660 BC
Traditional date for the foundation of Japan by Emperor Jimmu.
According to legend, on this day Emperor Jimmu, regarded as Japan's first sovereign, founded the Yamato dynasty in 660 BC, marking the mythical birth of the Japanese nation.
Legend holds that on February 11, 660 BC, Emperor Jimmu descended from the sun goddess Amaterasu to establish his rule at Kashihara, laying the foundation for the Yamato dynasty. This founding myth is chronicled in the ancient texts Kojiki and Nihon Shoki and remains a cornerstone of Japan's national identity. While historians debate the event's historicity, it symbolizes the unity and continuity of the Japanese state. In modern times, February 11 is celebrated as National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi). Millions participate in ceremonies, parades, and shrine visits to honor the legacy of the mythical first emperor and reflect on Japan's cultural heritage.
660 BC
Emperor Jimmu
55day.year
The death under mysterious circumstances of Tiberius Claudius Caesar Britannicus, heir to the Roman Empire, on the eve of his coming of age clears the way for Nero to become Emperor.
In AD 55, Tiberius Claudius Caesar Britannicus, son and heir of Emperor Claudius, died unexpectedly under suspicious circumstances, clearing the path for Nero's rise to power.
On February 11, AD 55, the young Roman prince Britannicus was found dead just days before his 14th birthday, sparking rumors of poisoning. As the only natural son of Emperor Claudius, his demise removed a key obstacle for Nero's succession. Many ancient sources accuse Agrippina the Younger, Nero's mother, of orchestrating the plot to secure her son's claim. Britannicus's death shifted the balance within the imperial court and solidified Nero's position as emperor. This event foreshadowed the turbulent and often brutal nature of Julio-Claudian politics and the reign that followed.
55
Tiberius Claudius Caesar Britannicus
Roman Empire
Nero
951day.year
Guo Wei, a court official, leads a military coup and declares himself emperor of the new Later Zhou.
In 951, the military governor Guo Wei led a coup d'état at the Later Han court, proclaimed himself emperor, and founded the Later Zhou dynasty.
Amidst the turmoil of the Five Dynasties period, General Guo Wei seized control of the Later Han court on February 11, 951. Capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction with corrupt officials, he deposed the emperor and declared the inception of the Later Zhou dynasty. Guo Wei adopted reforms to stabilize the realm, reorganizing military and civil administration. His brief reign (951–954) introduced measures that strengthened central authority and improved agricultural policies. Although Later Zhou was short-lived, its governance laid the groundwork for the eventual reunification of China under the Song dynasty.
951
Guo Wei
Later Zhou
1534day.year
At the Convocation of Canterbury, the Catholic bishops comprising the Upper House of the Province of Canterbury agree to style Henry VIII supreme head of the English church and clergy "so far as the law of Christ allows".
At the 1534 Convocation of Canterbury, English bishops recognized Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, a decisive act in the English Reformation.
Facing rejection from the Papacy over his desire for an annulment, Henry VIII convened the Convocation of Canterbury on February 11, 1534. The assembled bishops in the Upper House of the Province of Canterbury agreed to acknowledge the king as 'Supreme Head of the Church of England' 'so far as the law of Christ allows.' This historic declaration severed England's ecclesiastical ties to Rome and laid the legal groundwork for royal supremacy. It paved the way for the Act of Supremacy and the dissolution of monasteries. The move reshaped English religious life and altered the political landscape of Tudor England.
1534
Convocation of Canterbury
Province of Canterbury
Henry VIII
1794day.year
First session of United States Senate opens to the public.
In 1794, the United States Senate opened its sessions to the public for the first time, increasing transparency in the young nation's government.
Until February 11, 1794, the United States Senate conducted its proceedings behind closed doors, shrouded in secrecy. Responding to calls for greater openness, the Senate began allowing citizens to observe debates and committee hearings. This change enhanced public scrutiny of legislative decisions and fostered democratic accountability. The opening of the Senate chambers prefigured later innovations in American political transparency, such as the publication of daily Congressional proceedings. It remains a milestone in the evolution of U.S. legislative practice.
1794
United States Senate
1812day.year
Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry is accused of "gerrymandering" for the first time.
Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry’s redistricting plan sparks the first recorded use of the term ‘gerrymandering,’ reshaping U.S. electoral vocabulary.
On February 11, 1812, Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry approved a controversial redistricting plan.
Critics observed one oddly shaped district and nicknamed the practice 'gerrymandering', blending Gerry's name with 'mander'.
The catchy term captured public attention and underscored the power of drawing electoral boundaries.
This moment marked the first recorded use of 'gerrymandering' in political language.
It set a precedent for future debates over fair representation in American politics.
1812
Massachusetts
Elbridge Gerry
gerrymandering
1855day.year
Kassa Hailu is crowned Tewodros II, Emperor of Ethiopia.
Kassa Hailu is crowned Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia, initiating efforts to centralize and modernize the nation.
On February 11, 1855, Kassa Hailu ascended to the Ethiopian throne as Emperor Tewodros II at Debre Berhan.
He launched reforms aimed at strengthening imperial authority and unifying fragmented provinces.
Tewodros II sought to modernize his army and establish diplomatic relations with European powers.
His reign faced resistance from regional nobility but inspired hopes for a cohesive Ethiopian state.
He remains a symbol of national sovereignty and pioneering leadership in Ethiopian history.
1855
Tewodros II
Emperor of Ethiopia
1856day.year
The Kingdom of Awadh is annexed by the British East India Company and Wajid Ali Shah, the king of Awadh, is deposed.
The British East India Company annexes the Kingdom of Awadh, deposing King Wajid Ali Shah and expanding colonial control in India.
On February 11, 1856, the East India Company formalized the annexation of Awadh in northern India.
Claiming misrule, Company authorities dethroned Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and absorbed the kingdom into colonial territory.
This move disrupted traditional governance and inflamed local resentment against British rule.
The annexation contributed to rising tensions that ignited the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
It marked a pivotal expansion of colonial authority and reshaped India’s political landscape.
1856
Awadh
East India Company
Wajid Ali Shah
1861day.year
American Civil War: The United States House of Representatives unanimously passes a resolution guaranteeing noninterference with slavery in any state.
The U.S. House unanimously adopts a resolution pledging no federal interference with slavery in any state, heightening pre-Civil War tensions.
On February 11, 1861, amid mounting sectional crises, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution guaranteeing noninterference with slavery where it existed.
The measure sought to reassure Southern states even as they moved toward secession.
It underscored the deep divisions in Congress over federal authority and human bondage.
Despite the gesture, peace efforts collapsed and armed conflict erupted a month later.
This resolution highlighted the inability of compromise to heal a divided nation.
1861
American Civil War
United States House of Representatives
slavery
state
1873day.year
King Amadeo I of Spain abdicates, triggering the proclamation of the First Spanish Republic.
King Amadeo I abdicates, ending his brief reign and paving the way for the proclamation of the First Spanish Republic.
On February 11, 1873, Amadeo of Savoy abdicated the Spanish throne after less than three years as king.
Political turmoil, factionalism, and assassination attempts undermined his authority.
His abdication immediately led to the declaration of the First Spanish Republic.
The fledgling republic faced deep divisions and lasted less than two years before restoration of the monarchy.
Amadeo’s departure remains a landmark in Spain’s struggle with modern governance.
1873
Amadeo I of Spain
First Spanish Republic
1889day.year
The Meiji Constitution of Japan is adopted.
Japan formally adopts the Meiji Constitution in 1889, establishing a constitutional monarchy under Emperor Meiji.
Promulgated on February 11, 1889, the Meiji Constitution laid the foundation for modern governmental structure in Japan. It established the Imperial Diet, a two-house legislature, and defined the rights and duties of subjects and the Emperor's sovereignty. This document balanced Western legal principles with traditional Japanese political norms. It remained in force until the end of World War II in 1947, when it was replaced by the current Constitution of Japan. The constitution marked a decisive shift from feudal domains to a centralized state and propelled Japan's rapid modernization. Its adoption is commemorated today as National Foundation Day in Japan.
1889
Meiji Constitution
1919day.year
Friedrich Ebert (SPD), is elected President of Germany.
Friedrich Ebert becomes the first President of Germany in 1919 following the Weimar Republic’s founding.
On February 11, 1919, Friedrich Ebert of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) was elected the first President of the Weimar Republic. His election came in the aftermath of World War I and the German Revolution, as the monarchy was abolished and a new democratic government was established. Ebert played a pivotal role in stabilizing post-war Germany and preventing a Bolshevik-style uprising. He guided the drafting of the Weimar Constitution and worked to integrate liberal and socialist forces. Despite political upheaval and economic challenges, Ebert's presidency laid the groundwork for parliamentary democracy in Germany. His leadership during this critical period shaped the nation's political culture for years to come.
1919
Friedrich Ebert
SPD
President of Germany