457day.year
Leo I becomes the Eastern Roman emperor.
In 457, Leo I ascended to the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire, marking the start of his influential rule.
In February 457, Leo I, a high-ranking commander of the imperial guard, was acclaimed as Eastern Roman Emperor in Constantinople. He succeeded Emperor Marcian and became the first emperor to be crowned by the Patriarch of Constantinople. His reign, lasting until 474, was one of the longest of the late empire. Leo reinforced the empire's defenses along the Danube and navigated complex relations with the Huns and Vandals. Under his leadership, Constantinople maintained stability amid external threats and the church's influence in imperial affairs grew.
457
Leo I
987day.year
Bardas Phokas the Younger and Bardas Skleros, Byzantine generals of the military elite, begin a wide-scale rebellion against Emperor Basil II.
In 987, Byzantine generals Bardas Phokas the Younger and Bardas Skleros launched a wide-scale rebellion against Emperor Basil II.
In 987, two powerful members of the Byzantine military aristocracy, Bardas Phokas the Younger and Bardas Skleros, rose in revolt against Emperor Basil II. They commanded troops across Anatolia, challenging the central authority in Constantinople. Their uprising marked a critical test for Basil II's early rule, as skirmishes and sieges spread through key provinces. The rebellion drew regional magnates into conflict and required diplomatic as well as military responses. Its eventual suppression solidified Basil II's control and shaped the future of Byzantine governance.
987
Bardas Phokas the Younger
Bardas Skleros
wide-scale rebellion
Basil II
1301day.year
Edward of Caernarvon (later King Edward II of England) becomes the first English Prince of Wales.
In 1301, Edward of Caernarvon was invested as the first English Prince of Wales by his father, King Edward I.
On February 7, 1301, Edward of Caernarvon was officially styled as the Prince of Wales, establishing a tradition for the English heir apparent. The investiture ceremony in Westminster Hall symbolized the extension of English authority over Wales. Edward, born in 1284, would later ascend the throne as King Edward II. This new title strengthened the ties between the principality and the English crown, becoming a key element of the royal succession. The event marked a significant moment in the history of English-Welsh relations and the monarchy's evolving pageantry.
1301
Caernarvon
Edward II of England
Prince of Wales
1313day.year
King Thihathu founds the Pinya Kingdom as the de jure successor state of the Pagan Kingdom.
In 1313, King Thihathu founded the Pinya Kingdom as the de jure successor to Burma's Pagan Kingdom.
In 1313, King Thihathu declared the establishment of the Pinya Kingdom in central Burma, succeeding the fragmented Pagan realm. He set his capital at Pinya, consolidating power among Myinsaing rulers after years of political turmoil. The kingdom served as a central authority that sought to restore administrative order and cultural patronage. Thihathu's reign laid the groundwork for regional stability, even as rival states emerged. The founding of Pinya signaled a new chapter in the history of Upper Burma and its power structures.
1313
Thihathu
Pinya Kingdom
Pagan Kingdom
1365day.year
Albert III of Mecklenburg (King Albert of Sweden) grants city rights to Ulvila (Swedish: Ulvsby).
In 1365, King Albert of Sweden granted city privileges to Ulvila, formally recognizing it under Swedish law.
On February 7, 1365, Albert III of Mecklenburg, ruling as King of Sweden, issued a charter granting city privileges to Ulvila (then known as Ulvsby). This act elevated the settlement, located in present-day Finland, to official town status, allowing self-governance and market rights. The new city charter encouraged trade, crafts, and economic growth in the region. Ulvila became one of the earliest cities in Finland, reflecting the medieval expansion of urban centers in Northern Europe. This event illustrates the role of royal charters in shaping local development and commerce.
1365
Mecklenburg
Albert of Sweden
Ulvila
Swedish
1795day.year
The 11th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified.
In 1795, the 11th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, restricting federal court jurisdiction over states.
On February 7, 1795, the United States ratified the 11th Amendment to its Constitution, a response to the Supreme Court case Chisholm v. Georgia. The amendment established that federal courts could not hear certain lawsuits brought by citizens against states. Proposed by Congress in 1794 and championed by James Madison, it protected state sovereign immunity and clarified the balance between state and federal powers. Its adoption marked an early example of constitutional amendment in American governance. The 11th Amendment has since influenced interpretations of federalism and the scope of judicial review.
1795
11th Amendment
United States Constitution
ratified
1819day.year
Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles leaves Singapore after just taking it over, leaving it in the hands of William Farquhar.
Sir Stamford Raffles departs Singapore, entrusting the new settlement to William Farquhar after establishing British presence.
Having founded Singapore as a strategic British trading post in January 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles concluded his mission on February 7, 1819.
He handed over administration to Lieutenant William Farquhar, the colony's first resident and commandant.
Raffles envisioned Singapore as a free port hub, laying the groundwork for its transformation into a global entrepôt.
His departure marked the start of formal colonial governance and economic planning.
Under Farquhar's leadership, Singapore's population and commerce began to grow rapidly.
Raffles' brief tenure left a lasting legacy on the city-state's legal and social framework.
1819
Thomas Stamford Raffles
Singapore
William Farquhar
1898day.year
Dreyfus affair: Émile Zola is brought to trial for libel for publishing J'Accuse...!
Émile Zola goes on trial for libel over his open letter J'Accuse during the Dreyfus affair.
On February 7, 1898, the French novelist Émile Zola faced trial for criminal libel after publishing his incendiary letter J'Accuse...!
Zola accused the military of anti-Semitism and wrongful conviction of Captain Alfred Dreyfus.
The courtroom drama captivated the nation, pitting press freedom against institutional authority.
Zola's supporters lauded his defense of justice, while opponents decried his attack on the army's honor.
Despite being convicted, Zola's actions galvanized public opinion, leading to Dreyfus's eventual exoneration.
The trial became a defining moment in the struggle for human rights and the role of intellectuals in politics.
1898
Dreyfus affair
Émile Zola
libel
J'Accuse...!
1962day.year
The United States bans all Cuban imports and exports.
On February 7, 1962, the United States imposed a full trade embargo on Cuba, cutting off all imports and exports as part of Cold War policy.
Announced by President John F. Kennedy, the embargo aimed to isolate Cuba economically after its nationalization of U.S.-owned properties. The new measures prohibited American businesses and citizens from trading with or traveling to Cuba. They also sanctioned foreign companies with U.S. ties that continued commerce with the island. Over the decades, successive administrations adjusted the embargo's scope, fueling debates over its humanitarian and political impacts. The policy shaped U.S.-Cuba relations throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century. To this day, the embargo remains a defining feature of the bilateral standoff.
1962
bans
Cuban
1974day.year
Grenada gains independence from the United Kingdom.
On February 7, 1974, Grenada achieved full independence from the United Kingdom, establishing itself as a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth.
After centuries of colonial administration, Grenada's journey to self-rule culminated in independence ceremonies in St. George's. Queen Elizabeth II remained as head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General. The new constitution created a parliamentary democracy, with Eric Gairy serving as the first Prime Minister. Independence Day was celebrated island-wide with parades, flag-raising, and cultural performances. The event symbolized national pride, identity, and economic aspirations. Though small in landmass, Grenada began forging diplomatic ties and promoting tourism. February 7 continues to be observed as National Day, reflecting on progress and heritage.
1974
Grenada
1986day.year
Twenty-eight years of one-family rule end in Haiti, when President Jean-Claude Duvalier flees the Caribbean nation.
On February 7, 1986, Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier fled into exile, ending his family’s 28-year authoritarian rule. His departure followed widespread protests and signaled a turning point for Haiti.
On February 7, 1986, Jean-Claude Duvalier, known as 'Baby Doc,' left Haiti amid escalating public unrest and international pressure. His flight to France marked the end of the Duvalier dynasty, which had ruled the nation since 1957 under brutal authoritarian regimes. The departure followed months of mass demonstrations demanding political reform and human rights improvements. In the absence of Duvalier's regime, a transitional government took power and promised democratic elections. Many Haitians celebrated the fall of a regime associated with corruption and repression. The event is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in Haiti’s pursuit of democracy and social justice.
1986
Haiti
Jean-Claude Duvalier
Caribbean
1990day.year
Dissolution of the Soviet Union: The Central Committee of the Soviet Communist Party agrees to give up its monopoly on power.
On February 7, 1990, the Central Committee of the Soviet Communist Party relinquished its constitutional monopoly on power. This decision paved the way for multiparty politics in the Soviet Union.
On February 7, 1990, the Central Committee of the Soviet Communist Party voted to abandon its exclusive hold on political authority, a cornerstone of Soviet governance since 1917. This landmark decision was part of Mikhail Gorbachev's perestroika reforms aimed at liberalizing the political system and revitalizing the economy. By giving up its monopoly, the party opened the door for opposition groups and competitive elections at regional and national levels. The move stunned hardline communists and ignited debate over the future of socialism in the USSR. Reformists hailed the vote as a crucial step toward greater political freedom and transparency. The change set in motion a series of events that ultimately led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991.
1990
Dissolution of the Soviet Union
Central Committee
Soviet Communist Party