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8th February

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1725: Peter the Great dies


Peter the Great, emperor of Russia, dies and is succeeded by his wife, Catherine.

 

The reign of Peter, who became sole czar in 1696, was characterized by a series of sweeping military, political, economic and cultural reforms based on the Western European models.

 

Russian victories in major conflicts with Persia and the Ottoman Empire greatly expanded Peter's empire, and the defeat of Sweden in the Great Northern War won Russia direct access to the Baltic Sea. Here, Peter founded the new Russian capital of St. Petersburg, and Russia became a major European power -politically, culturally and geographically.

 

In 1721, Peter abandoned the traditional Russian title of czar in favor of the European-influenced title of emperor. Four years later, he died.



2006

Japanese Princess Kiko announces that she is pregnant. Princess Kiko eventually gives birth to a baby boy, preventing a constitutional crisis in the Japanese royal family who can only be headed by a male. 

2005

Meeting at the Egyptian resort of Sharm al-Sheikh, Israel and the Palestinians agree a cease-fire.

2003

The British government’s dossier on Iraq is criticised for plagiarism. The dossier soon becomes widely discredited, and is popularly referred to as the ‘doggy dossier'.

1983

Israeli defence minister Ariel Sharon resigns after an inquiry concluded that he had failed to act to prevent the deaths of hundreds of Lebanese refugees by Christian militias.

1983

The Derby winning racehorse Shergar is kidnapped from a stable in County Kildare, Ireland. The kidnappers demand a ransom which is never paid and Shergar was never found.

1974

After spending 85 days in space three American astronauts return safely to earth.

1962

In Paris, eight people are killed during demonstrations against Algerian independence. 

1952

Elizabeth II is proclaimed queen at St James's Palace in London.

1918

The United States Army resumes publication of the military newsletter 'Stars and Stripes', first published during the American civil war.

1915

In Los Angeles, director D.W. Griffth’s film 'Birth of a Nation' premieres. It is the first feature length film in American history.

1914

Under the command of Major General Orde Wingate, the 77th Indian Brigade, also called the Chindits, launch guerrilla raids behind Japanese lines in Burma.

1904

Japan launches a surprise naval attack against Port Arthur, a Russian naval base in China. The Russian fleet was decimated.

1867

The Ausgleich (compromise) creates the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary.

1849

The New Roman Republic established.

1622

King James I of England disbands the English Parliament.

1587

After 19 years of imprisonment, Mary Queen of Scots is beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in England.

1931

James Dean, American film actor - star of 'East of Eden'; ' Rebel Without a Cause' and 'Giant.'

1925

American film actor Jack Lemon.

1920

American actress Lana Turner.

1894

American film director King Vidor born in Texas.

1888

Dame Edith Evans, British actress.

1828

Jules Verne, novelist, born in Nates.

1820

William Sherman, Union General in American Civil war.

1998

British politician Enoch Powell aged 85.

1960

British architect Sir Charles Gilbert Scott.

1894

Novelist R.M Ballantyne.

1725

Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia (1682-1725)

1587

Mary Queen of Scots executed at Fotheringay Castle in Northamptonshire.