davy Crockett, and Travis himself, perished in the battle. Nevertheless, the bravery of the Alamo’s defenders served as a powerful symbol for Texan forces, leading to the famous battle cry “Remember the Alamo!” and fueling their determination to resist Mexican rule.
5. St. Francis of Assisi Receives His Vocation (1208):
February 24, 1208 saw a significant event take place in the small chapel of Portiuncula, Italy. St. Francis of Assisi, then 26 years old, had a spiritual awakening that would shape his future as a religious figure and lead to the establishment of the Franciscan order. This significant event took place when Francis, searching for a deeper meaning in his life, went to Mass and listened to a passage from the Gospel of Matthew. The reading urged the disciples to spread the word, preach, and embrace a life of simplicity and poverty, free from material possessions.
St. Francis of Assisi was profoundly touched by these words, feeling that they were a divine summons to live a life dedicated to simplicity, modesty, and helping those in need. This significant encounter at Portiuncula prompted him to give up his family’s riches and societal status, embracing a life of simplicity and committing himself to sharing and preaching the Gospel in a way that was inclusive to all. Francis’s strong dedication to the principles of poverty, compassion, and brotherhood swiftly drew supporters, establishing the foundation for the Franciscan movement.
Established by Pope Innocent III in 1209-1210, the Franciscan order emphasized vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and aimed to return to the practices of the early Church, focusing on direct engagement with the community and care for creation. St. Francis’s teachings and way of life led to the creation of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), the Poor Clares (founded by St. Clare under Francis’s guidance), and the Third Order of Saint Francis for laypeople.
