Giant Brains, Fallen Fortresses, and New Flags!
Get ready for a wild ride through February 15th! We’ve got stories about the start of a brand-new computer age, a shocking loss in World War II, and an attempt on a future US President’s life. History buffs, buckle up—this date is anything but boring!
It’s a day of huge contrasts! While some events mark a massive defeat, others spark the start of a technological revolution or a crucial moment in the fight for rights. Think about how a computer the size of a room changed *everything* we do today!
What Happened on This Day
The Birth of the 'Giant Brain' Computer!
Meet ENIAC, the world's first general-purpose electronic digital computer! It was huge—weighing 30 tons and filling a whole room—and used about 18,000 vacuum tubes (like giant glass light bulbs!). It was designed to crunch numbers for the US Army, calculating artillery paths way faster than any human. When it was formally dedicated today, the press called it a 'Giant Brain.' Imagine playing a video game on something that big!
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The 'Gibraltar of the East' Falls in WWII
On this day, the huge British fortress city of Singapore surrendered to the Japanese during World War II. The British thought it was 'impregnable'—meaning impossible to attack—but the Japanese managed a surprise attack that overwhelmed the defenders. This was a massive defeat for the British Empire, leading to the largest surrender of British-led troops in history. It showed the world that the war was changing quickly!
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Susan B. Anthony, Champion for Women's Vote, is Born
Meet Susan B. Anthony, one of history's toughest fighters for equal rights! Born on this day, she spent her life demanding that women be allowed to vote. She even got arrested for bravely casting a vote in 1872 to test the laws. She never gave up, working tirelessly until the amendment that finally gave women the vote (the 19th Amendment) was ratified years after she passed away.
Canada Unfurls Its Iconic Maple Leaf Flag
Tired of using the old British flag, Canada decided it was time for a look that was 100% *them*. On February 15, 1965, after a lot of debate, the now-famous red and white flag with the stylized maple leaf was officially raised for the first time! The leaf is a symbol of the country’s nature and identity. It became an instant symbol of Canadian pride, celebrated every year on National Flag of Canada Day.
Close Call for President-Elect Roosevelt!
Talk about a near-miss! While speaking in Miami, US President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was the target of an assassination attempt by a man named Giuseppe Zangara. Zangara fired five shots, but thanks to a brave woman who jostled his arm, Roosevelt wasn't hit! Sadly, the Mayor of Chicago, Anton Cermak, was fatally wounded. This event showed how tense times were, even before FDR officially took office to lead the country through the Great Depression.
Learn moreFun Facts About February 15
- The famous scientist Galileo, born today, was the first to use a telescope to see that the Moon has mountains and valleys!
- The very first Teddy Bear was made in 1903, named after US President Theodore Roosevelt.
- Today is National Flag of Canada Day, celebrating the red and white Maple Leaf flag first raised in 1965.
- ENIAC, the first big computer, used so much electricity it sometimes caused blackouts in Philadelphia!
A Look Back in Time
February 15th often falls during the cold, quiet part of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, which used to mean a slow period for planting or travel. However, the history for this day shows some truly pivotal moments! In the mid-1900s, we see huge shifts: the end of a major WWII battle (Fall of Singapore) and the beginning of the computer age (ENIAC). Meanwhile, in the 19th century, figures like Susan B. Anthony were fighting fierce, slow battles for fundamental rights that would reshape society for everyone to come.
Born on This Day
Galileo Galilei
This brilliant Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer is often called the 'Father of Modern Science.' He improved the telescope, discovered Jupiter's four largest moons, and famously argued that the Earth orbits the Sun. His discoveries totally changed how people saw the universe!
Susan B. Anthony
A true American hero for equality! Susan B. Anthony was a powerhouse activist who campaigned for decades so women could vote. She was arrested for illegally voting, showing incredible bravery for the women's suffrage movement. The 19th Amendment, which finally granted women the right to vote, is sometimes called the 'Susan B. Anthony Amendment' in her honor.
Ernest Shackleton
This Anglo-Irish explorer was a superstar of the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.' He led daring trips to the South Pole region. Even when his ship, the *Endurance*, got trapped and crushed by ice, he managed to get every single one of his crew members home safely. What a leader!
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Jeremy Bentham
Jeremy Bentham was an English philosopher who helped create a big idea called Utilitarianism—basically, the best action is the one that creates the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people! He was also a reformer who argued for things like equal rights for women and getting rid of harsh punishments.