1753day.year
In Sweden, February 17 is followed by March 1 as the country moves from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar.
In 1753, Sweden transitioned from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, skipping from February 17 directly to March 1.
Sweden had attempted a gradual calendar reform since 1700 but faced confusion and errors.
On February 17, 1753, the government enacted a final adjustment, omitting eleven days.
After February 17, the calendar jumped to March 1, aligning Sweden with much of Europe.
This reform improved trade, communication, and scientific coordination with other nations.
Sweden's adoption of the Gregorian system eliminated lingering date discrepancies.
1753
March 1
Julian calendar
Gregorian calendar
1863day.year
A group of citizens of Geneva found an International Committee for Relief to the Wounded, which later became known as the International Committee of the Red Cross.
A group in Geneva founded the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded in 1863, laying the groundwork for the Red Cross.
On February 17, 1863, five Geneva citizens established the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded.
Inspired by Henry Dunant’s experiences at the Battle of Solferino, they sought neutral aid for war casualties.
This organization later became the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), awarding the first private humanitarian medals.
Their efforts led to the first Geneva Convention in 1864, setting rules for the treatment of the wounded.
The founding of the ICRC revolutionized humanitarian assistance in armed conflicts.
1863
Geneva
International Committee of the Red Cross
2011day.year
Arab Spring: Libyan protests against Muammar Gaddafi's regime begin.
Libyan protests against Muammar Gaddafi's regime erupted on February 17, 2011, marking the start of Libya's Arab Spring uprisings.
Inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, Libyans took to the streets of Benghazi and other cities on February 17, 2011, demanding the end of Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year rule. Peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated as security forces opened fire on protesters, leading to widespread clashes and casualties. The unrest soon transformed into a full-scale civil war, drawing in NATO forces under a UN mandate to protect civilians. The uprising culminated in the fall of Tripoli and ultimately the death of Gaddafi later that year. Libya's revolution underscored the potent mix of social media activism, generational frustrations, and international intervention in modern conflicts.
2011
Arab Spring
Libyan protests
Muammar Gaddafi's regime
2011day.year
Arab Spring: In Bahrain, security forces launch a deadly pre-dawn raid on protesters in Pearl Roundabout in Manama; the day is locally known as Bloody Thursday.
In Bahrain's Pearl Roundabout on February 17, 2011, security forces launched a deadly pre-dawn raid on Arab Spring protesters, an event known as Bloody Thursday.
As part of the wider Arab Spring movement, Bahraini demonstrators gathered in Manama's Pearl Roundabout to demand political reforms and greater civil liberties. In the early hours of February 17, 2011, security forces stormed the protest camp, firing live ammunition and tear gas into the crowds. The operation left several protesters dead and many more injured, shocking the international community. Authorities justified the raid as a measure to restore order, while human rights groups condemned it as a brutal crackdown. Bloody Thursday became a rallying point for continued protests and highlighted the Bahraini monarchy's intolerance of dissent.
Bahrain
security forces
pre-dawn raid
Pearl Roundabout
Manama
Bloody Thursday