On this day in history

February 15

American

1898The battleship USS Maine explodes in Havana harbor, killing 266 sailors and pushing America toward war with Sp…

The battleship USS Maine explodes in Havana harbor, killing 266 sailors and pushing America toward war with Spain.

1933An assassin fires at Franklin Roosevelt in Miami, missing him but mortally wounding Chicago mayor Anton Cermak…

An assassin fires at Franklin Roosevelt in Miami, missing him but mortally wounding Chicago mayor Anton Cermak.

2003Millions march in cities around the world against the coming Iraq War, the largest protest in history.

Millions march in cities around the world against the coming Iraq War, the largest protest in history.

1961Sabena Flight 548 crashes in Belgium, wiping out the entire United States figure skating team.

Sabena Flight 548 crashes in Belgium, wiping out the entire United States figure skating team.

1942Singapore surrenders to Japan, Britain's greatest military defeat, with 80,000 troops taken prisoner.

Singapore surrenders to Japan, Britain's greatest military defeat, with 80,000 troops taken prisoner.

1989The last Soviet troops leave Afghanistan, ending nine years of occupation.

The last Soviet troops leave Afghanistan, ending nine years of occupation.

2013A meteor explodes over Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuring 1,500 people and shattering windows across the city.

A meteor explodes over Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuring 1,500 people and shattering windows across the city.

1971Britain switches to decimal currency, ending centuries of pounds, shillings and pence.

Britain switches to decimal currency, ending centuries of pounds, shillings and pence.