HISTORY TODAY

U.S.

1924 U.S.A. First Presidential Radio Address 12th February,1924 : Calvin Coolidge became the first U.S. president to deliver an address by radio. This was the first day that radio programming had included commercials. The National Carbon Company had aired an advertisement during the broadcast of The Everyday Hour. This first sponsored program was heard in New York, Washington, Province, and surrounding areas. This show featured celebrity appearances, music, and stories. Find More What happened in 1924

1958 Great Britain Transatlantic Jet Service 12th February, 1958: The first Trans Atlantic passenger jetliner service begins by BOAC with flights between London and New York on the new Comet Jet Airliner.

U.S.

1935 U.S.A. 785-foot USS Macon Rigid Frame Airship Feb. 12th, 1935 : The 785-foot USS Macon a rigid frame airship built and operated by the United States Navy for scouting was the last US Navy dirigible (ZRS-5) built, it crashed off the coast of California, killing two people.

United States 1899 USA The Great Blizzard Feb. 12th, : It started on February 11th and despite its largely more southerly influence it reached -61º F in Montana and -47º F in Nebraska. Snow started falling on February 12th, 1899 and Washington D.C. had over twenty inches of snow falling, with New Jersey reaching an astonishing thirty-four inches. New Orleans was iced over, as were parts of the Mississippi River.

China 1912 China Last Emperor of China Feb. 12th, 1912 : Hsian-T’ung, the last emperor of China, is forced to abdicate following Sun Yat-sen’s republican revolution, ending 267 years of Manchu rule in China and 2,000 years of imperial rule. 1912

South Africa 1921 South Africa Independence Saturday, Feb. 12th, 1921: Following general elections in South Africa General Smuts party has won over the dutch speaking nationalists and the labour party, he has already stated South Africa will continue to be part of the British Empire but under vastly different terms these will include

U.S. 1926 U.S.A. Chase National Bank Feb. 12th, 1926 : One of the largest bank mergers of to this date in history has taken place. This merger involved at least a billion dollars in resources. The bank merge which would take place on this day includes Chase National, Metal National, and Mechanics Merger. This new bank would bear the name Chase National Bank, and was second only to National City Bank as the largest institution in the United States.

U.S. 1932 U.S.A. Malcolm Campbell 12th February, 1932 : A new record was set by racer Captain Malcolm Campbell. He had set a record speed of 245.733 miles per hour as he sped across Daytona’s 12-mile strip. Part of the above-mentioned accomplishment was due to the fact that Campbell made sure his Bluebird, the automobile he drove, was in top shape. For instance, professionals had worked on the Bluebird, increasing its horsepower and reducing its wind resistance.

U.S. 1938 U.S.A. Taxicab Insurance Feb. 12th, 1938 : The plan was to enforce a strict taxicab ordinance. This ordinance would require taxicab drivers to carry liability insurances. Furthermore, this new legislation would make it easier for taxicab drivers to have their licenses revoked if they break any city driving laws. Additionally, cab drivers would be rated by a scoring system, which would include points accumulated for actions such as speeding and excessive horn use.

UK 1954 Great Britain Atomic Energy Authority Feb. 12th, 1954 : The Atomic Energy Authority has been created to control the production and development of atomic energy in the UK.

Cyprus 1964 Cyprus Fighting Feb. 12th,1964 : Following Cyprus gaining independence from the Britain in 1960 the fighting continues to increase in Limassol, Cyprus between ethnic Turks and Greeks which has left at least 16 people dead.

Vietnam 1973 Vietnam First U.S. Prisoners Released Feb. 12th, 1973 : As part of the Vietnam cease-fire agreement, the first U.S. prisoners of war were released by North Vietnam

UK 1993 England James Bulger Feb. 12th, 1993 : Two 10-year-old boys lured 2-year-old James Bulger from his mother at a shopping mall in Liverpool, England, then beat him to death

Norway 1994 Norway Scream Stolen 12th February, 1994 : Thieves have stolen one of the world’s best known paintings ( Scream by Edvard Munch circa 1893 ) from a gallery in the Norwegian capital, Oslo.

UK 1999 UK GM Food Report Feb. 12th, 1999: A group of 20 independent international scientists has reinforced warnings that genetically modified food may be damaging to health after looking at a report about the effects of biologically altered potatoes on laboratory rats produced by Arpad Pusztai who was forced to retire over his revelations .