This Day In History : February 15

2003 United States

Largest Peace Demonstration in History Takes Place

On February 15, 2003, the largest peace demonstration in history occurred as millions of people around the world protested against the impending Iraq War. The demonstrations were held in over 600 cities worldwide, including major rallies in London, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, and New York City. The massive turnout was a global expression of opposition to military action, emphasizing the widespread desire for a peaceful resolution to international conflicts.

Also on This Day in History February 15

Discover what happened on February 15 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, February 15
  • 1564 Galileo Galilei

    Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer, who is called as the father of science

  • 1856 Emil Kraepelin

    German psychiatrist who developed a classification system for mental illness

  • 1858 William Henry Pickering

    American astronomer who discovered 9th & 10th moons of Saturn

  • 1826 George Johnstone Stoney

    Irish physicist who introduced term electron

  • 1934 Niklaus Wirth

    Swiss computer scientist who invented nine programming languages (Pascal, Oberon), won Turing Award in 1984

Deaths on This Day, February 15
  • 1998 Samuel Curran

    British physicist who invented scintillation counter

  • 1982 Ralph Teetor

    American automotive engineer and inventor of cruise control who became the 1st blind engineer in the US

  • 2007 Robert Adler

    Austrian-American inventor who invented remote control for television

  • 1967 Frank Duryea

    American inventor built the first automobile in the US (Duryea Motor Wagon Company), Father of the American Automobile Industry

  • 1820 William Ellery

    US attorney who signed the Declaration of Independence

1971

UK and Ireland Decimalize Their Currencies

On February 15, 1971, the United Kingdom and Ireland decimalized their currencies, transitioning from the old pounds, shillings, and pence system to a simpler decimal system, where one pound equaled 100 new pence. This modernization effort aimed to streamline monetary transactions and align with international standards.
1965

Canada Adopts Maple Leaf Flag

On February 15, 1965, Canada officially replaced the Union Jack flag with the distinctive red and white Maple Leaf flag. This marked a significant moment in Canadian history, symbolizing the country's identity and independence. The new flag features a stylized red maple leaf with 11 points at its center, flanked by red bars on either side. The change was part of an effort to establish a uniquely Canadian symbol that represented all citizens.
1950

Walt Disney's "Cinderella" Released

On February 15, 1950, Walt Disney's animated classic "Cinderella" was released. Based on the fairy tale by Charles Perrault, the film tells the story of a young woman living in unfortunate circumstances that are suddenly changed through her kindness, perseverance, and a bit of magic. "Cinderella" became a massive success and is considered one of Disney's most beloved films, revitalizing the studio's animation division.
1903

First Teddy Bear Introduced in America

On February 15, 1903, the first Teddy Bear was introduced in America by Morris and Rose Michtom. Inspired by a political cartoon of President Theodore Roosevelt sparing a bear cub, the Michtoms created a stuffed toy bear and placed it in their shop window. The toy quickly became a popular sensation, leading to the establishment of the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company.
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