This Day in History: February 9

1996 IRA ends ceasefire with London bombing

After an 18-month ceasefire, the Irish paramilitary organization IRA exploded a large bomb in London's Canary Wharf, killing 2 people and injuring 39.

1969 First flight of the Boeing 747

The “Jumbo Jet” took to the skies for the first time, becoming the world's largest passenger aircraft at the time.

1964 The Beatles' first US tour

The Beatles' appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show marked the beginning of the “British Invasion” and their first tour in the United States.

1959 The world's first intercontinental ballistic missile becomes operational

The Soviet Union's R-7 Semyorka missile, with a range of 8800 km (5500 mi), became the first operational intercontinental ballistic missile.

1950 Senator Joseph McCarthy launches anti-communist campaign

US Senator Joseph McCarthy initiated his anti-communist campaign, which later became known as McCarthyism, leading to widespread fear and persecution of suspected communists.

1775 Massachusetts colony declared in rebellion by British Parliament

The British Parliament declared the Massachusetts colony to be in a state of rebellion, marking a significant escalation in tensions leading up to the American Revolution.

1897 British Expedition force invades and burns Nigerian Kingdom of Benin

The British Expedition force invaded and burned the Nigerian Kingdom of Benin, which had been in existence since the 11th century.

1904 Russo-Japanese War begins with surprise attack by Japanese torpedo boats

The Russo-Japanese War began with a surprise attack by Japanese torpedo boats on Russian ships at Port Arthur naval base in Manchuria. The Japanese also landed troops near Seoul, Korea, and within three weeks, they had advanced to the Yalu River, the border of Manchuria.

1943 Japanese troops evacuate Guadalcanal, ending World War II battle

Japanese troops evacuated Guadalcanal, ending the epic battle on the Solomon Islands in the Pacific during World War II.

1972 State of emergency declared in Britain after coal miners' strike

The British government declared a state of emergency following a month-long strike by coal miners, which had led to widespread power cuts and industrial disruption.