Today In History, Feb. 2: F.W. de Klerk
Today is Saturday, Feb. 2.
Today's Highlight in History:
1990: F. W. de Klerk
On Feb. 2, 1990, in a dramatic concession to South Africa's black majority, President F.W. de Klerk lifted a ban on the African National Congress and promised to free Nelson Mandela.
1914: Charles Chaplin
In 1914, Charles Chaplin made his movie debut as the comedy short "Making a Living" was released by Keystone Film Co. The musical "Shameen Dhu," featuring the song "Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral," opened on Broadway.
1925: Alaska Serum Run
In 1925, the legendary Alaska Serum Run ended as the last of a series of dog mushers brought a life-saving treatment to Nome, the scene of a diphtheria epidemic, six days after the drug left Nenana.
1943: Battle of Stalingrad
In 1943, the remainder of Nazi forces from the Battle of Stalingrad surrendered in a major victory for the Soviets in World War II.
1948: Harry S. Truman
In 1948, President Harry S. Truman sent a 10-point civil rights program to Congress, where the proposals ran into fierce opposition from southern lawmakers.
1971: Idi Amin
In 1971, Idi Amin, having seized power in Uganda, proclaimed himself president.
1988: Ronald Reagan
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan pressed his case for additional aid to the Nicaraguan Contras a day ahead of a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives. (The three major broadcast TV networks declined to carry the speech, which was covered by CNN; a divided House voted to reject Reagan's request for $36.2 million in new aid.)
2002: World Economic Forum
In 2002, inside the World Economic Forum in New York, foreign economic leaders criticized the United States for protectionist policies while outside, thousands of protesters demonstrated against global capitalism.
2009: Eric Holder
Ten years ago: The Senate confirmed Eric Holder, 75-21, to be attorney general.
2009: Hilary Clinton
Ten years ago: Hillary Rodham Clinton was sworn in as U.S. secretary of state. The Senate confirmed Eric Holder, 75-21, to be attorney general.
2009: Iran Satellite
Ten years ago: Iran sent its first domestically made satellite, Omid ("hope"), into orbit.
2009: Moammar Gadhafi
Ten years ago: Moammar Gadhafi of Libya was elected leader of the African Union.
2009: Quetta, Pakistan
Ten years ago: Gunmen abducted American U.N. worker John Solecki in Quetta, Pakistan, killing his driver. (Solecki was released unharmed two months later.)
2009: Tom Daschle
Ten years ago: President Barack Obama's choice for health secretary, Tom Daschle, apologized for failing to pay more than $120,000 in taxes. (Daschle ended up withdrawing his nomination.)
2014: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Five years ago: Academy Award-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, 46, was found dead in his New York apartment from a combination of heroin, cocaine and other drugs.
2014: Seattle Seahawks
Five years ago: The Seattle Seahawks won their first Super Bowl title, crushing the favored Denver Broncos 43-8.
2018: Stock Market
One year ago: The Dow industrials fell more than 650 points as the stock market completed its worst week in two years amid fears of inflation and disappointing quarterly results from technology and energy giants.
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