This Day in History: February 22

303: 1st official Roman edict for persecution of Christians issued

Emperor Diocletian issues an edict at Nicomedia ordering the closure of all churches and the burning of all Christian scriptures. This is the first official Roman edict for the persecution of Christians.

1632: Galileo's book "Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems" is published

Galileo's book compares the Copernican and Ptolemaic systems and argues that the Earth orbits the sun. It becomes one of the most influential works in the history of science.

1774: British House of Lords rules authors do not have perpetual copyright

The ruling establishes the principle that copyright should be limited in duration, rather than being a perpetual right. This is an important precedent for modern copyright law.

1797: The Last Invasion of Britain begins

The French Revolutionary Wars reach Britain's shores as a force of 1,400 French soldiers land near Fishguard, Wales. The invasion is ultimately repelled by British forces.

1825: Russia & Britain establish Alaska-Canada boundary

The two countries agree on the boundary between Alaska and Canada, settling a long-standing dispute over the ownership of the region.

1948: Czechoslovakia becomes a communist state following a coup d'etat

The Communist Party takes control of the government in Czechoslovakia in a bloodless coup d'etat, establishing the country as a one-party state under Soviet influence.

1967: Operation Junction City launched against the Viet Cong

The largest airborne assault since World War II is launched by 25,000 US and South Vietnamese troops against the Viet Cong. The operation ultimately fails to achieve its objectives.

1983: Moose Murders flops spectacularly on Broadway

The play, widely considered one of the worst in Broadway history, closes after only one performance. Its failure becomes a legendary cautionary tale in the world of theater.

1986: People Power Revolution begins in the Philippines

A nonviolent campaign against President Ferdinand Marcos and his regime gains widespread popular support, leading to the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.

2011: Christchurch earthquake kills 185 people

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 and an intensity of MM IX strikes Christchurch, New Zealand, causing widespread damage and loss of life.

1879: First Woolworth store opens

The first store in the Woolworth chain opens in Utica, New York. The chain becomes one of the most successful retailers in the world, with stores in many countries.