February 12

Seeking to strengthen Portugal’s spice trade monopoly, Vasco da Gama set sail on February 12, 1502, from Lisbon. His second voyage to India comprised 15 armed ships and around 800 crew and soldiers. Unlike his first mission, this expedition carried larger warships to assert Portuguese naval dominance in the Indian Ocean. Da Gama’s fleet rounded the Cape of Good Hope, navigated along East African ports, and reached Calicut with orders to secure favorable trade terms by force if necessary. His aggressive tactics marked a shift from exploration to maritime empire-building. The voyage expanded Portugal’s colonial foothold and triggered rivalry with Arab and Indian merchant networks. Da Gama’s return heralded a new era of European presence in Asian trade.

As part of Spain’s southward expansion in the Americas, Pedro de Valdivia established Santiago de la Nueva Extremadura on February 12, 1541. Located on the fertile banks of the Mapocho River, the settlement was named in honor of Saint James. Despite initial attacks by indigenous Mapuche warriors, the colonists secured their foothold with fortifications and alliances. Santiago’s foundation served as the administrative and military center for Spanish Chile. Over time, the city grew into a key hub for colonial governance, agriculture, and mining in the region. The founding marked the beginning of lasting Spanish influence in central Chile, shaping the nation’s cultural and political development.

In February 1966, Rabbi Morris Adler was leading Shabbat services at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, Michigan when a disgruntled congregant opened fire. The assailant entered the sanctuary and discharged a firearm at point-blank range, striking Adler multiple times. Despite efforts to save him, Rabbi Adler succumbed to his injuries, leaving the congregation in mourning. The community rallied together, holding memorial services that drew thousands of worshippers and supporters. Adler had been a respected scholar and spiritual leader known for his warmth and dedication to interfaith dialogue. In the aftermath, the synagogue increased security measures and dedicated a memorial plaque to honor his memory.

On February 12, 1993, toddler James Bulger disappeared from the New Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, England after two ten-year-old boys led him away from his mother. The child's body was found two days later, sparking one of the most harrowing murder cases in British history. The young perpetrators were tried as children, convicted of murder, and sentenced to detention, raising complex questions about juvenile justice. The case led to widespread public horror and prompted debates over child protection and media coverage of young offenders. Memorials and a dedicated foundation were established in Bulger's name to support victim advocacy. The tragedy had lasting effects on legal reforms and the nation's sense of security.