February 25 has been a day of industrial achievement, political upheaval, and cultural landmarks.
Odoacer, the Germanic king who had deposed the last Western Roman Emperor, surrendered to the Ostrogothic king Theodoric after a four-year siege of Ravenna. Theodoric then killed Odoacer at a feast.
Pope Pius V issued the papal bull Regnans in Excelsis, excommunicating Queen Elizabeth I and declaring her subjects freed from allegiance to her. This intensified the religious conflict in England.
President George Washington held the first cabinet meeting in American history. The meeting included Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph.
Samuel Colt received a U.S. patent for the Colt revolver, featuring a revolving cylinder with multiple chambers. The weapon would transform both warfare and the American frontier.
Congress passed the Legal Tender Act, authorizing the first U.S. paper currency not backed by gold or silver. These 'greenbacks' helped finance the Union war effort during the Civil War.
Cassius Clay upset heavyweight champion Sonny Liston in Miami Beach. Clay, who soon changed his name to Muhammad Ali, shocked the boxing world with his speed and skill.
The People Power Revolution in the Philippines overthrew dictator Ferdinand Marcos through nonviolent civil resistance. Corazon Aquino was installed as president.