Historical Events
- Feb 1 Colonial government arrests Anton de Kom in Paramaribo Suriname
- Feb 1 Dutch bishops forbid membership of non-catholic unions
German Parliament Dissolved
Feb 1 German Parliament is dissolved by President Paul von Hindenburg by the request of new chancellor Adolf Hitler
Goering Bans Communist Gatherings
Feb 2 Hermann Goering bans Communist meetings and demonstrations in Germany
- Feb 2 Ucicky's "Rotten Morning" premieres in Berlin
- Feb 3 1st interstate legislative conference in US opens, Washington, D.C.
Arsonist to Berlin
Feb 3 Dutch Communist Marinus van der Lubbe departs for Berlin (later arrested, convicted and executed for supposedly setting fire to the German Reichstag)
- Feb 3 German Minister Hermann Goering bans social-democratic newspaper "Vorwarts"
- Feb 4 German President Paul von Hindenburg limits freedom of the press
- Feb 5 Crew of Dutch "7 Provinces" mutiny after pay cuts
- Feb 5 Marinus van der Lubbe passes Dutch-German border, will later set fire to the German Reichstag
- Feb 6 -90°F (-68°C), Oymyakon, USSR (Asian record)
- Feb 6 German President Paul von Hindenburg and Franz von Papen end the Prussian parliament
- Feb 6 Highest recorded sea wave (not tsunami), 34 m, in North Pacific hurricane by USS Ramapo
- Feb 7 Colonial troops in Suriname kill 2 demonstrators
- Feb 7 Social-Dem meeting in Berlin "As thousands cheer" Marxism is dead
- Feb 8 -23°F (-31°C), Seminole, Texas (state record)
- Feb 8 1st flight of all-metal Boeing 247
- Feb 9 -63°F (-53°C), Moran, Wyoming (state record)
- Feb 10 -54°F (-48°C), Seneca, Oregon (state record)
Hitler on Marxism
Feb 10 Adolf Hitler proclaims end of Marxism
- Feb 10 Dutch seaplane bombs Dutch ship
- Feb 10 Mutiny on "7 Provinces" ends (began Feb 4th), 23 killed
- Feb 10 The Postal Telegraph-Cable Company of New York City delivers the 1st singing telegram [1]
- Feb 12 German vice-chancellor von Papen demands Catholic aid for Nazis
- Feb 15 Karl Radek praises invincible force of German communist party
Assassination Attempt
Feb 15 President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt survives assassination in Miami, Florida, attempt but Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak is mortally wounded, he would die on March 29
- Feb 15 Social-democratic newspaper "Vorwarts" banned again in Berlin
- Feb 16 Catholic newspaper Germania warns against Nazis and communists
- Feb 16 England cricket team regains the Ashes against Australia, thanks to "bodyline" tactics
- Feb 17 First issue of American news magazine "Newsweek" is published
- Feb 17 US Senate accepts Blaine Act: ending prohibition
- Feb 19 Prussian minister Goering bans all Catholic newspapers
Curaçao Broadcast System
Feb 20 Curaçao Broadcast System, Curom, starts in the Dutch Caribbean with a speech by Princess Juliana
- Feb 20 Sidney Howard's "Alien Corn" premieres in NYC
- Feb 20 US House of Representatives completes congressional action to repeal Prohibition
- Feb 22 Hungarian scholar and the founder of Tibetan studies Alexander Csoma de Kőrös declared a Bodhisattva (Buddhist saint) in Japan
Land Speed Record
Feb 22 Malcolm Campbell sets a world land speed record of 272.46 mph driving his famous Blue Bird car at Daytona Beach, Florida
- Feb 24 Final demonstration of German communist party in Berlin
- Feb 24 League of Nations tells Japanese to pull out of Manchuria
- Feb 25 1st genuine US aircraft carrier named, USS Ranger
- Feb 25 Major NFL rule changes (hash mark 10 yds in, posts on goal line)
- Feb 25 New York industrialist Thomas Yawkey purchases Boston Red Sox for $1.25 million
- Feb 26 Dutch Communist Marinus van der Lubbe kept overnight in a police cell
- Feb 26 Golden Gate Bridge groundbreaking ceremony held at Crissy Field
Intermezzo
Feb 27 Jean Genet's play "Intermezzo" premieres in Paris
Reichstag Fire
Feb 27 Nazi Germany's parliament building, the Reichstag, is destroyed by fire; possibly set by the Nazis, who blame and execute Dutch Communist Marinus van der Lubbe
- Feb 28 1st female in US Cabinet: Frances Perkins appointed Secretary of Labor
- Feb 28 After the Reichstag Fire Decree, the German Communist Party (KPD) is essentially outlawed (though not formally banned) after the German government blames the Communists for burning down the Reichstag building
- Feb 28 On Adolf Hitler's advice, German President Paul von Hindenburg signs the Reichstag Fire Decree after the building is destroyed by fire in Berlin; this eliminates many civil liberties in Germany
- Feb 28 Pacifist and anti fascist writer Carl Von Ossietzky arrested, sent to Esterwegen-Papenburg concentration camp
Famous Birthdays
- Feb 1 Reynolds Price, American writer (A Long and Happy Life; Kate Vaiden; Strengthened By a Pale Green Light), born in Macon, North Carolina (d. 2011)
- Feb 1 Sadao Watanabe, Japanese jazz and bossa nova saxophonist, and flute player, born in Utsunomiya, Japan
- Feb 2 Than Shwe, Burmese army general and authoritarian leader of Myanmar (1992-2011), born in Kyaukse, British Burma
- Feb 2 Tony Jay, British-American stage, screen, and voice actor (Twins; The Hunchback of Notre Dame - "Frollo"), born in London, England (d. 2006)
- Feb 3 Paul Sarbanes, American politician (Senator-D-MD, 1977-2007, sponsored Sarbanes–Oxley Act), born in Salisbury, Maryland (d. 2020)
- Feb 3 Varetta Dillard, American R&B singer ("Mercy, Mr. Percy"; "Easy, Easy Baby"; "Johnny Has Gone"), and civil rights activist, born in Harlem, New York City (d. 1993) [1]
- Feb 4 Toshi Ichiyanagi, Japanese avant-garde composer, pianist, and first husband of Yoko Ono, born in Kobe, Japan (d. 2022)
- Feb 5 Jörn Donner, Finnish director (Anna, Tenderness), born in Helsinki, Finland (d. 2020)
- Feb 5 Nicholas Georgiade, American actor (Untouchables, Run Buddy Run), born in New York City (d. 2021)
- Feb 5 Ron Wilson, American percussionist (Surfaris, drummed on "Wipe Out"), born in Los Angeles, California (d. 1989)
- Feb 6 Leslie Crowther, English comedian and television presenter, born in West Bridgford, United Kingdom (d. 1996)
- Feb 6 Walter Fauntroy, American pastor and politician (Rep-D-DC, 1971-91), born in Washington, D.C.
- Feb 7 John Anderton, English footballer
- Feb 8 Elly Ameling, Dutch soprano (1953-96), born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands [1]
- Feb 9 Charles Williams, Lord Williams of Elvel, British and politician (Member of the House of Lords, 1985-2019), born in Oxford, England (d. 2019)
- Feb 9 Countess of Airlie [Virginia Ogilvy], Newport, New Jersey, American-born Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II
- Feb 9 Jo Ann Prentice, American golfer (6 LPGA titles, US Open runner-up 1962), born in Birmingham, Alabama
- Feb 9 Maria Dybbro, Danish jazz saxophonist, born in Copenhagen, Denmark
- Feb 10 Don Wilson, American rock guitarist (The Ventures - "Hawaii 5-0 Theme"; "Walk, Don't Run"), born in Tacoma, Washington (d. 2022)
- Feb 11 Mildred Sampson, New Zealand distance runner (world marathon record 3:19:33 1964), born in Auckland, New Zealand
- Feb 12 Costa-Gavras, Greek-French film director ("Z"), born in Loutra Iraias, Greece
- Feb 12 Ivan Nikolayevich Anikeyev, Russian "lost" cosmonaut, born in USSR (d. 1992)
- Feb 12 Juanita [Ruth] Coulson, sci-fi author (Web of Wizardry, Space Trap), born in Indiana
- Feb 13 Caroline Blakiston, English actress (Brass, Return of the Jedi), born in London, England
- Feb 13 Emanuel Ungaro, French fashion designer (Neiman-Marcus Award-1969), born in Aix-en-Provence, France (d. 2019)
- Feb 13 Kim Novak [Marilyn], American actress (Vertigo, Of Human Bondage), born in Chicago, Illinois
- Feb 13 Paul Biya, Cameroon politician, President of Cameroon (1982- ), born in Mvomeka'a, Cameroon
- Feb 14 Andrey Mikhaylovich Volkonsky, Russian composer, born in Geneva, Switzerland (d. 2008)
- Feb 14 Bertram Turetzky, American classical, jazz, klezmer double bassist, composer, pedagogue, and author (The Contemporary Contrabass), born in Norwich, Connecticut
- Feb 14 Dick Yarmy, American character actor (Get Smart; Kentucky Fried Movie; Mork & Mindy), born in New York City (d. 1992)
- Feb 14 Evelyn Ebsworth, Vice-Chancellor (Durham U), born in Richmond, United Kingdom (d. 2015)
- Feb 14 Madhubala [Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi], Indian actress regarded as "The Venus of Indian Cinema", born in Delhi, India (d. 1969)
- Feb 15 Adolfo [Sardiña], Cuban fashion designer (Nancy Reagan)Adolfo [ Sardiña], born in Cárdenas, Cuba (d. 2018)
- Feb 16 Elbert Dubenion, American football wide receiver and running back (AFL All Star 1964; Buffalo Bills), born in Griffin, Georgia (d. 2019)
- Feb 17 Craig L. Thomas, American politician (Senator-R-Wyoming 1995-2007, Rep-R-Wyoming 1989-95), born in Cody, Wyoming (d. 2007)
- Feb 18 Mary Ure, Scottish actress (Reflection of Fear, Windom's Way) (d. 1975), born in Glasgow, Scotland
- Feb 18 Sir Bobby Robson, English soccer forward, coach (20 caps; England manager 1982-90), born in Sacriston, County Durham (d. 2009)
Yoko Ono (91 years old)
Feb 18 Japanese artist, poet, singer, and second wife of John Lennon, born in Tokyo, Empire of Japan [1]
- Feb 20 Charles Kynard, American soul, jazz, and funk Hammond B-3 organ player ("Reelin' With The Feelin'"), born in St. Louis, Missouri (d. 1979)
- Feb 20 Hannes Postma, Dutch painter and graphic artist, born in Haarlem, Netherlands (d. 2020)
- Feb 20 Jan Henrik Kayser, Norwegian concert pianist (Grieg Prize, 1978), born in Bergen, Norway (d. 2016)
- Feb 21 Bob Rafelson, American Emmy Award-winning television producer (The Monkees), and film maker (Five Easy Pieces; Easy Rider; Head), born in New York City (d. 2022)
Nina Simone (1933-2003)
Feb 21 American jazz pianist, singer, songwriter, arranger, and civil rights activist (“Mississippi Goddam”; “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black”, “Feeling Good”; “Wild Is The Wind”), born in Tryon, North Carolina
- Feb 22 Bobby Smith, English soccer centre forward (15 caps; Tottenham Hotspur 271 games, 176 goals), born in Lingdale, England (d. 2010)
- Feb 22 Ernie K-Doe [Ernest Kador Jr.], American R&B singer ("Mother-in-Law"), born in New Orleans, Louisiana (d. 2001)
- Feb 22 Faith Thomas, Australian cricket fast bowler (1 WTest; first Indigenous woman to represent Australia in any sport; South Australia), born in Nepabunna, Australia (d. 2023)
- Feb 22 Joseph Lechleider, American electrical engineer (invented DSL /high speed internet technology), born in Brooklyn, New York (d. 2015)
- Feb 22 Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, Duchess of Kent, born in Hovingham, United Kingdom
- Feb 22 Louise Lopez, American disco singer (Odyssey -"Native New Yorker"; "Use It Up And Wear It Out"), born in Connecticut (d. 2015)
- Feb 22 Sheila Hancock, British stage and screen actress (Mr, Digby Darling - "Thelma"), born in Blackgang on the Isle of Wight, England
- Feb 23 Donna J. Stone, American poet (Wielder of Words), born in Ohio (d. 1994)
- Feb 23 Lee Calhoun, American athlete (Olympic gold 110m hurdles 1956, 60), born in Laurel, Mississippi (d. 1989)
- Feb 24 David "Fathead" Newman, American jazz saxophonist (Ray Charles - "The Right Time"), born in Corsicana, Texas (d. 2009)
- Feb 24 Judah Folkman, American pediatric surgeon and cancer researcher (angiogenesis), born in Cleveland, Ohio (d. 2008)
- Feb 26 George Tindley, American soul singer and songwriter (The Dreams; The Red Caps), born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (d. 1996)
- Feb 26 Godfrey Cambridge, American actor (Cotton comes to Harlem), born in New York City (d. 1976)
- Feb 26 James Goldsmith, French-British business tycoon and politician (Member of European Parliament, 1994-97; founder of UK's Referendum Party), born in Paris, France (d. 1997)
- Feb 27 Edward Lucie-Smith, British poet and poetry critic, born in Kingston, Jamaica
- Feb 27 Geoffrey Maitland Smith, British accountant (Sir Charles Clore; Paul McCartney) and businessman (CEO of Sears, 1978-95), born in Islington, London, England (d. 2014)
- Feb 27 Malcolm Wallop, American politician (Sen-R-WY, 1977–1995), born in New York City (d. 2011)
- Feb 27 Raymond Berry, American Pro Football HOF split end (NFL C'ship 1958, 59 Baltimore Colts; First-team All-Pro 1958, 59, 60; 6 × Pro Bowl) and coach (New England Patriots 1984–89), born in Corpus Christi, Texas
- Feb 28 Charles Vinci, American weightlifter (Olympic bantamweight gold 1956, 60), born in Cleveland, Ohio (d. 2018)
- Feb 28 Miro Steržaj, Slovenian 9-pin bowler
- Feb 28 Rein Taagepera, Estonian politician
- Feb 28 Robert Grondelaers, Belgian cyclist (d. 1989)
Famous Deaths
- Feb 4 Archibald Sayce, English educator (b. 1846)
- Feb 7 Albert Apponyi, Hungarian politician (Minister of Religion and Education of Hungary), dies at 86
- Feb 12 Henri Duparc, French composer, dies at 85
- Feb 16 Archie Jackson, Australian cricket batsman (8 Tests, 1 x 100, HS 164; NSWCA), dies from tuberculosis at 23
- Feb 17 Henri Viotta, Dutch conductor and composer (Handbook of Music), dies at 84
James J. Corbett (1866-1933)
Feb 18 American boxer (world heavyweight champion 1892-97), dies of liver cancer at 66
- Feb 19 Arnold Mendelssohn, German composer, dies at 77
- Feb 21 Acacio Gabriel Viegas, Indian physician who identified the plague in Bombay, dies at 76
- Feb 24 Spottiswoode Aitken, Scottish actor (The Birth of a Nation, The Avenging Conscience), dies at 65
- Feb 26 Antoni Nicolau, Spanish composer and conductor, dies at 74
- Feb 26 Princess Thyra, daughter of Christian IX of Denmark (b. 1853)
