February 23
- 1574 - The Fifth War of Religion against the Huguenots begins in France.
- 1778 - American Revolution: Baron von Steuben arrives at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania to help to train the Continental Army.
- 1836 - The Siege of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, Texas.
- 1847 - Mexican–American War: Battle of Buena Vista - In Mexico, American troops defeat Mexican general Antonio López de Santa Anna.
- 1900 - In South Africa the Boers and British troops fight in the Battle of Hart's Hill.
- 1940 - World War II: Soviet Union troops conquer Lasi Island.
- 1945 - World War II: During the Battle of Iwo Jima, a group of United States Marines reach the top of Mount Suribachi on the island and are photographed raising the American flag. The photo would later win a Pulitzer Prize.
- 1945 - World War II: The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is liberated by American forces.
- 1945 - World War II: Capitulation of German garrison in Poznań, city is liberated by Soviet and Polish forces.
- 1945 - World War II: The German town of Pforzheim is completely destroyed by a raid of 379 British bombers.
February 23
- 1574 - The Fifth War of Religion against the Huguenots begins in France.
- 1778 - American Revolution: Baron von Steuben arrives at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania to help to train the Continental Army.
- 1836 - The Siege of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, Texas.
- 1847 - Mexican–American War: Battle of Buena Vista - In Mexico, American troops defeat Mexican general Antonio López de Santa Anna.
- 1900 - In South Africa the Boers and British troops fight in the Battle of Hart's Hill.
- 1940 - World War II: Soviet Union troops conquer Lasi Island.
- 1945 - World War II: During the Battle of Iwo Jima, a group of United States Marines reach the top of Mount Suribachi on the island and are photographed raising the American flag. The photo would later win a Pulitzer Prize.
- 1945 - World War II: The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is liberated by American forces.
- 1945 - World War II: Capitulation of German garrison in Poznań, city is liberated by Soviet and Polish forces.
- 1945 - World War II: The German town of Pforzheim is completely destroyed by a raid of 379 British bombers.