What happened on February 15 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
Get On This Day In History delivered straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
Philosopher Socrates is sentenced to death by the city of Athens
The Greek philosopher Socrates, regarded as one of the founders of Western philosophy, was condemned to death by an Athenian court.
- Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth and disrespecting the gods of Athens, following his method of questioning authority and encouraging critical thinking.
- During his trial, he refused to abandon his principles, famously stating that “the unexamined life is not worth living.”
- Sentenced to die, he calmly drank poison, becoming a martyr for free thought and philosophical inquiry.
Giuseppe Zangara attempts to assassinate President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt
Italian immigrant Giuseppe Zangara attempted to kill Franklin D. Roosevelt in Miami, Florida, but his attack instead fatally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak.
- Zangara fired multiple shots at Roosevelt while he was giving a speech from the back of a car, but a spectator knocked his arm, diverting the bullets.
- Cermak was hit and later died from his wounds, while four others were also injured.
- Zangara pleaded guilty and was executed in the electric chair just over a month later.
British Labour Party is founded
The Labour Party, now one of the two major political parties in the UK, was officially founded to represent the working class and trade unions.
- Emerging from socialist movements and union activism, the party sought better conditions for workers and progressive social policies.
- Labour first gained influence in the early 20th century and later became a dominant force, forming its first government in 1924.
- Today, it remains a major political force in Britain, advocating for social democracy and economic equality.
Bappi Lahiri, Indian singer, composer, and record producer, dies
Bappi Lahiri, the legendary Indian composer known for popularizing disco music in Bollywood, passed away at the age of 69.
- Lahiri revolutionized Indian film music in the 1980s with hit songs like I Am a Disco Dancer and Jimmy Jimmy.
- He composed for hundreds of films, blending Indian and Western influences to create a unique sound.
- Famous for his signature gold chains and sunglasses, he remained a beloved figure in Indian music until his death.