February 26, today in world history: From Napoleon’s dramatic return to Hitler’s Luftwaffe reformation; check key events

February 26 has marked turning points in global politics, science, culture and conflict. From Napoleon’s dramatic escape to modern-day tragedy, this date reflects pivotal shifts that reshaped nations and influenced the course of history. Below is a chronological look at some of the most significant events recorded on this day.

1815: French leader Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile on the island of Elba, setting in motion the dramatic period known as the Hundred Days. His return to France temporarily restored him to power and destabilised Europe’s post-Napoleonic settlement, ultimately ending with his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo later that year. The escape remains one of history’s boldest political comebacks.

1919: The United States Congress established Grand Canyon National Park, granting federal protection to one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. The legislation preserved the vast canyon landscape for future generations and strengthened the growing American conservation movement of the early 20th century.


1932: Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas. Known as the “Man in Black,” Cash became one of the most influential figures in country, rock and American folk music. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he recorded dozens of albums and iconic songs such as Ring of Fire, I Walk the Line and Folsom Prison Blues.

1935: German Chancellor Adolf Hitler ordered the re-formation of the Luftwaffe, directly violating the Treaty of Versailles, which had restricted Germany’s military capabilities after World War I. The move signalled escalating militarisation in Europe and foreshadowed the outbreak of World War II.

1935: Scottish physicist Robert Watson-Watt successfully demonstrated radar technology near Daventry, England. The experiment proved that radio waves could detect aircraft at a distance, laying the groundwork for Britain’s air-defence system during World War II and revolutionising modern detection and navigation systems.

1993: A truck bomb exploded beneath the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The attack killed six people and injured more than 1,000 others, largely from smoke inhalation. It was carried out by Islamist militants who sought to topple the towers, marking one of the most significant terrorist attacks on US soil prior to September 11, 2001.

1917: The Original Dixieland Jass Band recorded Livery Stable Blues, widely regarded as one of the first commercially released jazz recordings. The release played a foundational role in bringing jazz from regional performance halls to a broader national and international audience.