February 11: Margaret Thatcher elected leader of Britain’s opposition party.
Today marks February 11, 2026, the 42nd day of the year, with 323 days remaining. This date holds significant historical importance, with various notable events occurring throughout the years.
On February 11, 1975, Margaret Thatcher ascended to leadership of Britain’s opposition Conservative Party, setting the stage for her eventual appointment as Prime Minister in 1979. Thatcher’s leadership would later define an era in British politics, characterized by her firm conservative policies and significant economic reforms.
In addition to Thatcher’s rise, February 11 is marked by the birth of Thomas Alva Edison in 1847, an American inventor whose groundbreaking contributions to technology and electricity transformed modern life.
A pivotal moment in labor history occurred in 1937 when a sit-down strike against General Motors concluded after six weeks. The strike resulted in an agreement between the automobile manufacturing giant and the United Auto Workers union, ultimately recognizing the union’s role in negotiating workers’ rights and benefits.
The political landscape of the mid-20th century was also shaped on this date. In 1945, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet leader Josef Stalin convened to sign the Yalta Agreement. This crucial document marked Stalin’s commitment to engaging in warfare against Imperial Japan following the defeat of Nazi Germany.
February 11 has also witnessed monumental social change. In 1990, prominent anti-apartheid advocate Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years, marking a significant step toward the end of apartheid in South Africa. Four years later, Mandela would be elected President, symbolizing a new chapter in the country’s history. On the same day, in a surprising boxing upset, Buster Douglas knocked out the undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson at Tokyo Dome, defining a moment in sports history.
In more recent history, the landscape of Egypt shifted dramatically on this date in 2011 when President Hosni Mubarak resigned amid widespread pro-democracy protests, bringing an end to a 30-year authoritarian regime. The following year, in 2012, the music world was shocked by the death of singer Whitney Houston, whose career was marked by tremendous success and deep personal struggles.
On February 11, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI made headlines by announcing his resignation, a decision unprecedented in nearly 600 years. The World Health Organization also took a significant step on this date in 2020, officially naming the disease caused by the coronavirus as COVID-19, a decision that would resonate globally as the world grappled with the ensuing pandemic.
Today’s notable birthdays include actor Tina Louise, age 92; former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, 73; U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, 64; and musician Sheryl Crow, 64. Various other celebrities celebrate their birthdays today, showcasing a diverse array of talents and contributions to the arts and public life.
As this day unfolds, the historical significance of February 11 is a reminder of the ongoing impacts of these events on contemporary society.
Media News Source.
