Berlin, Germany. Several major political, diplomatic, cultural, sporting, and aviation milestones have occurred on February 11 across the past century.
1919: Germany elects its first republican president
Friedrich Ebert was elected the first president of the German republic and helped set up the Weimar constitution aimed at uniting Germany after World War One.
1929: Lateran Treaty creates Vatican City State
The Lateran Treaty was signed, establishing an independent Vatican state in Rome.
1945: Yalta Conference concludes
The Yalta Conference ended, with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Soviet leader Josef Stalin and U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt agreeing on the founding of the United Nations and plans to defeat Germany in World War Two.
1975: Madagascar president assassinated
President Richard Ratsimandrava of the Malagasy Republic, now Madagascar, was assassinated after only six days in office.
1990: Nelson Mandela released from prison
Nelson Mandela was released from prison after serving 27 years.
1990: Buster Douglas defeats Mike Tyson
Boxer James “Buster” Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson.
1992: Diana photographed at the Taj Mahal
Diana, Princess of Wales, was pictured sitting alone in front of the Taj Mahal.
2006: Steve Fossett sets non-refuelling distance record
Millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett broke the record for long-distance flight without refuelling, flying 26,389 miles (42,450 km) in his specially designed GlobalFlyer plane. The previous record of 26,366 miles (42,431 km) was set by Americans Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager in 1986.
2008: East Timor president shot in assassination attempt
East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot and critically wounded at his home in Dili in an assassination attempt by rebel soldiers.
Which of these February 11 events do you consider the most historically significant?
