Historical Events on March 5: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on March 5, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on March 5 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Deadly Coal Mine Explosion in West Virginia: A catastrophic coal mine explosion in West Virginia resulted in the tragic death of 50 miners, underscoring the dangerous working conditions in the mining industry during the early 1900s.
1901 Anglo-German Alliance Negotiations Begin: In early March 1901, diplomatic representatives from Germany and Britain initiated high-level discussions exploring the potential formation of a strategic bilateral alliance. These negotiations represented a significant diplomatic effort to potentially reshape European geopolitical dynamics at the turn of the 20th century, reflecting both nations' interests in maintaining a balance of power in Europe.
1902 San Francisco Ironworkers' Strike Settlement: In a significant labor dispute, the San Francisco ironworkers' ten-month strike concluded with partial success. While the workers did not secure their primary demand of a nine-hour workday, they did negotiate and obtain some meaningful concessions from their employers. This event highlights the challenging labor conditions and collective bargaining efforts of early 20th-century industrial workers.
1903 Baghdad Railway Treaty Signed: A definitive treaty was drawn for the construction of the Baghdad Railway, a significant infrastructure project connecting Constantinople (Istanbul) to Baghdad, representing a major geopolitical and economic collaboration between the Ottoman Empire and Germany.
1904 Tesla's Scientific Description of Ball Lightning: In a groundbreaking publication in the Electrical World and Engineer, Nikola Tesla provided a detailed scientific explanation of ball lightning formation, contributing to the understanding of this rare and mysterious atmospheric phenomenon. Tesla's description offered insights into the electrical and physical characteristics of these luminous spheres that appear during thunderstorms.
1905 Woodrow Wilson's Second Presidential Inauguration: Woodrow Wilson was sworn in for his second term as President of the United States, continuing his progressive leadership during a transformative period in American history. This inauguration came at a time of significant domestic and international challenges, preceding World War I and Wilson's subsequent global diplomatic efforts.
1906 First Battle of Bud Dajo during Moro Rebellion: In a brutal military engagement, United States Army troops conducted a devastating assault against native Moro resistance fighters on the volcanic crater of Mount Dajo in the Philippines. The overwhelming American force, utilizing superior weaponry and tactics, effectively decimated the Moro defenders, leaving only six survivors from what was likely hundreds of combatants. This battle was part of the larger Philippine-American War and represented a stark example of colonial military power against indigenous resistance.
1907 Russian Political Unrest in Second Duma: The second State Duma convened in St. Petersburg, Russia, amid significant political tension. Russian troops were required to disperse approximately 40,000 demonstrators, highlighting the volatile political climate and social unrest during the early 20th century.
1908 First Ascent of Mount Erebus: A significant polar exploration milestone was achieved with the first successful ascent of Mount Erebus, an active volcano located on Ross Island in Antarctica. This remarkable feat represented a critical moment in early 20th-century polar exploration, demonstrating human endurance and scientific curiosity in one of the world's most challenging environments.
1909 Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company Founded: The charter for the Mutual Benefit Health and Accident Association was officially signed in Omaha, Nebraska, establishing what would later become the well-known Mutual of Omaha insurance company. This event marked the beginning of a significant financial institution that would provide health and accident insurance to millions of Americans.
1910 First Russian Opera at Metropolitan Opera: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades" made history as the first Russian opera performed at New York's Metropolitan Opera. Notably, the opera was conducted by Gustav Mahler and sung in German, marking a significant cultural exchange in early 20th-century classical music.
1911 Deadly Movie Theater Stampede in Bologoye, Russia: On March 5, 1911, a tragic stampede occurred in a movie theater in Bologoye, a small city in Russia, resulting in the deaths of 120 people, with the majority being children. The incident began during a film screening when panic suddenly erupted, causing a fatal crush as people desperately tried to escape. The exact trigger for the stampede remains unclear, but such incidents were not uncommon in early 20th-century public venues with limited safety measures.
1912 Amundsen Announces South Pole Expedition Success: Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen arrived in Hobart, Tasmania, and officially announced his groundbreaking achievement of reaching the South Pole in December 1911. This historic expedition marked a pivotal moment in polar exploration, cementing Amundsen's place in the annals of geographical discovery.
1913 Establishment of First US Air Military Unit: The United States Army established the 1st Aero Squadron, which would later evolve into the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron of the United States Air Force, marking a pivotal moment in military aviation history.
1914 Diplomatic Agreement between Great Britain, France, and Russia: In a significant diplomatic negotiation, Great Britain and France made a strategic promise to Russia regarding the control and potential future of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), reflecting the complex geopolitical tensions leading up to World War I.
1915 Battle of Hartmannswillerkopf: Intense Mountain Warfare: In a fierce engagement during World War I, French forces launched strategic attacks on German defensive positions at the Hartmannswillerkopf summit along the French-German border. The French initially captured one German position but were halted by robust German defense lines near the mountain's peak. Despite a successful initial advance, the Germans counterattacked and were repulsed, suffering approximately 200 casualties. A subsequent French attack two days later also failed to dislodge German forces from the strategic mountain location.
1916 Príncipe de Asturias Maritime Disaster: The Spanish ocean liner Príncipe de Asturias tragically ran aground and sank off the coast of Brazil, resulting in a devastating maritime accident. Of the 588 passengers and crew on board, 445 lost their lives, making this one of the most significant maritime tragedies of the early 20th century.
1917 Woodrow Wilson's Second Presidential Inauguration: Woodrow Wilson was sworn in for his second term as President of the United States, marking a continuation of his leadership during a critical period in American history, which would soon include the United States' entry into World War I.
1918 Bolshevik Capital Relocation: The Bolshevik government officially moves the national capital from Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) to Moscow, marking a significant political and strategic shift during the Russian Revolution. This move was intended to distance the new revolutionary government from the former imperial capital and establish a more centralized seat of power.
1919 A. Mitchell Palmer Appointed as U.S. Attorney General: A. Mitchell Palmer was appointed Attorney General of the United States through a recess appointment, marking a significant moment in the U.S. Department of Justice leadership during the post-World War I era. Palmer would become known for his aggressive actions against suspected radical and communist elements during the First Red Scare.
1920 Leontine Kelly Becomes First Black Female Methodist Bishop: Leontine Kelly made history by becoming the first African American woman to be elected as a bishop in the Methodist Church, breaking significant racial and gender barriers in religious leadership during the early 20th century.
1921 IRA Assassination of British Brigadier General: During the intense Irish War of Independence, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) assassinated British Brigadier General H.R. Cumming. This event underscores the violent struggle between Irish republican forces and British colonial authorities, symbolizing the ongoing conflict for Irish independence.
1922 Nosferatu Film Premiere in Berlin: The iconic German Expressionist horror film 'Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror' (Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens) directed by F.W. Murnau premiered in Berlin. This unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' would become a landmark in cinema history, significantly influencing the horror genre despite legal challenges from Stoker's estate.
1923 First Old Age Pension Plans in the United States: Montana and Nevada became pioneering states by establishing the first comprehensive old age pension plans in the United States, marking a significant milestone in social welfare policy. These groundbreaking laws provided financial support for elderly citizens who were unable to support themselves, laying the groundwork for future social security programs.
1924 Computing-Tabulating-Recording Corp Becomes IBM: On March 5, 1924, the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Corporation (CTR) officially rebranded itself as International Business Machines (IBM), marking a pivotal moment in the history of technology and corporate transformation. This name change would herald the beginning of one of the most influential technology companies in the world.
1925 Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925: On March 18, 1925, one of the most devastating and deadliest tornadoes in United States history swept through Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Southwest Indiana. This unprecedented meteorological event caused catastrophic destruction, resulting in approximately 695 confirmed fatalities and over 2,000 injuries across multiple communities. The tornado, which traveled an extraordinary continuous path of 219 miles, remains the longest-tracked tornado in recorded history. Its unprecedented width of up to one mile and sustained winds estimated at over 300 miles per hour obliterated entire towns, leaving unprecedented levels of devastation in its wake. Communities like Murphysboro, Illinois, and West Frankfort were particularly hard-hit, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble.
1926 Death of Clément Ader, French Aviation Pioneer: Clément Ader, a significant French aviation pioneer who made substantial contributions to early aeronautical engineering, passed away. Known for his groundbreaking work in developing early flying machines, Ader was a visionary who helped lay the foundations for modern aviation technology.
1927 U.S. Marines Deployed to China: On March 5, 1927, approximately 1,000 United States Marines were deployed to China with the primary objective of protecting American property and citizens during a period of significant political instability. This intervention was part of the broader U.S. foreign policy of gunboat diplomacy, which involved using military presence to safeguard American interests in regions experiencing civil unrest.
1928 French Chamber of Deputies Reforms Military Justice System: The French Chamber of Deputies enacted significant military justice reforms by abolishing the drumhead court-martial system. Simultaneously, they introduced a new provision in the military code that established strict penalties for soldiers who commit offenses against the national flag or army, with potential punishments ranging from six months to five years imprisonment or loss of military rank.
1929 Gillis Grafström Wins World Figure Skating Championship: Swedish figure skater Gillis Grafström secured victory in the Men's Competition of the World Figure Skating Championships, held in London. Grafström, a renowned athlete, demonstrated exceptional skill and technique to claim the prestigious title, further solidifying Sweden's reputation in international figure skating during the early 20th century.
1930 First Documented Gender Reassignment Surgery: Danish painter Einar Wegener underwent one of the world's first documented gender reassignment surgeries in Germany, becoming Lili Elbe. This groundbreaking medical procedure marked a pivotal moment in understanding gender identity and transgender medical history. Elbe's courageous journey was later immortalized in the book and film 'The Danish Girl', bringing visibility to transgender experiences in the early 20th century.
1931 Gandhi-Irwin Pact Signed: A landmark agreement was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, British Viceroy of India, effectively ending a period of civil disobedience. The pact included critical provisions such as the release of political prisoners, withdrawal of restrictive ordinances against the Indian National Congress, and lifting the ban on salt production and collection by Indians. This agreement was a significant diplomatic breakthrough in India's struggle for independence.
1932 Assassination of Dan Takuma by Radical Nationalists: On March 5, 1932, Dan Takuma, a prominent Japanese businessman and director of the powerful Mitsui Zaibatsu industrial conglomerate, was assassinated by members of the radical right-wing nationalist group known as the League of Righteousness. This politically motivated killing reflected the intense social and ideological tensions in pre-World War II Japan, where ultranationalist groups targeted business and political leaders they perceived as obstacles to their vision of Japanese imperial expansion and cultural purification.
1933 Nazi Party Gains Significant Electoral Victory in Germany: Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party receives 43.9% of the vote in the Reichstag elections, a pivotal moment that would later enable the passage of the Enabling Act and the establishment of a totalitarian dictatorship in Germany.
1934 Nazi Antisemitic Stage Performance Ban: Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Minister of Propaganda, issued a discriminatory order forbidding Jews from performing on German stages. The directive required actors to prove guild membership, effectively excluding Jewish performers from professional theater, a significant escalation of antisemitic policies in Nazi Germany.
1935 Italy-Ethiopia Border Tension Escalates: Italy and Ethiopia agreed to establish a neutral zone along the border of Italian Somaliland, though this diplomatic gesture was undermined by Italy's continued military buildup in the region, signaling growing tensions that would eventually lead to the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.
1936 Spitfire's First Flight: The legendary Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft made its maiden flight at Eastleigh Aerodrome in Southampton, marking a pivotal moment in British aviation history. This aircraft would become iconic during World War II, playing a crucial role in the Royal Air Force's defense during the Battle of Britain.
1937 Battle of Cape Machichaco during Spanish Civil War: On March 5, 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Nationalist cruiser Canarias intercepted the transport ship Galdames in a naval engagement off the coast. The Canarias engaged four Basque Auxiliary Navy trawlers escorting the vessel. In the battle, the trawler Nabarra was sunk, resulting in the tragic loss of 29 sailors. An additional 20 survivors were captured and imprisoned. Four passengers aboard the Galdames were killed, including the notable Catalan legislator Manuel Carrasco Formiguera, who was subsequently imprisoned and executed by Nationalist forces in 1938.
1938 Birth of Fred Williamson: Football Player and Actor: Fred Williamson, a notable American football player who later transitioned to a successful acting career, was born on March 5, 1938, in Gary, Indiana. Known for his versatility, Williamson played professional football in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1960s before becoming a prominent actor in action films during the 1970s, particularly in the blaxploitation genre.
1939 Spanish Civil War: National Defence Council Coup: On March 5, 1939, the National Defence Council executed a significant political maneuver by seizing control of the Republican government through a coup d'état. Their primary objective was to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Spanish Civil War, which had been devastating the country since 1936. This internal power shift represented a critical moment in the conflict, signaling potential diplomatic efforts to end the prolonged and brutal struggle between Republican and Nationalist forces.
1940 Katyn Massacre Order Signed: In a dark moment of World War II history, six high-ranking Soviet Politburo members, including Joseph Stalin, signed an order authorizing the execution of 25,700 Polish intellectuals and prisoners of war. This systematic killing of Polish elite would later become known as the Katyn massacre, a significant war crime that would have long-lasting diplomatic and historical repercussions.
1941 Hitler's Directive on Japanese Cooperation: Adolf Hitler issued Directive No. 24, focusing on strategic cooperation with Japan during World War II, which signaled potential expanded Axis powers collaboration.
1942 Japanese Capture of Batavia in World War II: During World War II, Japanese forces captured Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), the capital of the Dutch East Indies. The city was left undefended after the withdrawal of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) garrison and the Australian Blackforce battalion to Buitenzorg and Bandung, marking a significant moment in the Japanese invasion of Southeast Asia.
1943 Battle of the Ruhr: RAF Strategic Bombing of Essen: British Air Chief Marshal Arthur Harris launched a major strategic bombing raid on Essen and the critical Krupp factories during World War II. Using advanced navigation technologies like Oboe and H2S, 438 bombers attacked in multiple waves, utilizing color-coded flares to mark targets. The intense bombardment devastated 160 acres of the city and extensively damaged an additional 450 acres. The operation resulted in the loss of 14 Allied aircraft.
1944 Red Army Launches Uman-Botosani Offensive: During World War II, the Soviet Red Army initiated the Uman-Botosani Offensive in western Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, marking a significant strategic military operation against German forces on the Eastern Front.
1945 US 7th Army Corps Captures Cologne: The United States 7th Army Corps successfully captured the strategic city of Cologne (Köln), marking a significant advance into Nazi Germany's industrial heartland during the final months of World War II.
1946 Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech: Winston Churchill delivered a landmark speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, where he coined the phrase 'Iron Curtain' to describe the ideological and physical divide between Western democracies and the Soviet-controlled Eastern European countries. This speech became a pivotal moment in understanding the emerging geopolitical tensions of the post-World War II era.
1947 International Monetary Fund Begins Operations: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) officially commenced its global financial operations, marking a pivotal moment in post-World War II economic reconstruction and international monetary cooperation. This institution would play a crucial role in stabilizing the global financial system, providing monetary assistance to member countries, and promoting international economic collaboration.
1948 US Rocket Achieves Record Speed and Altitude: A United States rocket set a remarkable technological milestone by reaching a record speed of 4,800 kilometers per hour and attaining an altitude of 126 kilometers. This achievement represented significant progress in early rocket and aerospace technology during the post-World War II era.
1949 Kim Il Sung Meets Stalin in the Kremlin: North Korean leader Kim Il Sung met with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin at the Kremlin, securing a substantial financial credit agreement that would significantly influence North Korea's early post-war development.
1950 Death of Joseph Stalin: Joseph Stalin, the powerful and controversial leader of the Soviet Union, died on March 5, 1953, marking a significant turning point in 20th-century global politics. His death ended an era of brutal totalitarian rule and set the stage for political reforms and de-Stalinization under his successor, Nikita Khrushchev. Stalin's passing was a momentous event that would reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Cold War era.
1951 Birth of Lat, Malaysian Cartoonist: Mohammad Nor Khalid, popularly known as Lat, was born on March 5, 1951, in Kota Baru, Perak, Malaysia. He is a renowned cartoonist celebrated for his unique artistic style that captures the nuances of Malaysian social life and culture. Lat's work has been instrumental in documenting and humorously portraying Malaysian society through his distinctive cartoon illustrations.
1952 Assassination Attempt on Nobel Laureate Sir Charles Sherrington: On March 5, 1952, a notable incident occurred involving Sir Charles Sherrington, a renowned British physiologist and Nobel Prize winner. An unidentified individual attempted to assassinate Sherrington, though details of the attempt and the motivations behind it remain unclear. Sherrington, famous for his groundbreaking work in neurophysiology and neural integration, survived the attack without significant harm.
1953 Death of Joseph Stalin: Joseph Stalin, the longest-serving and most influential leader of the Soviet Union, died at his Volynskoe dacha near Moscow after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. His death marked the end of a brutal and transformative era in Soviet history, characterized by rapid industrialization, political repression, and significant geopolitical changes. Stalin's passing triggered a power struggle within the Soviet leadership and ultimately led to a period of de-Stalinization under Nikita Khrushchev.
1954 Harald Schumacher Birth: Harald Schumacher, a prominent German football goalkeeper, was born. He would become a notable player for West Germany, particularly remembered for his controversial moments during the 1982 World Cup.
1955 Elvis Presley's Television Debut: Elvis Presley made his groundbreaking television debut on the 'Louisiana Hayride' program, broadcast by KSLA-TV in Shreveport, marking the beginning of his iconic television and music career.
1956 King Kong First Television Broadcast: The classic film 'King Kong' was televised for the first time, marking a significant moment in entertainment media history. This broadcast represented an important milestone in bringing cinematic experiences directly into American homes during the mid-1950s television revolution.
1957 Ben-Gurion Addresses Knesset on Sinai Campaign: Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion delivered a comprehensive address to the Knesset, providing a detailed review and analysis of Israel's recent military operations during the Sinai Campaign, highlighting the nation's strategic military achievements.
1958 Establishment of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was officially established, recognizing the cultural and administrative autonomy of the Zhuang ethnic minority in southern China. This marked an important milestone in China's ethnic minority regional autonomy policy, providing greater self-governance and cultural preservation for the Zhuang people.
1959 Arkansas Reform School Fire Tragedy: On March 5, 1959, a horrific fire at a segregated 'reform' school in Arkansas resulted in the deaths of 21 Black teenagers. The victims were locked inside their dormitory, highlighting the systemic racism, neglect, and dangerous conditions prevalent in segregated institutions during the late 1950s. This tragic event exposed the severe human rights violations and institutional racism in the American education and juvenile justice systems.
1960 US Military Involvement in Vietnam Begins: The United States announces the deployment of 3,500 American soldiers to Vietnam, marking an early escalation of military presence that would lead to the prolonged and controversial Vietnam War.
1962 B-58 Hustler Sets Transcontinental Speed Records: A B-58 Hustler supersonic jet, piloted by U.S. Air Force Captain Robert Sowers and a crew of two, achieved remarkable speed records by flying from Los Angeles to New York in 2 hours, 01 minutes, 15 seconds, and returning in 2 hours, 15 minutes, 02 seconds. During the high-speed flight at 30,000 feet, the jet's sonic boom caused significant disruption, breaking windows in Riverside, California, and Chillicothe, Missouri. The unprecedented flight generated over 10,000 noise complaints from residents along its flight path.
1963 Tragic Plane Crash Claims Country Music Stars: A devastating plane crash in Camden, Tennessee claims the lives of prominent country music performers Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas, and their pilot Randy Hughes. The group was returning from a benefit performance in Kansas City when the accident occurred, marking a significant loss for the music industry.
1964 Beatles Top US Charts: The Beatles' hit single 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' reaches number 1 on the US music charts, further solidifying the band's growing international popularity during the British Invasion.
1965 March Intifada in Bahrain: A significant Leftist uprising erupted in Bahrain against British colonial presence, marking a pivotal moment in the country's struggle for independence and self-determination.
1966 BOAC Flight 911 Disaster at Mount Fuji: A Boeing 707 aircraft catastrophically broke apart in mid-air due to clear-air turbulence and crashed into Mount Fuji, Japan, resulting in the tragic loss of all 124 people on board. The incident highlighted the extreme dangers of unexpected atmospheric conditions for aviation.
1967 Death of Georges Vanier, Governor General of Canada: Georges Vanier, a prominent Canadian military officer and statesman who served as Governor General of Canada, passed away on this date. Born in 1888, Vanier was a significant figure in Canadian political and military history.
1968 East L.A. Student Walkouts Begin: The historic East L.A. walkouts commenced, with thousands of Hispanic students protesting educational inequality and systemic discrimination in the Los Angeles school system. These walkouts, a pivotal moment in the Chicano civil rights movement, demanded better educational opportunities, cultural representation, and an end to institutional racism.
1969 Apollo 9 Space Mission Launch: NASA launched the Apollo 9 mission from Cape Kennedy, Florida, to conduct critical lunar module tests in Earth orbit. This mission was a crucial preparatory step for the upcoming moon landing, testing essential spacecraft and mission components.
1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Takes Effect: DUPE
1971 Political Tensions Escalate in East Pakistan: A critical day in the lead-up to the Bangladesh Liberation War. Curfews were imposed in Rangpur, and security forces opened fire in multiple cities including Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Tongi, resulting in four laborers killed and 25 injured. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman denied rumors of power-sharing with Bhutto. Air Marshal Asghar Khan arrived in Dhaka for meetings, and Gen Tikka Khan was sworn in as Governor of East Pakistan.
1972 UK-China Diplomatic Relations Upgrade: The United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China officially elevated their diplomatic exchanges to the ambassadorial level after 22 years of limited communication, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough in international relations.
1973 Black September Diplomatic Assassination: U.S. Ambassador to Sudan Cleo A. Noel Jr. and his chargé d'affaires Curtis Moore were kidnapped and murdered by terrorists from the Palestinian Black September Organization during an attack on the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Khartoum, highlighting the volatile diplomatic tensions of the era.
1974 US Soldier Drives Tank into East Berlin: In a dramatic Cold War incident, U.S. Army Specialist William A. Thompson Jr. stole a 50-ton M60 tank from Turner Barracks in West Berlin, drove through Checkpoint Charlie into East Berlin, and caused significant chaos for 70 minutes, highlighting the tensions of the divided city.
1975 First Meeting of the Homebrew Computer Club: The Homebrew Computer Club, a pioneering computer hobbyist group in Silicon Valley, convened its inaugural meeting. This gathering was significant in the early personal computing era, bringing together innovative technology enthusiasts who would later become instrumental in shaping the digital revolution. Notable attendees included future tech entrepreneurs who would go on to found influential companies like Apple Inc.
1976 British Pound Sterling Drops Below $2 Milestone: On March 5, 1976, the British pound sterling experienced a significant economic downturn, falling below the symbolic $2 exchange rate for the first time in modern financial history. This event signaled profound challenges in the British economy, reflecting broader issues of inflation, economic instability, and declining global economic influence in the mid-1970s.
1977 First Interactive Presidential Radio Show: President Jimmy Carter pioneered a groundbreaking radio show called 'Ask President Carter', which allowed ordinary U.S. citizens to directly call and communicate with the President. This innovative format represented a new level of presidential accessibility and transparency in American governance.
1978 First Non-Soviet/US Space Traveler: Soyuz 28 was launched from the Soviet Union, marking a historic moment as the first space mission to include a cosmonaut from a nation other than the United States or Soviet Union aboard the Salyut 6 space station.
1979 Voyager 1's Jupiter Flyby: NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft completed its closest approach to Jupiter, passing approximately 172,000 miles from the planet. This mission was a critical part of humanity's early deep space exploration efforts, providing unprecedented close-up images and scientific data about the gas giant.
1980 Gamma Ray Detection from Supernova N-49: Earth satellites successfully recorded gamma ray emissions from the remnants of supernova N-49, providing groundbreaking insights into stellar explosion dynamics and high-energy astrophysical processes.
1981 ZX81 Home Computer Launch: Sinclair Research launched the ZX81, a pioneering British home computer that would revolutionize personal computing, ultimately selling over 1.5 million units worldwide and making computing accessible to the general public.
1982 Soviet Venera 14 Mission to Venus: The Soviet space probe Venera 14 successfully landed on the surface of Venus, continuing the Soviet Union's groundbreaking planetary exploration program. This mission provided critical scientific data about the harsh Venusian environment, characterized by extreme temperatures and high atmospheric pressure.
1983 Bob Hawke is elected Prime Minister of Australia.
1984 Operation Blue Star Initiated: Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi orders a military operation to neutralize Sikh separatist militants who had fortified themselves within the Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple), a pivotal moment in India's internal political tensions.
1985 DEA Agent Kiki Camarena Murder Discovered: The body of Enrique (Kiki) S. Camarena, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, was discovered after he was brutally kidnapped and murdered by drug traffickers. His death became a significant event in the ongoing war against drug cartels and highlighted the dangerous work of law enforcement in combating international drug trade.
1986 Launch of Today, Britain's First National Colour Newspaper: On March 5, 1986, Today newspaper was launched in Britain, marking a significant milestone in print media by becoming the country's first national colour newspaper. This innovation represented a major technological and design advancement in British journalism.
1987 Dorothy Hamill's Second Marriage: Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Dorothy Hamill married Kenneth Douglas Forsythe in a private ceremony. At 30 years old, Hamill, famous for her iconic 'Hamill Camel' spin and her gold medal at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, entered her second marriage. The union would last until their divorce in 1995, spanning approximately eight years.
1988 Gallaudet University Presidential Selection Meeting: The Gallaudet University Board of Trustees convened at a downtown hotel to conduct interviews for the next university president, considering candidates Elisabeth A. Zinser and I. King Jordan. This meeting was significant in the context of deaf education leadership.
1989 Elly Verhulst Sets World Record in Indoor 3000 Meters: Dutch athlete Elly Verhulst achieved a remarkable world record in the indoor 3000 meters track event, completing the distance in an extraordinary time of 8:03.82, setting a new benchmark in women's athletics.
1990 Space Shuttle Mission STS-36 Returns: The U.S. 65th manned space mission, STS-36, successfully completed its mission and returned to Earth, contributing to ongoing space exploration efforts.
1991 Iraq Officially Ends Kuwait Annexation: In a diplomatic move following the Gulf War, Iraq officially repealed its annexation of Kuwait, signaling the end of its territorial occupation.
1992 Congressional Ethics Committee Check Bouncing Revelation: On March 5, 1992, the Congressional Ethics Committee made a significant decision to publicly disclose the names of legislators who had written checks that were returned due to insufficient funds. This unprecedented move aimed to increase transparency and accountability in congressional conduct, potentially exposing financial mismanagement among elected representatives.
1993 Palair Macedonian Airlines Flight 301 Crash: On March 5, 1993, Palair Macedonian Airlines Flight 301, a Fokker F-100 aircraft, crashed shortly after takeoff from Skopje International Airport in Petrovec, North Macedonia. The tragic accident resulted in the deaths of 83 out of 97 passengers and crew, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Macedonian history.
1994 Hostage Situation at Salt Lake City Public Library: A tense hostage situation unfolded at the Salt Lake City Public Library in Utah, where an unidentified gunman took eight individuals captive, creating a dangerous and high-stakes scenario.
1995 Discovery of Romanov Family Graves: The long-lost graves of Czar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, and their children were discovered in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This significant archaeological and historical find provided closure to the mystery surrounding the fate of the last Russian imperial family, who were executed during the Russian Revolution.
1996 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees: Earl Weaver and Jim Bunning were elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the sport. Earl Weaver, a legendary manager of the Baltimore Orioles known for his strategic brilliance and fiery temperament, and Jim Bunning, a remarkable pitcher who later became a U.S. Senator, were honored for their significant achievements in baseball.
1997 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Tommy Lasorda, Nellie Fox, and Willie Wells were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. This prestigious honor recognized their exceptional contributions to the sport of baseball, celebrating their remarkable careers and significant impact on the game.
1998 First Woman Space Shuttle Commander Selected: Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Eileen Collins makes history as she is chosen to pilot the Space Shuttle Columbia for a December 1998 mission to deploy an advanced telescope, representing a significant milestone for women in space exploration.
1999 First Premier of Nunavut Elected: Paul Okalik makes history by becoming the first Premier of Nunavut, a newly created Canadian territory. This marks a significant milestone in Indigenous self-governance, as Nunavut was established to provide greater political autonomy for Inuit people in Canada's Arctic region.
2001 Santana High School Shooting: A devastating school shooting at Santana High School in Santee, California, left 2 students dead and 15 others wounded. The incident shocked the community and reignited national discussions about school safety and youth violence.
2003 France, Russia, and Germany Oppose Iraq War Resolution: France, Russia, and Germany jointly announce they will not support a United Nations resolution authorizing military force against Iraq, signaling significant international diplomatic resistance to potential US-led military intervention.
2004 Tony Blair Defends Iraq War Policy: British Prime Minister Tony Blair strongly defended the war in Iraq, asserting that the 'global threat' facing Britain is real and existential. He emphasized that leadership requires exposing and combating such threats, regardless of potential political consequences.
2005 Nazi Party Gains Parliamentary Majority: In German parliamentary elections, the Nazi Party won 44 percent of the vote, enabling them to form a majority with Nationalist allies, a pivotal moment in the rise of Nazi power in Germany.
2006 78th Academy Awards Ceremony: The 78th Academy Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in cinema. Key winners included 'Crash' for Best Picture, Ang Lee for Best Director (Brokeback Mountain), Reese Witherspoon for Best Actress (Walk the Line), and Philip Seymour Hoffman for Best Actor (Capote).
2007 US-North Korea Diplomatic Talks Begin: The United States and North Korea initiate diplomatic talks in New York City, exploring potential normalization of relations contingent upon North Korea's abandonment of its nuclear weapons program.
2008 Bush Endorses McCain for Presidential Race: President George W. Bush officially endorses John McCain as the Republican presidential nominee, signaling party unity in the 2008 United States presidential election.
2009 Bank of England Launches Quantitative Easing: The Bank of England announces a significant economic intervention by creating 75 billion pounds (US$106 billion) of new money to revive lending and stimulate the economy. Chancellor Alistair Darling authorizes the potential expansion of this measure up to 150 billion pounds. Simultaneously, the central bank reduces lending interest rates from 1% to a historic low of 0.5 percent.
2010 Tensions Escalate on Temple Mount: Violent confrontations occurred after Friday prayers on Temple Mount, resulting in 15 Israeli police officers being lightly injured. Several dozen Palestinians were also hurt, with three taken into custody. The incident was triggered by a recent Israeli decision to include two West Bank shrines in a national heritage sites list.
2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Aftermath: In the wake of the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Japan continued to focus on relief efforts and address critical concerns about the damaged nuclear power complex.
2012 Russian Presidential Election Controversy: The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) reported significant bias in the Russian presidential election, favoring Vladimir Putin. International observers highlighted irregularities in the electoral process.
2013 Death of Hugo Chavez: Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's President, died in his office in Caracas at the age of 58. His death triggered a presidential election within 30 days, with Vice President Nicolas Maduro assuming the interim presidency until elections could be held.
2014 2014 Crimean Crisis: UN Envoy Forced to Flee: UN Envoy Robert Serry was ordered to flee Crimea under gunpoint by 10 armed men. Simultaneously, Washington-based anchor Liz Wahl resigned from RT, a Russian-backed news channel, claiming she could not be part of a network 'whitewashing Vladimir Putin's actions'.
2015 ISIS Destroys Ancient Iraqi Cities: Islamic State militants systematically destroyed the ancient archaeological sites of Nimrud, Hatra, and Dur-Sharrukin in Iraq, causing irreparable damage to world cultural heritage.
2016 Democratic Party Primary Results: Bernie Sanders claimed victories in the Democratic Party contests in Kansas and Nebraska, while Hillary Clinton won Louisiana, reflecting the competitive nature of the primary season.
2017 Trump Wiretapping Allegations Disputed: President Trump's controversial claim of being wiretapped by the Obama administration during the election has been met with strong pushback from Democratic critics and former Obama administration officials, sparking a significant political controversy.
2018 Sergei Skripal Poisoning Incident: Former MI6 spy Sergei Skripal, who was granted UK refugee status in 2010 after a spy exchange with Russia, was hospitalized after exposure to an unidentified substance in Wiltshire, UK, sparking an international diplomatic crisis.
2019 HIV Remission Breakthrough: The London Patient: A groundbreaking medical case emerges where an HIV-positive man, known as 'the London Patient', achieves long-term HIV remission after receiving a bone marrow donation from an HIV-resistant donor. After 18 months of remission, he has successfully stopped taking HIV medications.
2020 Congress Approves Emergency COVID-19 Funding: The U.S. House of Representatives passed a substantial $8.3 billion emergency spending package to address the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, marking an early federal response to the public health crisis.
2021 Pope Francis Visits Iraq: Pope Francis embarked on a historic and unprecedented apostolic journey to Iraq, becoming the first pontiff to visit the country. This significant diplomatic and religious mission took place during the challenging context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, symbolizing hope and reconciliation in a region long marked by conflict and religious tensions.
2022 Russia Violates Ceasefire Agreement in Ukraine: A planned humanitarian ceasefire to establish safe corridors for civilians in the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha collapsed almost immediately due to continued Russian military shelling. Despite Russia's announcement of a five-hour cessation of hostilities to allow civilian evacuation, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces did not honor the agreement, preventing safe passage for civilians trapped in the conflict zones.
2023 Biden Commemorates Bloody Sunday Anniversary: President Biden visited Selma, Alabama, to mark the 58th anniversary of the historic Bloody Sunday civil rights protest. He participated in the bridge crossing re-enactment and delivered a speech emphasizing voting rights and ballot box access. The event commemorated the pivotal moment when civil rights protesters were brutally attacked by Alabama state troopers while attempting to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a watershed moment in the American civil rights movement.

What Is special about March 5?

March 5 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about March 5.