Today in History: February 25, Dictator flees the Philippines after 20 years of rule

"On Feb. 25, 1986, President Ferdinand Marcos fled the Philippines after 20 years of rule in the wake of a tainted election; opposition leader Corazon Aquino the first woman to lead the country assumed the presidency."

"In 1870, Republican Hiram R. Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as a U.S. senator, becoming the first African American member of either house of Congress."

"In 1964, Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) became world heavyweight boxing champion for the first time as he defeated Sonny Liston in Miami Beach."

"In 1913, the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving Congress the power to levy and collect income taxes, was declared in effect by Secretary of State Philander Chase Knox."

February 25 encompasses pivotal moments in political, constitutional, and sports history. In 1986, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos fled after 20 years of rule following a disputed election, with opposition leader Corazon Aquino becoming the first female president. The 16th Amendment enabling congressional income tax collection took effect in 1913. Hiram R. Revels became the first African American senator in 1870. Muhammad Ali defeated Sonny Liston to win his first heavyweight boxing championship in 1964. The date also marks tragic events including a 1991 Scud missile attack killing 28 American soldiers in Saudi Arabia, a 1994 massacre at the Tomb of the Patriarchs, and a 1997 murder conviction of chemical heir John E. du Pont.

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