February 17th in History
February 17th in History
- 1864: First successful warship attack by a submarine during the American Civil War
- 1880: The Russian tsar survives an attempted bomb assassination
- 1883: Vacant/Engaged toilet door sign patented
- 1913: New York Armory Show introduces Picasso, Matisse, Duchamp to American public. The show is considered "shocking" and calls to close it are made
- 1933: US Senate accepts Blaine Act, ending prohibition
- 1972: The Volkswagen 'Beetle' becomes the most successful production model, selling over 15 million vehicles
- 1972: President Nixon leaves Washington DC for communist China
- 1972: The House of Commons votes in favour of Britain joining the Common Market
February 17th birthdays
- 1766: Thomas Malthus, English economist
- 1924: Margaret Truman, American writer.
- 1934: Alan Bates, English actor
- 1934: Barry Humphries, Australian actor
- 1954: Rene Russo, American actress.