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    History in 17th Feb

  • Jefferson elected president

    Thomas Jefferson is elected President by the House of Representatives following 35 separate Congressional votes. Jefferson and Aaron Burr had both run on the Democratic-Republic ticket but had each received 73 electoral votes, with Federalist President John Adams receiving 65. Alexander Hamilton convinced many Federalist congressmen to vote for Jefferson, helping him claim the presidency.

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  • HL Hunley attacks the Housatonic

    Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley launches the first successful submarine attack in naval history as it sinks the USS Housatonic using a spar torpedo filled with black powder. While an insignificant naval battle, the Hunley's attack demonstrates the potential of submarine warfare.

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