1327day.year
The teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer.
At just 14 years old, Edward III ascended the English throne amid a power struggle. Real authority rested with Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer during his minority.
At just 14 years old, Edward III ascended the English throne following the forced abdication of his father, Edward II. His coronation at Westminster Abbey on February 1, 1327, marked the start of a new reign in name only. The young king’s mother, Queen Isabella of France, and her ally and lover, Roger Mortimer, exercised de facto control over the kingdom. Mortimer amassed lands, titles, and influence, shaping policy and suppressing dissent among the nobility. Opposition to Mortimer’s regency grew, culminating in Edward III’s bold coup in 1330. With Mortimer arrested and executed, Edward III began to rule in his own right, later becoming one of England’s most celebrated medieval monarchs.
1327
Edward III
Queen Isabella
Roger Mortimer
1411day.year
The First Peace of Thorn is signed in Thorn (Toruń), Monastic State of the Teutonic Knights (Prussia).
The First Peace of Thorn ends the conflict between the Teutonic Knights and the Polish-Lithuanian alliance. The treaty is signed in the city of Thorn (Toruń).
After years of border skirmishes and two major battles, the Teutonic Knights and the allied forces of Poland and Lithuania agreed to peace terms in Thorn on February 1, 1411. The treaty restored territorial boundaries largely to their pre-war lines, with minor adjustments that favored Poland-Lithuania. Annual tributes were established to be paid by the Teutonic Order to Lithuania in lieu of captives. The agreement also called for the exchange of prisoners of war and the cessation of hostilities. While it ended the immediate conflict, tensions remained high, setting the stage for future wars in the region. The Second Peace of Thorn would follow decades later, reshaping the balance of power in Central Europe.
1411
First Peace of Thorn
Thorn (Toruń)
Monastic State of the Teutonic Knights
1796day.year
The capital of Upper Canada is moved from Newark to York.
Upper Canada relocates its capital from Newark to the newly founded town of York. The move aims to improve defense and governance.
On February 1, 1796, Governor John Graves Simcoe officially declared the town of York (later Toronto) the new capital of Upper Canada, replacing Newark (present-day Niagara-on-the-Lake). Simcoe cited York’s strategic position on Lake Ontario and its defensible harbor as key reasons for the relocation, especially in light of threats from the nearby United States. The move also aimed to stimulate settlement and development in the region’s southwestern territory. Land grants were offered to encourage loyalist immigrants and merchants to establish businesses in York. Over the following decades, York grew rapidly into a political and economic center. Its selection as capital laid the foundations for modern-day Toronto’s status as Canada’s largest city.
1796
Upper Canada
Newark
York
1861day.year
American Civil War: Texas secedes from the United States and joins the Confederacy a week later.
Texas votes to secede from the Union and soon joins the Confederate States of America. The decision makes Texas the seventh Confederate state.
In a convention held on February 1, 1861, delegates in Austin approved an ordinance of secession, formally removing Texas from the United States. Driven by disputes over states’ rights and slavery, Texas became the seventh state to join the Confederacy on March 2, 1861. The secession vote was backed by a majority of white landowners and political leaders who feared the abolition of slavery under the incoming Lincoln administration. Texas’ strategic position along the Gulf Coast and its agricultural resources proved vital to the Confederate war effort. The move deepened national divisions, contributing to the outbreak of the American Civil War. Despite opposition from some Unionists and Native American tribes, secession set Texas on a path of conflict and reconstruction for years to come.
1861
American Civil War
Texas
secedes
Confederacy
1865day.year
President Abraham Lincoln signs the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
President Abraham Lincoln signs the Thirteenth Amendment, officially abolishing slavery throughout the United States.
On February 1, 1865, Abraham Lincoln endorses the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, marking a pivotal moment in American history.
The amendment prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime.
It follows years of civil war fought over the issue of slavery and states' rights.
Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to emancipation culminate in this legal milestone.
The amendment paves the way for the Reconstruction era and fundamental changes in American society.
It remains one of the most significant constitutional amendments ever adopted.
1865
Abraham Lincoln
Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution
1908day.year
Lisbon Regicide: King Carlos I of Portugal and Infante Luis Filipe are shot dead in Lisbon.
King Carlos I of Portugal and his heir, Infante Luís Filipe, are assassinated in the Lisbon Regicide.
On February 1, 1908, a violent attack in Lisbon ends the lives of King Carlos I and Prince Luís Filipe.
The assassins, linked to republican conspirators, ambush the royal carriage in the Praça do Comércio.
Carlos I dies instantly, while his son succumbs to wounds shortly after.
These events trigger a national crisis, undermining the monarchy's stability.
Prince Manuel II ascends the throne amidst growing calls for republican government.
The regicide accelerates political turmoil that leads to the 1910 revolution and the establishment of the Portuguese Republic.
1908
Lisbon Regicide
Carlos I of Portugal
Infante Luis Filipe
Lisbon
1924day.year
Russia–United Kingdom relations are restored, over six years after the Communist revolution.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and the United Kingdom are restored after six years of estrangement.
On February 1, 1924, Britain formally recognizes the Soviet government and reestablishes ties with Russia.
Diplomatic relations were severed following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and subsequent interventions.
The restoration opens channels for trade, cultural exchange, and political dialogue.
It signals a pragmatic shift in British foreign policy toward the new Soviet regime.
Despite mutual suspicion, both nations see economic opportunities in renewed cooperation.
This step shapes the interwar diplomatic landscape in Europe and beyond.
1924
Russia–United Kingdom relations
1942day.year
World War II: Josef Terboven, Reichskommissar of German-occupied Norway, appoints Vidkun Quisling the Minister President of the National Government.
Vidkun Quisling is installed as Minister President of Norway's collaborationist government by Reichskommissar Josef Terboven.
On February 1, 1942, Reichskommissar Josef Terboven installs Vidkun Quisling as head of Norway's puppet government.
Quisling, infamous for his pro-Nazi stance, replaces a provisional council under German occupation.
His regime enacts policies aligning Norway with the Third Reich's military and ideological goals.
The appointment deepens resistance movements and civil unrest within Norway.
Quisling's name becomes synonymous with betrayal and collaboration in world history.
His government lasts until the end of the occupation in 1945, leaving a controversial legacy.
1942
World War II
Josef Terboven
Reichskommissar
German-occupied Norway
Vidkun Quisling
Minister President
National Government
1942day.year
Voice of America, the official external radio and television service of the United States government, begins broadcasting with programs aimed at areas controlled by the Axis powers.
Voice of America began broadcasting on February 1, 1942, providing news and cultural programs to regions under Axis control during World War II.
On February 1, 1942, the United States government launched the Voice of America (VOA) external radio and television service. VOA's mission was to deliver uncensored news, information, and cultural content to occupied territories and Axis-controlled areas. The service countered enemy propaganda and aimed to bolster Allied morale abroad. Early broadcasts reached listeners in Europe, North Africa, and Asia, offering a lifeline of truthful reporting. Over the decades, VOA evolved into a major global broadcaster still operating in dozens of languages.
Voice of America
United States government
Axis powers
1942day.year
Mao Zedong makes a speech on "Reform in Learning, the Party and Literature", which puts into motion the Yan'an Rectification Movement.
Mao Zedong's speech on 'Reform in Learning, the Party and Literature' on February 1, 1942, initiated the Yan'an Rectification Movement within the Chinese Communist Party.
Delivered at the Communist base in Yan'an, Mao Zedong's speech 'Reform in Learning, the Party and Literature' outlined the need for ideological unity and discipline. It launched the Yan'an Rectification Movement, the first major internal campaign of the Chinese Communist Party. The movement sought to standardize Marxist thought, strengthen party organization, and eliminate dissenting viewpoints. Over the next three years, cadres underwent intensive study, criticism, and self-criticism sessions. The Rectification Movement consolidated Mao's leadership and established the ideological foundations that guided the party through the coming civil war.
Mao Zedong
Yan'an Rectification Movement
1946day.year
Trygve Lie of Norway is picked to be the first United Nations Secretary-General.
Trygve Lie was appointed the first United Nations Secretary-General on February 1, 1946.
On February 1, 1946, the United Nations General Assembly selected Norwegian diplomat Trygve Lie as the organization's inaugural Secretary-General. Tasked with building the UN's institutions from the ground up, Lie focused on peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and refugee resettlement in the postwar world. He led efforts to implement the UN Charter and coordinate emerging agencies like UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Lie also navigated early Cold War tensions, mediating disputes and advocating for decolonization. His leadership set precedents for the Secretary-General's role and shaped the future of international diplomacy.
1946
Trygve Lie
United Nations Secretary-General
1946day.year
The Parliament of Hungary abolishes the monarchy after nine centuries, and proclaims the Hungarian Republic.
The Hungarian Parliament abolished its nine-century-old monarchy and declared a republic on February 1, 1946.
On February 1, 1946, Hungary's National Assembly voted to end the country's ancient monarchy and proclaimed the Hungarian Republic. This decision followed the turmoil of World War II and the end of Regent Miklós Horthy's rule. By embracing republican governance, Hungary aligned itself with democratic reforms sweeping across Europe. A provisional constitution was drafted to guarantee civil liberties, parliamentary elections, and separation of powers. The republic laid the groundwork for Hungary's postwar political landscape and the eventual transition to a people's democracy under Soviet influence.
Parliament of Hungary
Hungarian Republic