Historical Events on February 17

Volkswagen Beetle

Here are some historical events that occurred on February 17:

1600: Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned at the stake by the Roman Inquisition for his heretical beliefs, including his support for the heliocentric model of the universe.

1867: The first ship passes through the Suez Canal, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and allowing for easier maritime trade between Europe and Asia.

1904: The Russo-Japanese War begins with the Battle of Port Arthur, marking the first time in modern history that an Asian nation defeats a European power in warfare.

1933: The Blaine Act is passed by the United States Congress, repealing the 18th Amendment and ending Prohibition.

1944: During World War II, the Battle of Eniwetok Atoll begins as U.S. forces launch an amphibious assault against Japanese-held islands in the Pacific.

1965: The Ranger 8 spacecraft is launched by NASA, ultimately transmitting over 7,000 images of the Moon's surface before crashing into it.

1972: Volkswagen Beetle surpasses Ford Model T as the best-selling car model in the world, marking a significant milestone in automotive history.

1996: World chess champion Garry Kasparov defeats IBM's Deep Blue computer in the first game of their highly publicized rematch.

2006: The United Nations General Assembly establishes the UN Human Rights Council to replace the UN Commission on Human Rights.

2011: Libyan protests against Muammar Gaddafi's regime escalate into widespread demonstrations, eventually leading to the Libyan Civil War and Gaddafi's overthrow later in the year.