February 29

Events - Politics & Government

888day.year

Odo, count of Paris, is crowned king of West Francia (France) by Archbishop Walter of Sens at Compiègne.

In 888, Odo, Count of Paris, was crowned King of West Francia at Compiègne.
On February 29, 888, Odo, a formidable Frankish noble and Count of Paris, was anointed King of West Francia by Archbishop Walter of Sens at Compiègne. His coronation marked the end of Carolingian dominance and the rise of a new dynastic line. Odo earned his place by defending Paris against Viking sieges, winning the loyalty of his peers. This event underscores the volatile nature of early medieval politics and the role of military leadership. Odo’s reign set the stage for the eventual establishment of the Capetian dynasty.
888 Odo count of Paris West Francia Walter of Sens Compiègne
1712day.year

February 29 is followed by February 30 in Sweden, in a move to abolish the Swedish calendar for a return to the Julian calendar.

Sweden added a rare February 30 to its calendar on 1712 to switch back from its unique calendar to the Julian system.
On February 29, 1712, Sweden inserted an extra day—February 30—into its calendar to abandon the Swedish calendar and return to the Julian system. This unusual adjustment corrected the discrepancy caused by Sweden’s failed gradual shift toward the Gregorian calendar. By adding two leap days in 1712, Swedish authorities realigned with neighboring countries’ dating methods. The choice reflects the challenges of calendar reform and international coordination in the 18th century. This anomaly remains a curious footnote in calendrical history, remembered for its rarity. It highlights the complexities nations faced when altering timekeeping standards.
1712 February 30 Swedish calendar Julian calendar
1720day.year

Ulrika Eleonora, Queen of Sweden abdicates in favour of her husband, who becomes King Frederick I on March 24.

Queen Ulrika Eleonora of Sweden abdicated in favor of her husband, who became King Frederick I.
On February 29, 1720, Queen Ulrika Eleonora of Sweden voluntarily abdicated the throne in favor of her husband, Prince Frederick of Hesse. Her decision followed internal political pressure and the loss of royal authority after the Great Northern War. Frederick was proclaimed king on March 24, 1720, ushering in a new royal house in Sweden. Ulrika Eleonora’s abdication marked a rare instance of a reigning queen stepping down in early modern Europe. The transfer of power shifted the Swedish monarchy’s dynamics and influenced future succession debates. This event underscores the intricate balance between personal choice and political necessity in royal courts.
1720 Ulrika Eleonora, Queen of Sweden Frederick I
1768day.year

Polish nobles form the Bar Confederation.

In 1768, Polish nobles formed the Bar Confederation to oppose Russian influence and defend the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth’s autonomy.
On February 29, 1768, a group of Polish nobles gathered at Bar (now in Ukraine) to establish the Bar Confederation. They sought to resist Russian intervention and safeguard the political liberties guaranteed by the Commonwealth’s constitution. The confederates declared war against Russian forces and their Polish allies in an effort to restore national sovereignty. Although initially gaining support, the uprising was eventually crushed by superior Russian power. The conflict weakened the Commonwealth and accelerated its eventual partitions by neighboring empires. The Bar Confederation remains a symbol of Polish resistance and the struggle for self-determination.
1768 Bar Confederation
1796day.year

The Jay Treaty between the United States and Great Britain comes into force, facilitating ten years of peaceful trade between the two nations.

The Jay Treaty between the United States and Great Britain went into effect in 1796, establishing a decade of peaceful trade.
On February 29, 1796, the Jay Treaty between the United States and Great Britain officially came into force. Named after American envoy John Jay, the agreement sought to resolve lingering tensions from the Revolutionary War. It facilitated ten years of commerce, prevented war, and addressed issues such as frontier posts and debts. The treaty faced domestic criticism but ultimately helped stabilize U.S.-British relations and secure western expansion. Its implementation reflects the young nation’s diplomatic balancing act between European powers. The Jay Treaty laid groundwork for future American foreign policy and international trade norms.
1796 Jay Treaty
1892day.year

St. Petersburg, Florida is incorporated.

St. Petersburg, Florida was officially incorporated as a city in 1892, laying the foundation for its future growth.
On February 29, 1892, the city of St. Petersburg in Florida was formally incorporated. Named after the founders’ Russian ties and the nearby Saint Petersburg, Russia, the city began its journey as a coastal settlement. The incorporation enabled the establishment of local government, infrastructure development, and public services. Early industries included agriculture, fishing, and tourism attracted by the region’s warm climate. Over the following decades, St. Petersburg grew into a cultural and economic hub on Tampa Bay. This milestone marked the start of the city’s transformation into a thriving Floridian community.
1892 St. Petersburg, Florida
1916day.year

Tokelau is annexed by the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom formally annexes Tokelau, integrating the remote Pacific atolls into British colonial administration.
In 1916, the British Empire expands its Pacific presence by annexing the Tokelau atolls. Previously under New Zealand administration, the three atolls of Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo become official British territory. The annexation aims to strengthen naval logistics and colonial governance during World War I. This move shapes Tokelau's political status for decades, linking its fate to New Zealand and the UK. Today, Tokelau remains a dependent territory with a unique cultural heritage rooted in its colonization history.
1916 Tokelau
1920day.year

The Czechoslovak National Assembly adopts the Constitution.

The Czechoslovak National Assembly adopts the first constitution, laying the foundation for the new republic's governance.
Following the formation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, the National Assembly debates a formal constitution. On February 29, 1920, legislators approve the constitutional document defining the republic's democratic framework. Key provisions establish civil rights, the separation of powers, and a parliamentary system of government. The constitution unifies Czech and Slovak territories under a single legal and political structure. It remains in effect until 1948, guiding the young nation's development through interwar challenges.
1920 Czechoslovak Constitution
1984day.year

Pierre Trudeau announces his retirement as Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister of Canada.

In 1984, Pierre Trudeau stunned Canada by announcing his retirement as Prime Minister and Liberal leader.
On February 29, 1984, Pierre Elliott Trudeau announced his unexpected retirement as leader of the Liberal Party and as Prime Minister of Canada. Trudeau had first taken office in 1968, sparking "Trudeaumania" with his charismatic leadership and progressive policies. His tenure included the repatriation of the Canadian Constitution and the creation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Trudeau's departure ended a dynamic era in Canadian politics and triggered a leadership contest that would install John Turner later that year. The announcement marked a turning point in Canada’s political landscape and set the stage for new leadership.
1984 Pierre Trudeau Liberal Party Prime Minister of Canada
1992day.year

A referendum is begun in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the determination of Bosnian independence.

Bosnia and Herzegovina held a key referendum on independence from Yugoslavia in 1992.
On February 29, 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina held a historic referendum asking citizens whether to become independent from Yugoslavia. The vote passed with strong support, paving the way for international recognition of the new nation. Bosnian Serb leaders had called for a boycott, but turnout remained high among Bosniak and Croat populations. The referendum deepened ethnic tensions and contributed to the outbreak of the Bosnian War months later. International observers monitored the process, acknowledging its significance in the breakup of Yugoslavia. The result was formally ratified on March 3, defining Bosnia’s path as an independent state.
1992 Bosnia and Herzegovina determination of Bosnian independence
2004day.year

Jean-Bertrand Aristide is removed as president of Haiti following a coup.

In 2004, Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was forced from office in a coup, abruptly ending his second term.
On February 29, 2004, amid escalating violence and armed rebellion, Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was forced from power in a coup. Rebel forces advanced on the capital, Port-au-Prince, encircling government strongholds and cutting off supply lines. Under intense pressure, Aristide agreed to step down and immediately went into exile. The coup ended his disputed second term and sparked international debate over legitimacy and foreign intervention. The United States and France were both accused of supporting the transition. Aristide’s removal deepened Haiti’s political instability and ushered in a period of unrest and humanitarian challenges.
2004 Jean-Bertrand Aristide Haiti a coup
2008day.year

The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence withdraws Prince Harry from a tour of Afghanistan after news of his deployment is leaked to foreign media.

In 2008, the UK Ministry of Defence canceled Prince Harry’s Afghanistan deployment after details of his tour were leaked to the press.
On February 29, 2008, the British Ministry of Defence confirmed the withdrawal of Prince Harry from a planned tour in Afghanistan. The move came after news of his scheduled deployment was prematurely released by foreign media outlets. Concerns over his safety and the risk posed to fellow soldiers prompted the decision. Buckingham Palace and the MOD coordinated to prevent potential attacks by insurgents targeting the high-profile royal. The incident highlighted the delicate balance between public interest and operational security. It also sparked debate over royal responsibilities and military transparency in wartime.
2008 Ministry of Defence Prince Harry tour of Afghanistan