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What Happened on February 15?

Discover 18 historical moments on February 158 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.

politicswarsportsentertainmentlawdisastersciencespace

Hero image inspired by: USS Maine (1890)

Historical Events on February 15(8)

1898 Event

USS Maine Explodes

The USS Maine explodes and sinks in Havana Harbor, Cuba. This event significantly contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

war
1898 Event

USS Maine explodes in Havana Harbor

The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor led to the Spanish-American War. The cause of the explosion remains a subject of debate.

war
1951 Event

First Australian Parliament opens

The first Parliament of Australia was opened by King George VI. This marked a significant step in the nation's governance.

politicslaw
1999 Event

Arrest of Abdullah Öcalan

Abdullah Öcalan, a key figure in the Kurdistan Workers' Party, was apprehended by Turkish security forces in Nairobi, Kenya. His arrest marked a significant development in the conflict involving the PKK.

politicswar
2003 Event

Global Anti-War Protests Against Iraq Invasion

Millions worldwide participated in anti-war rallies, protesting the impending invasion of Iraq. The demonstrations took place in approximately 800 cities, marking one of history's largest anti-war movements.

warpolitics
2010 Event

Halle Train Collision

Two passenger trains collided in Halle, Belgium, when one driver failed to stop at a red signal. The collision resulted in 19 deaths and 171 injuries.

disasterlaw
2013 Event

Chelyabinsk Meteor Explosion

A meteor exploded over Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia, producing a shock wave that injured about 1,500 people.

disastersciencespace
2018 Event

Ethiopian Prime Minister Resignation

Following nationwide protests, Hailemariam Desalegn announced his resignation as prime minister of Ethiopia. He remained in post as a caretaker until he was succeeded by Abiy Ahmed.

politics

Famous Birthdays on February 15(5)

1997🎂 Birth

Derrick Jones Jr.

American basketball player Derrick Jones Jr. was born.

sports
1998🎂 Birth

Zachary Gordon

American actor Zachary Gordon was born.

entertainment
1998🎂 Birth

George Russell

English racing driver George Russell was born.

sports
2000🎂 Birth

Jakub Kiwior

Polish footballer Jakub Kiwior was born.

sports
2004🎂 Birth

Šimon Nemec

Slovak ice hockey player Šimon Nemec was born.

sports

Notable Deaths on February 15(5)

2023🕊️ Death

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch, the American actress and singer, has died. She was born in 1940.

entertainment
2025🕊️ Death

George Armitage

American film director George Armitage died.

entertainment
2025🕊️ Death

Muhsin Hendricks

Muhsin Hendricks, a South African imam, Islamic scholar, and LGBT activist, has died. He was born in 1967.

religionpolitics
2026🕊️ Death

Robert Duvall

American actor and filmmaker Robert Duvall died.

entertainment

February 15 in History

February 15 is home to 18 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 8 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1898 to the present day.

Major Events on February 15

Among the most notable events on February 15: USS Maine Explodes (1898), USS Maine explodes in Havana Harbor (1898), First Australian Parliament opens (1951). View all events →

Famous Birthdays on February 15

Notable figures born on February 15 include Derrick Jones Jr., Zachary Gordon, George Russell. View all birthdays →

Notable Deaths on February 15

Remembered figures who died on February 15 include Raquel Welch, George Armitage, Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa. View all →

Browse what happened on February 14 or February 16, explore the full month of February, or discover a random historical fact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on February 15?
February 15 is home to 18 recorded historical entries, including 8 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
What is the most notable event on February 15?
One of the most notable events on February 15 is: USS Maine Explodes.
Who was born on February 15?
Famous figures born on February 15 include Derrick Jones Jr., Zachary Gordon, George Russell.
How many historical events happened on February 15?
Our collection records 8 historical events on February 15, spanning centuries of world history.
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