On this day: February 1
1942 – World War II: The Battle of Stalingrad Ends
On February 1, 1942, one of the bloodiest battles in history came to an end. The Battle of Stalingrad, fought between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, lasted for over five months and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians. The Soviet victory at Stalingrad marked a turning point in the war, as it was the first major defeat suffered by the German army on the Eastern Front. The battle also had a significant impact on the morale of both the German and Soviet forces, with the Soviets gaining a newfound confidence in their ability to defeat the Nazis.
1960 – Four African American Students Stage Sit-In at Woolworth’s Lunch Counter
On February 1, 1960, four African American college students from North Carolina A&T University staged a sit-in at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. The students were protesting against the store’s policy of refusing to serve black customers at the segregated lunch counter. The sit-in sparked a wave of similar protests across the country, leading to the desegregation of many public facilities and helping to galvanize the civil rights movement. The actions of these four students paved the way for greater equality and justice for African Americans in the United States.
2003 – Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crew members on board. The disaster was caused by damage sustained to the shuttle’s thermal protection system during launch, which allowed hot gases to enter the shuttle’s wing and cause it to break apart. The loss of the Columbia was a tragic event for NASA and the space exploration community, leading to a suspension of the space shuttle program for over two years while safety improvements were implemented. The crew of the Columbia will always be remembered for their courage and dedication to furthering our understanding of the universe.
Other Notable Events on February 1:
- 1790 – The U.S. Supreme Court convenes for the first time in New York City.
- 1861 – Texas secedes from the Union, becoming the seventh state to do so.
- 1884 – The first volume of the Oxford English Dictionary is published.
- 1968 – The Vietnam War’s Tet Offensive begins, with coordinated attacks by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces.
- 1994 – Nelson Mandela becomes the first black president of South Africa.
