Seeds of Fire: A People’s Chronology

Recalling events that happened on this day in history.
Memories of struggle, resistance and persistence.

Compiled by Ulli Diemer

February 2, 1512
Hatuey, a Taino from Hispaniola who fought against the Spanish invasion of Cuba, is burned alive by the Spanish after being captured. Related Topics: Execution – Spanish Empire
February 2, 1848
After its successful invasion of Mexico, the United States forces the defeated Mexican government to sign the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidlago, giving the U.S. huge swatches of Mexican territory, including the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Wyoming. Related Topics: Land Seizures – Mexico – U.S. Imperialism
February 2, 1912
Black Friday: Police and “special constables” (thugs recruited to help the police) brutally attack a procession of strikers and their supporters in Brisbane, Australia. They ride down and club anyone in their path, including women, children, and elderly supporters of workers’ rights. Related Topics: Australia – Police Violence – Strikes
February 2, 1943
The last elements of the surrounded German army surrender to the Soviet Red Army at Stalingrad. Related Topics: World War II
February 2, 1970
Death of Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), philosopher, mathematician, author, socialist, anti-war campaigner. Further Reading: Bertrand Russell: In Praise of Idleness Bertrand Russell: Roads to Freedom Bertrand Russell’s Last Message