What happened on February 3rd?

Germany’s actions pushed the US closer to war

Author

Matthew Jones
February 03, 2025

1917 United States Breaks Diplomatic Ties with Germany Over Submarine Warfare

On February 3rd, 1917, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Germany after the German government announced its decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare. This aggressive move by Germany was seen as a direct threat to American shipping and interests, heightening tensions between the two nations and bringing the US closer to entering World War I.

This is a historical document related to US Naval Militiamen guarding docks in New York after the United States broke diplomatic ties with Germany in 1917. The photograph, taken in 1917 by Kadel and Herbert and received in February 1918, depicts a scene involving military personnel stationed at a dock area during World War I.

🗞️Today’s Headlines

Everything important that’s ever happened on February 3:

1995 — Eileen Collins made history as the first woman to pilot a space shuttle—Discovery—during a mission that helped advance space exploration.

1959 — Rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly died in a tragic plane crash at age 22, leaving behind a legacy that influenced generations of musicians.

1913 — The Sixteenth Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, empowering Congress to levy income taxes and reshaping the nation's fiscal policy.

1870 — The Fifteenth Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, prohibiting voting restrictions based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

1865 — President Abraham Lincoln met with Confederate representatives, offering pardons in exchange for peace and reunion, at the Hampton Roads Peace Conference, which would ultimately fail.

1690 — Massachusetts issued the first paper money in the American colonies, a groundbreaking development that influenced the future of US currency.

🎂 Today’s Birthdays

On February 3, we’re singing to:

Gertrude Stein (1874) — American writer and avant-garde artist best known for works such as Three Lives and Tender Buttons, which helped define modernist literature.

Nathan Lane (1956) — American actor recognized for his roles in Broadway hits like The Producers and Angels in America, as well as his film work in The Birdcage.

 🪦Who Died Today?

On February 3, we’re saying goodbye to:

Woodrow Wilson (1924) — 28th president of the United States, credited with leading the country through World War I and creating the League of Nations, though his legacy is complex.

John Cassavetes (1989) — American actor and director and pioneer of independent cinema, known for films like A Woman Under the Influence and Faces.

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