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On This Day in History: February 28

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on February 28th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

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869 CE, February 28

The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870 CE), recognized as The Eighth Ecumenical Council by the Catholic Church, concludes on February 28, 870, having deposed and excommunicated Patriarch Photius I, restored Patriarch Ignatius, and affirmed papal authority. It solidified the veneration of icons, prohibited lay interference in episcopal elections, deepening the East-West schism.

It was quickly followed by the Council of (879–880 CE) which annulled the decisions of the 869–870 council. Restoring Photius as the legitimate Patriarch of Constantinople III and declared the previous council of 869–870 null and void, striking its acts from church records. The council condemned anyone who added to or subtracted from the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, which was a direct rejection of the Latin addition of the Filioque clause.

1461 CE, February 28

Edward, Earl of March, defeats Henry VI during the Wars of the Roses at the battle of Towton on February 28, 1461. His victory on top of his previous victory at the battle of Mortimer's Cross strengthen Edward's position to claim the throne.

He went on to become King of England as Edward the IV, after the death of his father on March 4, 1461. He was formally crowned on June 28, 1461, at Westminster Abbey.

1638 CE, February 28

The Scottish National Covenant is signed on February 28, 1638, in Edinburgh, opposing religious reforms imposed by King Charles I of England.

1638 CE, February 28

The Scottish National Covenant is signed, on February 28, 1638, at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, opposing Charles I's religious policies leading to major revolt against King Charles I's attempts to impose Anglican religious practices.

1922 CE, February 28

On February 28, 1922, Britain unilaterally declares Egyptian independence, ending the 1914 protectorate. However Britain reserved control over four key areas: The Suez Canal, defense against foreign aggression, protection of foreign interests/minorities, and Sudan. Sultan Fuad I became King of Egypt. A constitution was later approved in 1923.

Britain continued to exert significant influence over Egyptian politics until the 1936 treaty, which further defined, but did not eliminate, British military presence allowing them to remain in the Suez Canal zone. On July 23, 1952 the Egyptian Revolution (Free Officers Movement) overthrew the monarchy, leading to full independence negotiations. In June 1956, British troops completely withdrew from Egypt ending the British occupation. Egypt's main national day, known as Revolution Day, is celebrated annually on July 23rd.

1953 CE, February 28

Cambridge University scientists, James Watson and Francis Crick determined the structure of the double helix, the twisted-ladder structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) on February 28, 1953.

Their work was aided by use of Rosalind Franklin's X-ray photographic work showing crystallographic evidence of the structure of DNA, which was shown to them, without her knowledge. Watson and Crick were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1962. More

1983 CE, February 28

The 2.5-hour "MAS*H" finale aired on February 28, 1983 and becomes the most-watched television episode in American history at the time. with some estimates peaking at 121.6 to 125 million.

1986 CE, February 28

Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme is gunned down on February 28, 1986 in the street outside a cinema in Stockholm. His killer was never found.

2013 CE, February 28

Benedict XVI resigns on February 28, 2013 at age 85, due to declining health, becoming the first pope to resign in 600 years. He gave a final public address at St. Peter's Square the day before, which was attended by more than 50,000 people. He took the title Pope Emeritus" and was succeeded by Pope Francis. He passed away on December 31, 2022, at age 95.