What happened on this day in history: Pierre-Auguste Renoir is born, Muhammad Ali wins his first world title, and more important events that occurred on February 25th.
1570: Pope Pius V Excommunicates Queen Elizabeth I
Pope Pius V excommunicates Queen Elizabeth I of England. Declaring the Protestant monarch a heretic, the pope stated that English Catholics did not have to remain loyal to Elizabeth and should remove her from the throne. However, Elizabeth’s subjects did not heed the pope’s command.
1601: Robert Devereux Is Beheaded
Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty ImagesRobert Devereux was a royal favorite of Queen Elizabeth I before their relationship soured.
Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, is beheaded for treason at age 34 or 35 at the Tower of London in England. Once a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, Devereux’s relationship with the royal soured over the years. When he tried to raise a rebellion against her in 1601, he was arrested, tried for treason, found guilty, and sentenced to death.
1841: Pierre-Auguste Renoir Is Born
Pierre-Auguste Renoir is born in Limoges, France. A famed painter, Renoir helped develop the Impressionist style. He’s famous for artworks like Bal du moulin de la Galette, Luncheon of the Boating Party, Girls at the Piano, and more.
1942: The “Battle Of Los Angeles” Takes Place
Residents of Los Angeles report seeing sirens, explosions, and searchlights in the wee hours of the morning. The so-called “Battle of Los Angeles” came just months after Pearl Harbor, leading many to surmise that the city was under attack by Japan. However, the true cause of the commotion is unknown to this day and may have actually been sparked by panicking servicemen opening fire on a military weather balloon.
1964: Muhammad Ali Wins His First Title
Stanley Weston/Getty ImagesBoxer Muhammad Ali, pictured in 1962.
Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali, wins his first world title in Miami Beach, Florida. The 22-year-old underdog shocked the world when he knocked out heavyweight boxing champ Sonny Liston, who’d been favored to win. Ali went on to become one of the world’s greatest boxers, and he successfully defended his world heavyweight championship 19 times.
1988: Cameron Hooker Is Sentenced For The Abduction And Rape Of Colleen Stan
YoutubeCameron Hooker, the abductor of Colleen Stan, is brought to trial in 1988.
Cameron Hooker is sentenced to life in prison for the abduction and rape of Colleen Stan. Hooker and his wife, Janice, kidnapped Stan while she hitchhiked in northern California. Hooker raped, tortured, and forced Stan to stay in a box. After Hooker convinced her that a secret organization was watching her every move, Stan became fearful of leaving him. Stan spent seven years with the Hookers and gained more freedom as time passed. Eventually, Stan escaped and reported the couple to the police.
