History is an important part of all men’s lives. Present-day events are better understood based on the ones that occurred in the past. Thus, February 26 is one such date that highlights the significance of all the major events that happened around the world. From the proclamation of the Second French Republic to the demonstration of Radio Detection and Ranging. Each one of such events holds significance. Hence, here is a deeper understanding of the incidents that unfolded on February 26.
1848- Proclamation of the Second French Republic
The French Second Republic was a republican government under the leadership of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte. Yet, it was very short-lived. It started from the revolution of 1848. However, ended in 1851, because of the coup made by the leader himself i.e. Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte. Soon after, he initiated the Second Empire that lasted from 1852 to 1870. Nevertheless, the Second French Republic was created when the revolution of 1848 swept across Europe. It is also referred to as the “February Revolution”.
1866- Formation of the NYC Metropolitan Board of Health
On February 26, the New York legislature approved of the formation of the NYC Metropolitan Board of Health. This was the first modern-day municipal public health authority in the US. The New York City Common Council was founded, in the year 1866. The New York Academy of Medicine suggested it and Dr. Stephen Smith led a campaign following that. Poor sanitation facilities and uncleansed streets posed a threat to public health and economic development. Hence, this encouraged the formation of the NYC Metropolitan Board of Health.
1914- Launch of HMHS, sister to Titanic
The launch of HMHS happened on February 26, 1914, just before the beginning of the First World War. It was the third vessel of the White Star’s Olympic Class of steamships. Considered as a sister to Titanic. The planning and execution of the design were intricate. So that it would be one of the safest ships. Initially, the launch of HMHS Britannic happened as a passenger liner between Southampton and New York. However, during the First World War Britannic got refitted as a hospital ship.
1929- Establishment of the Grand Teton National Park
The establishment of the Grand Teton National Park happened after the approval of US President Calvin Coolidge. It is located in northwestern Wyoming. The Grand Teton National Park includes some of the major peaks of the Teton Range. It also includes sections of the Jackson Hole. The park received the name from Grand Teton i.e. the tallest mountain in the Teton Range. Consequently, the place is a well-known destination for hiking, mountaineering as well as other recreational activities.
1935- Robert Watson Watt demonstrated Radio Detection and Ranging for the first time
The development of RADAR i.e. Radio Detection and Ranging took place over several years. It had many inputs too. However, it was Robert Watson Watt who first demonstrated RADAR. As a result, many regard him as the British pioneer of radio direction finding and radar technology. Although Watt initially began his career at Met Office. There he was looking for ways to track thunderstorms through the radio signals provided by lightning. This resulted in the development of the system “huff-duff”.
1988- Complete Solar Eclipse in Venezuela-Pacific Ocean
February 26, 1988, witnessed the occurrence of a total solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the view of the sun is not visible from Earth. It might happen partially or completely. This takes place because the moon comes between the sun and the Earth. Therefore, it turns the day into darkness. Thus, on February 26 this happened in north-western Venezuela, Columbia, Aruba, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, and Antigua and Barbuda. The duration was a maximum of four minutes and nine seconds.
2018- Global Seed Vault in Norway received one million seeds
The Global Seed Vault received one million seeds on its anniversary. It is a secure seed bank. Thus, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is located in Spitsbergen, a Norwegian island. Cary Flower started the vault to preserve the seeds. Also, it is an attempt to prevent the loss of diversity in traditional genebanks. The emphasis of the media was on the utilization of the seeds. Mostly indicated the use during regional crisis or catastrophe. However, access to it will be more frequent when genebanks lose seeds because of mismanagement, natural disasters, etc.
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