211day.year
Following the death of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus at Eboracum (modern York, England) while preparing to lead a campaign against the Caledonians, the empire is left in the control of his two quarrelling sons, Caracalla and Geta, whom he had instructed to make peace.
After Emperor Septimius Severus died in York, his sons Caracalla and Geta inherited the Roman Empire, setting the stage for a bitter power struggle.
On February 4, 211 AD, Emperor Septimius Severus passed away in Eboracum (modern York) while preparing to campaign against the Caledonians.
He had appointed his sons Caracalla and Geta as joint heirs, hoping they would maintain peace across the empire.
Almost immediately, tensions flared between the brothers as they vied for exclusive authority.
Caracalla, the elder, sought to consolidate power and sidelined Geta from key military and administrative decisions.
This rivalry culminated in Caracalla arranging Geta's assassination the following year, ending the brief co-rule.
The fratricidal conflict marked a tragic chapter in Roman imperial history and underscored the perils of divided rule.
211
Septimius Severus
Caledonians
Caracalla
Geta
960day.year
Zhao Kuangyin declares himself Emperor Taizu of Song, ending the Later Zhou and beginning the Song dynasty.
Zhao Kuangyin proclaims himself Emperor Taizu of Song, founding the Song dynasty and bringing an end to the Later Zhou.
On February 4, 960, the general Zhao Kuangyin seized power in Kaifeng and declared himself Emperor Taizu of Song.
His ascension marked the end of the short-lived Later Zhou dynasty and the beginning of over three centuries of Song rule.
Emperor Taizu implemented civil service reforms to curb military power and strengthen central governance.
Under his leadership, China experienced cultural flourishing, advancements in technology, and economic growth.
The Song dynasty became renowned for its watercolor painting, movable-type printing, and innovations in navigation.
Taizu's legacy endured as he laid the foundations for a stable and prosperous era in Chinese history.
960
Zhao Kuangyin
Emperor Taizu of Song
Later Zhou
Song dynasty
1789day.year
George Washington is unanimously elected as the first President of the United States by the U.S. Electoral College.
George Washington is unanimously elected by the Electoral College as the first President of the United States.
On February 4, 1789, the U.S. Electoral College cast all its votes for George Washington, securing his unanimous election.
This historic decision followed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and establishment of the executive branch.
Washington’s leadership during the American Revolution and his stature as a unifying figure made him the natural choice.
He traveled to New York City for his inauguration, which took place on April 30 at Federal Hall.
As president, he set critical precedents for the office, including the two-term tradition and the formation of a Cabinet.
His presidency laid the groundwork for the young nation’s governance and international standing.
1789
George Washington
President of the United States
U.S. Electoral College
1801day.year
John Marshall is sworn in as Chief Justice of the United States.
John Marshall was sworn in as Chief Justice of the United States, ushering in a transformative era for the Supreme Court.
On February 4, 1801, John Marshall took the oath as Chief Justice, becoming the longest-serving presiding officer in Supreme Court history. His appointment by President John Adams followed a fierce partisan battle in the new republic. Over his 34-year tenure, Marshall authored landmark opinions that established the principle of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison. He also shaped the balance of power between federal and state governments through decisions such as McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden. Marshall's leadership transformed the Supreme Court into a co-equal branch of government. His legal philosophy emphasized a strong national government and a robust interpretation of the Constitution. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential jurists in American history.
1801
John Marshall
Chief Justice of the United States
1938day.year
Adolf Hitler appoints himself as head of the Armed Forces High Command.
Adolf Hitler assumed direct control over the German Armed Forces High Command, consolidating his military authority.
On February 4, 1938, Chancellor Adolf Hitler formally appointed himself Oberster Befehlshaber (Supreme Commander) of the German Armed Forces High Command (OKW). This move followed the resignation of General Werner von Blomberg and reflected Hitler's desire for absolute military control. By merging political leadership with supreme command, Hitler removed institutional checks on his strategic decisions. The consolidation of military and political power enabled aggressive preparations for future expansion and conflict. Under his direct oversight, Germany accelerated rearmament and refined its Blitzkrieg tactics. Hitler's command reshaped the Wehrmacht's operational doctrine and hierarchical structure. This centralization of authority was a key step toward the outbreak of World War II.
1938
Adolf Hitler
Armed Forces High Command
1945day.year
World War II: The Yalta Conference between the "Big Three" (Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin) opens at the Livadia Palace in the Crimea.
The Yalta Conference opens at Livadia Palace in Crimea, where Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin meet to plan postwar Europe.
Beginning on February 4, 1945, the leaders of the United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union convened at the Livadia Palace near Yalta in Crimea. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Premier Joseph Stalin discussed the final defeat of Nazi Germany and the postwar reorganization of Europe. Key outcomes included agreements on the establishment of the United Nations, the division of Germany into occupation zones, and Soviet entry into the war against Japan. The conference shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Cold War, laying the foundation for tensions that would follow. Negotiations also addressed territorial adjustments and reparations. The Yalta agreements remain a subject of historical debate over their long-term impact.
Yalta Conference
Churchill
Roosevelt
Stalin
Livadia Palace
Crimea
1948day.year
Ceylon (later renamed Sri Lanka) becomes independent within the British Commonwealth.
Ceylon attains full independence within the British Commonwealth, becoming the Dominion of Ceylon on February 4, 1948.
On February 4, 1948, Ceylon officially gained independence from British colonial rule, remaining a dominion within the British Commonwealth. The new nation adopted a parliamentary system with D.S. Senanayake as its first prime minister. The transition followed decades of political reform movements and negotiations with London. Independence Day celebrations were marked by flag-raising ceremonies and public festivities in Colombo and across the island. While retaining the British monarch as head of state, Ceylon established full control over its domestic affairs and international relations. This milestone set the stage for the island’s later transition to a republic and its eventual renaming as Sri Lanka in 1972. Today, February 4 is commemorated as National Day in Sri Lanka.
1948
Ceylon
Sri Lanka
British Commonwealth
1992day.year
A coup d'état is led by Hugo Chávez against Venezuelan President Carlos Andrés Pérez.
In 1992, Hugo Chávez led a failed coup d'état against Venezuelan President Carlos Andrés Pérez.
On February 4, 1992, Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chávez and a group of military officers launched a coup attempt against President Carlos Andrés Pérez.
The uprising began with coordinated attacks on key military installations in Caracas.
Despite initial gains, loyalist forces quickly regained control and the coup collapsed.
Chávez was arrested and sentenced to prison, where he became a national figure.
Upon his release in 1994, Chávez entered politics, ultimately winning the presidency in 1998.
The 1992 coup laid the foundation for the Bolivarian Revolution and reshaped Venezuela’s political landscape.
1992
coup d'état
Hugo Chávez
Venezuelan
Carlos Andrés Pérez
2000day.year
The World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium, Charter of Paris is signed by the President of France, Jacques Chirac and the Director General of UNESCO, Koichiro Matsuura, initiating World Cancer Day which is held on February 4 every year.
In 2000, France and UNESCO launched the Charter of Paris against Cancer, establishing World Cancer Day on February 4 each year.
On February 4, 2000, President Jacques Chirac and UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura signed the Charter of Paris Against Cancer.
This landmark agreement emerged from the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium.
The charter called for global cooperation in cancer research, prevention, and care.
It also aimed to inform the public and reduce stigma around cancer diagnoses.
World Cancer Day was inaugurated to commemorate the signing and to raise awareness annually.
Since then, February 4 has become a rallying point for campaigns, screenings, and educational events worldwide.
The initiative has united governments, NGOs, and medical communities in the fight against cancer.
2000
Jacques Chirac
UNESCO
Koichiro Matsuura
World Cancer Day
2003day.year
The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia adopts a new constitution, becoming a loose confederacy between Montenegro and Serbia.
In 2003, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia adopted a new constitution, reconstituting itself as a confederation of Serbia and Montenegro.
On February 4, 2003, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia enacted a new constitution, redefining its structure as a loose confederacy between Serbia and Montenegro.
The reform granted greater autonomy to its constituent republics while maintaining a shared federal framework.
The move was part of efforts to stabilize the region after the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s.
Leaders in Belgrade and Podgorica negotiated the new arrangement amid international diplomatic pressure.
The confederation allowed each republic to pursue closer ties with the European Union independently.
However, tensions over sovereignty persisted, leading to Montenegro’s eventual vote for independence in 2006.
The 2003 constitution thus marked a transitional phase in Balkan politics and statehood.
2003
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia