February 17th in History

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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.