Historical Events on March 11: 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 11, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on March 11 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Fall of Bloemfontein during Second Boer War: General John French delivered an ultimatum to the leaders of the Orange Free State, giving them 11 hours to surrender. Having advanced within five miles of Bloemfontein, the capital, French's invasion force prompted President Martinus Theunis Steyn to flee. The city's leaders surrendered the following morning, effectively ending the Orange Free State's independence and marking a significant moment in the British colonial expansion.
1901 Einstein's First Academic Publication: Albert Einstein published his inaugural academic paper in the prestigious *Annalen der Physik*, titled 'Deductions from the Phenomena of Capillarity', which he had submitted on December 13, 1900. This marked the beginning of his groundbreaking scientific publishing career.
1902 Prince Henry of Prussia Visits New York: Prince Henry of Prussia concluded his diplomatic visit to New York City, marking an important moment in early 20th-century transatlantic relations. His departure signaled the end of a notable international goodwill tour that helped strengthen German-American diplomatic connections.
1903 Birth of Jazz Legend Bix Beiderbecke: Leon Bismark "Bix" Beiderbecke was born in Davenport, Iowa, destined to become one of the most influential jazz cornetists and pianists of the early 20th century. His innovative musical style would significantly impact the development of jazz during the Roaring Twenties.
1904 Ottawa Silver 7 Win Stanley Cup: In a decisive performance, the Ottawa Silver 7 hockey team swept the Brandon Wheat Kings in two games to claim the Stanley Cup championship. This victory highlighted the team's dominance in early 20th-century Canadian ice hockey and demonstrated the growing competitive nature of professional hockey leagues during this era.
1905 Theodore Roosevelt's Full Presidential Term: Theodore Roosevelt was officially inaugurated for a full presidential term after previously assuming office following President William McKinley's assassination. This ceremony solidified his position as the 26th President of the United States.
1906 Uneventful Day in 1906: While no major historical events were recorded on March 11, 1906, this does not diminish the ongoing historical context of the early 20th century. This period was marked by significant global transformations, including technological advancements, colonial expansions, and emerging social movements.
1907 First Missouri-Kansas Basketball Border War: On March 11, 1907, the University of Missouri Tigers and the Kansas Jayhawks basketball teams faced each other for the first time, inaugurating one of the most storied rivalries in college basketball. In this historic inaugural match, the Missouri Tigers emerged victorious with a narrow 34-32 win, setting the stage for decades of intense athletic competition between these two neighboring state universities.
1908 Founding of Transvaal University College in Pretoria: The Pretoria branch of Transvaal University College was established, marking a significant milestone in the educational development of South Africa. This institution would later evolve into the University of Pretoria, becoming a crucial center of higher learning in the region during the early 20th century.
1909 Unremarkable Day in Early 20th Century: While no significant historical events were documented for March 11, 1909, this date falls during the early years of the 20th century, a period of significant global transformation marked by technological innovations, colonial expansions, and emerging geopolitical tensions.
1910 Birth of Infamous Outlaw Clyde Barrow: Clyde Barrow was born in Ellis County, Texas, who would later become one of America's most notorious criminal figures. Together with his partner Bonnie Parker, he would become a legendary Depression-era criminal duo known for a string of robberies and violent confrontations with law enforcement across the central United States.
1911 Discovery of Polio's Causative Agent: Dr. Simon Flexner, a prominent medical researcher at the Rockefeller Institute, made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the identification of the causative agent of infantile paralysis (poliomyelitis). This discovery was a critical milestone in understanding the disease that had been causing widespread fear and devastating health consequences, particularly among children. Flexner's research provided crucial insights into the viral nature of polio, which would later pave the way for vaccine development and eventual global eradication efforts.
1912 Stanley Cup Game Period Length Change: The first Stanley Cup game was played with a new format of three 20-minute periods, replacing the previous 30-minute halves. In this historic match, Quebec decisively defeated Moncton 9-3, ultimately sweeping the series and marking a significant change in hockey game structure.
1913 Uneventful Day in 1913: While no significant historical events are recorded for March 11, 1913, this does not necessarily mean nothing of importance occurred. Many historical moments go undocumented, especially for less prominent locations or during periods with limited record-keeping.
1914 Ralph Ellison Birth: Ralph Ellison, a prominent African American novelist, literary critic, and scholar, was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is best known for his groundbreaking novel 'Invisible Man', which explores themes of racial identity, individual experience, and social invisibility in mid-20th century America. Ellison's work significantly influenced African American literature and broader discussions of race in the United States.
1915 HMS Bayano Sinking in World War I: On March 11, 1915, during World War I, the British armed merchant cruiser HMS Bayano was sunk in the North Channel. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of approximately 200 crew members, with only 26 survivors. Many bodies were subsequently washed up on the Isle of Man, highlighting the brutal maritime casualties of the war.
1916 Birth of Harold Wilson, British Political Leader: Sir Harold Wilson was a prominent British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during two significant periods: first from 1964 to 1970, and then again from 1974 to 1976. A member of the Labour Party, Wilson was known for his pragmatic approach to governance and navigating complex political landscapes during the 1960s and 1970s.
1917 Fall of Baghdad during World War I: During the Mesopotamian campaign of World War I, Baghdad was captured by Anglo-Indian forces led by General Frederick Stanley Maude, marking a significant strategic victory for the British Empire in the Middle Eastern theater.
1918 First Documented Military Case of Spanish Flu: Private Albert Gitchell, a mess cook at Fort Riley, Kansas, became the first documented military case of the Spanish flu. This event marked the beginning of a devastating global pandemic that would ultimately claim between 50-100 million lives worldwide, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.
1919 Cossack Rebellion Against Bolsheviks: In the Vyoshenskaya region of Russia, Cossacks initiated a rebellion against the Bolshevik regime after the Red Army executed 300 Cossack soldiers who refused to surrender their weapons. This event highlighted the deep resistance to Bolshevik control among traditional Cossack communities.
1920 Birth of Nobel Laureate Nicolaas Bloembergen: On March 11, 1920, Nicolaas Bloembergen was born, a distinguished Dutch physicist who would later make groundbreaking contributions to science and be awarded the Nobel Prize. Bloembergen's work significantly advanced our understanding of quantum mechanics and laser technology.
1921 Georgian Gold Reserves Transported to Exile: During the tumultuous period of Georgia's early independence struggle, the French Navy cruiser Ernest Renan executed a critical maritime operation to safeguard the nation's precious gold and church reserves. The vessel transported these valuable assets from the strategic Black Sea port of Batumi, ensuring their protection from potential Bolshevik seizure. This operation was part of the Georgian government's efforts to preserve national wealth during the Soviet invasion and consolidation of power in the Caucasus region.
1922 International Reparations Agreement: Major world powers (Great Britain, Belgium, France, Italy, and Japan) signed a diplomatic agreement in Paris regarding the distribution of German reparation payments following World War I. This treaty was a crucial part of post-war economic negotiations and international diplomacy.
1923 Devastating F5 Tornado in Tennessee: A catastrophic F5 tornado struck Madison County, Tennessee, causing widespread destruction. The tornado devastated the western Tennessee town of Pinson, destroying over 50 homes, resulting in 20 fatalities, and injuring 70 people. This natural disaster was one of the most severe tornado events in the region's history.
1924 Murder and Intrigue in Chicago: Belva Gaertner's Arrest: Cabaret singer Belva Gaertner was arrested for the murder of her lover, Walter Law, in Chicago. Law was found dead from a bullet wound in Gaertner's car. Despite the serious charges, she was later acquitted of the murder. This sensational case would go on to inspire both the 1926 Broadway play 'Chicago' and the 1975 musical adaptation, highlighting the dramatic and complex nature of criminal cases in the 1920s.
1925 Pink's War: British RAF Operation in Waziristan: In a significant colonial military operation, the British Royal Air Force conducted aerial bombardments against the mountain strongholds of the Mahsud (Mahsud) tribal warriors in South Waziristan, a rugged region in what is now Pakistan. This military campaign, known as 'Pink's War', represented an early example of aerial counterinsurgency tactics used by British imperial forces to suppress local resistance.
1926 Fascist Italy Bans Independent Labor Unions: The Italian government under Mussolini's regime passed legislation effectively outlawing all non-Fascist labor unions and eliminating workers' right to strike. This action represented a critical step in consolidating totalitarian control over labor and civil society.
1927 Roxy Theater Opens in New York City: Samuel 'Roxy' Rothafel inaugurated the legendary Roxy Theater in New York City, a landmark entertainment venue that would become an iconic symbol of early 20th-century cinema and performance culture.
1928 Mussolini's Marriage Loan Program: As part of his fascist regime's social welfare and population growth strategy, Benito Mussolini introduced a national bank program designed to financially support young married couples. The initiative provided loans to newlyweds, allowing them to establish their households with state assistance, with the expectation of full repayment within two to three years.
1929 Henry Segrave Sets Land Speed Record: British racing driver Henry Segrave achieved a remarkable milestone in automotive history by setting a new land speed record of 231 miles per hour at Daytona Beach, Florida. Driving the iconic Golden Arrow racer, Segrave pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering and human speed capabilities, demonstrating the rapid technological advancements of the early 20th century.
1930 Reichstag Approves Modified Young Plan: The German Reichstag approved a modified version of the Young Plan, which was a debt restructuring agreement designed to manage Germany's reparation payments following World War I. This modification represented an important diplomatic and economic negotiation during the interwar period.
1931 Birth of Rupert Murdoch: Rupert Murdoch, an influential Australian-born media entrepreneur, is born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He would go on to become one of the most powerful and controversial media moguls in the world, founding and controlling global media corporations like News Corporation and 21st Century Fox.
1932 Uneventful Day in 1932: While no specific major historical events were recorded for March 11, 1932, this period was part of the Great Depression era in the United States and globally. During this time, economic hardship was widespread, with high unemployment and significant social challenges affecting millions of people worldwide.
1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address and the Banking Crisis: On March 11, 1933, the United States was in the midst of the Great Depression, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt had just delivered his famous inaugural address four days earlier, declaring 'the only thing we have to fear is fear itself'. Following his speech, Roosevelt had initiated emergency banking reforms to stabilize the financial system. The Emergency Banking Act, passed on March 9, was beginning to restore public confidence in the banking system, with banks gradually reopening and citizens starting to redeposit their money.
1934 Arbeiter-Zeitung Newspaper Resumes Publication: The prominent Socialist newspaper Arbeiter-Zeitung in Vienna, which had been banned during the February civil war, resumed publication. However, the new version bore little resemblance to its previous form, signaling significant political changes.
1935 Luftwaffe Officially Established: Hermann Goering formally created the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), a pivotal moment in Nazi Germany's military rearmament and a significant step towards World War II preparations.
1936 Five Nations Protest Germany's Rhineland Remilitarization: On March 11, 1936, five nations united to support France in a formal protest to the League of Nations regarding Germany's unauthorized remilitarization of the Rhineland, a significant violation of the Treaty of Versailles and an early sign of Nazi Germany's aggressive expansionist policies.
1937 Pope Pius XI Condemns Nazi Regime in Landmark Encyclical: Pope Pius XI issued the groundbreaking encyclical 'Mit brennender Sorge' (German for 'With deep anxiety') on March 14, strongly condemning the Nazi regime's breaches of the Reichskonkordat. Notably, this was an unprecedented papal document written in German instead of the traditional Latin, signaling the Vatican's direct confrontation with Nazi policies.
1938 Nazi Germany Annexes Austria (Anschluss): On March 11, 1938, Artur Seyss-Inquart, a Nazi sympathizer, replaced Kurt von Schuschnigg as Chancellor of Austria, marking a critical moment in the lead-up to Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria. German troops simultaneously entered the country, effectively initiating the Anschluss (union) without significant military resistance.
1939 Flaco Jiménez, Legendary Tejano Musician: Flaco Jiménez, a renowned American accordionist and pioneer of Tejano and Norteño music, was recognized as a significant cultural figure. Known for his innovative accordion playing style, he helped popularize Tex-Mex music and collaborated with numerous prominent musicians across various genres.
1940 Finland Cedes Territory to Soviet Union in Moscow Treaty: Following the Winter War, Finland signs the Treaty of Moscow with the Soviet Union, agreeing to cede approximately 10% of its territory. This significant territorial concession dramatically altered Finland's geopolitical landscape and demonstrated the Soviet Union's military pressure during the early stages of World War II.
1941 Lend-Lease Act Signed by President Roosevelt: On March 11, 1941, United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Act into law, a critical piece of legislation that allowed the United States to provide substantial military aid to Allied nations during World War II. The act authorized the president to sell, transfer, exchange, or lease war supplies to countries deemed vital to the defense of the United States, effectively supporting nations like Great Britain in their fight against Nazi Germany without direct military involvement. The initial authorization was for US$1.3 billion, which represented an enormous sum at the time and signaled America's commitment to supporting the Allied war effort before its official entry into World War II.
1942 First Deportation of Jews from Paris to Auschwitz: On March 11, 1942, the first deportation train carrying Jewish prisoners left Paris, France, bound for the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, marking a tragic escalation of the Nazi Holocaust.
1943 US Extends Lend-Lease Aid to Allies: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an extension of the critical Lend-Lease program, which provided substantial military and economic assistance to Allied nations fighting against the Axis powers. This extension ensured continued support for countries like Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and other allies in their war effort, demonstrating the United States' commitment to defeating Nazi Germany and its collaborators.
1944 Japanese Launch Operation Ichi-Go: Japan initiated Operation Ichi-Go, a massive military campaign involving over 600,000 troops in central China, targeting areas hosting American bomber bases to disrupt Allied air operations.
1945 Allied Bombing of Essen: A massive Allied air raid involving 1,000 bombers dropped 4,662 tons of bombs on the German city of Essen, continuing the strategic bombing campaign against Nazi industrial infrastructure.
1946 Rudolf Höss, the first commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp, is captured by British troops.
1947 Restitution Law Approved in US-Occupied Germany: The Council of States in the US zone of Germany approved a comprehensive restitution law designed to return identifiable property to victims of Nazi persecution, including those targeted for racial, religious, and political reasons. This marked an important step in post-war reconciliation and justice efforts.
1948 Zhoucun–Zhangdian Campaign Begins: The Zhoucun–Zhangdian Campaign commenced as part of the Chinese Civil War, representing a significant military engagement between Communist and Nationalist forces.
1949 Kim Il Sung Meets Stalin in the Kremlin: North Korean leader Kim Il Sung met with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin at the Kremlin. During their meeting, Kim sought and received extensive financial credit for North Korea. He also informally discussed the possibility of reunifying Korea through military means, but Stalin did not support this proposal, effectively tempering Kim's expansionist ambitions.
1950 Death of Charles Windolph: Charles Windolph, the last white survivor of the historic Battle of Little Bighorn, died at the age of 98. As a Medal of Honor recipient, Windolph was a living connection to a pivotal moment in American military and Native American history, representing the complex narrative of the American frontier.
1952 Batista's Military Coup in Cuba: On March 11, 1952, General Fulgencio Batista orchestrated a decisive military coup against the democratically elected government of President Carlos Prío Soccarás. By seizing power through military force, Batista effectively overthrew the existing constitutional regime, subsequently establishing himself as the new President of Cuba on April 4, 1952. This coup marked a significant turning point in Cuban political history, transitioning the country from a democratic system to an authoritarian military government.
1953 Nuclear Bomb Accidentally Dropped in South Carolina: During a routine military training exercise, an American B-47 strategic bomber accidentally dropped a nuclear weapon over South Carolina. Fortunately, the bomb did not detonate due to six independent safety mechanisms, narrowly averting a potential catastrophic disaster that could have caused massive destruction and radioactive contamination.
1954 US Army Challenges McCarthy's Tactics: The United States Army formally charged Senator Joseph McCarthy with using undue pressure and inappropriate investigative methods during his anti-communist hearings, marking a significant moment in the McCarthy era's decline.
1955 Death of Alexander Fleming, Nobel Laureate: Alexander Fleming, the renowned Scottish scientist who discovered penicillin and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, passed away. Fleming's groundbreaking work in antibiotics revolutionized modern medicine and saved millions of lives worldwide.
1956 Southern Manifesto Signed by U.S. Congressmen: 96 U.S. Congressmen sign the Southern Manifesto, a formal protest against the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which mandated the desegregation of public schools and was a critical moment in the Civil Rights movement.
1957 Charles Van Doren Game Show Scandal Exposed: Charles Van Doren, a Columbia University instructor, dramatically lost on the popular television quiz show 'Twenty-One' after a remarkable winning streak that had captivated the American public. His subsequent involvement in a massive television quiz show rigging scandal would become a pivotal moment in broadcast media history, revealing widespread deception in entertainment programming during the 1950s. Van Doren had been secretly provided answers to ensure dramatic and predetermined outcomes, ultimately earning $129,000 before the fraud was publicly uncovered.
1958 Charles Van Doren Loses on Quiz Show: Charles Van Doren, a central figure in the infamous 1950s quiz show scandal, finally lost on the popular television game show '21'. This event was part of a broader revelation of widespread cheating in television quiz shows, which ultimately led to significant changes in broadcast entertainment ethics and regulations.
1959 Project Mercury Test Simulation: At Wallops Island, NASA's Langley Pilotless Aircraft Research Division conducted the first full-scale Project Mercury test, simulating a pad-abort scenario. This critical test was part of the United States' early space exploration efforts and preparation for human spaceflight.
1960 Pioneer 5 launched into solar orbit between Earth and Venus.
1961 CIA Invasion Plans for Cuba: On March 11, 1961, CIA official Richard M. Bissell, Jr. presented detailed invasion plans for Cuba to President John F. Kennedy. These plans would later develop into the infamous Bay of Pigs invasion, a covert operation aimed at overthrowing Fidel Castro's communist government, which would ultimately be launched on April 17, 1961.
1962 Kennedy Announces Nuclear Testing Resumption: U.S. President John F. Kennedy announced that the United States would resume atmospheric nuclear testing within six weeks unless the Soviet Union ceased above-ground testing. This statement was made in the context of ongoing negotiations for a proposed Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, signaling the continued tensions of the Cold War era and the strategic nuclear posturing between the United States and the Soviet Union.
1963 US Military Adopts M16 Assault Rifle: US Defense Secretary Robert McNamara officially ordered the adoption of the M16 assault rifle, originally designed by Eugene Stoner as the AR-15, which would become a significant weapon in modern military history, particularly during the Vietnam War.
1965 Civil Rights Activist James J. Reeb Dies After Brutal Attack: Reverend James J. Reeb, a white Unitarian Universalist minister from Boston, died in a Birmingham hospital after being brutally beaten by white supremacists in Selma, Alabama. His death came two days after participating in a civil rights march, highlighting the violent resistance to the African American voting rights movement. The attack and subsequent acquittal of his attackers became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, drawing national attention to the systemic racism and injustice in the American South.
1966 Indonesian Military Coup of 1966: A significant military coup led by General Suharto overthrew President Sukarno's power structure, marking a pivotal moment in Indonesian political history. This event fundamentally transformed Indonesia's governance and set the stage for Suharto's 'New Order' regime.
1967 Pink Floyd Releases Debut Single 'Arnold Layne': Pink Floyd, the legendary British rock band, released their first commercial single 'Arnold Layne', marking the beginning of their groundbreaking musical journey. The song, written by Syd Barrett, was an early example of the band's innovative and unconventional approach to rock music.
1968 ASCII Encoding Mandate: U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson issues a directive requiring all federal government computer purchases to support the ASCII character encoding standard, a pivotal moment in standardizing digital communication.
1969 Soviet-Chinese Border Conflict on Zhenbao/Damansky Island: A significant border clash occurred between Soviet and Chinese military forces on Zhenbao Island (known as Damansky Island to Russians), located in the middle of the Ussuri River. This incident highlighted the escalating tensions between the two communist nations during the Cold War period.
1970 Iraq Recognizes Kurdish Nation: The Iraqi Ba'th Party officially recognizes the Kurdish nation, marking a significant political milestone in the relationship between Iraq and its Kurdish population. This recognition came after years of conflict and tension.
1971 Nixon Campaign's Controversial Funding Decision: The Committee for the Re-Election of the President (CRP) approved $250,000 for 'intelligence gathering' against the Democratic Party. This pivotal decision would ultimately lead to the infamous Watergate scandal, a watershed moment in American political history that would dramatically impact U.S. politics.
1972 North Carolina Wins ACC Basketball Tournament: North Carolina defeated Maryland 73-64 to win the 19th ACC Men's Basketball Tournament, showcasing their basketball prowess.
1973 Murder of U.S. Ambassador Cleo A. Noel Jr. by Black September: 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 and terrorist activities of the early 1970s.
1974 Turkish Airlines Flight 981 Disaster: A catastrophic aviation accident occurred when Turkish Airlines Flight 981 crashed in the woods near Ermenonville, a suburb of Paris, France. The crash resulted in the tragic loss of all 346 people aboard, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in history at that time.
1975 Failed Portuguese Military Coup: A military coup attempt led by General Spinola against the Portuguese government was unsuccessful, highlighting the political instability in Portugal following the Carnation Revolution of 1974.
1976 Angola and Benin recognize the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
1977 Tel Aviv-Haifa Highway Attack: A tragic terrorist attack occurred on the Tel Aviv-Haifa highway, resulting in the deaths of 34 Israeli civilians. This incident was part of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and represented a significant act of violence during that period.
1978 Coastal Road Massacre: A tragic terrorist attack where nine Palestinian Al Fatah guerrillas hijacked a bus in Israel, resulting in the deaths of 34 civilians and wounding 70 others. The attackers were ultimately killed by Israeli security forces. This incident prompted Israel to launch Operation Litani, a military invasion of southern Lebanon three days later.
1979 Battle of Lukaya: Tanzanian Victory in Uganda: A decisive military engagement where Tanzanian troops achieved a significant victory over the Ugandan Army, substantially weakening Uganda's military capabilities during a regional conflict.
1980 Tragic Spanish Oil Tanker Explosion: A devastating maritime disaster occurred when the Spanish oil tanker MV María Alejandra suffered a catastrophic natural gas explosion, resulting in the tragic loss of 36 out of 43 crew members. The ship broke apart in what was likely a sudden and violent incident, highlighting the inherent risks in maritime transportation and industrial operations during this period.
1981 Pinochet Continues Military Rule in Chile: Chile's new constitution takes effect, with military dictator Augusto Pinochet being sworn in for another 8-year presidential term, further solidifying his authoritarian regime's control over the country.
1982 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty Signing: Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat signed a historic peace treaty in Washington DC, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough in Middle Eastern relations.
1983 Bob Hawke Becomes Prime Minister of Australia: Bob Hawke was sworn in as the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia, marking a significant moment in Australian political history. His election represented a shift in the Labor Party's leadership and national political landscape.
1984 Van Halen's 'Jump' Tops US Charts: The iconic rock band Van Halen's hit single 'Jump' reached the number one position on the US Billboard charts, solidifying its place as a defining pop culture moment of the early 1980s. The song, known for its distinctive synthesizer riff, became one of the band's most recognizable and commercially successful tracks.
1985 Gorbachev Becomes Soviet Leader and Initiates Transformative Reforms: Mikhail Gorbachev assumes leadership of the Soviet Union, introducing groundbreaking policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), which would ultimately lead to the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
1986 NFL Introduces Instant Replay Rule: The National Football League adopts an instant replay rule, a significant technological advancement in sports officiating that would change how games are reviewed and judged.
1987 Wayne Gretzky Reaches 1,500 NHL Points Milestone: On March 11, 1987, Wayne Gretzky, widely known as 'The Great One', achieved a remarkable career milestone by scoring his 1,500th point in the National Hockey League. This extraordinary accomplishment further solidified his status as one of the most prolific and talented players in hockey history. Gretzky's unprecedented scoring ability and vision on the ice set him apart from his contemporaries, making this achievement a significant moment in professional hockey.
1988 Iran-Iraq War Ceasefire: After eight years of devastating conflict, the Iran-Iraq War officially declares a ceasefire, marking a significant moment of potential peace in the Middle East. The war, which began in 1980, had caused massive casualties and economic destruction for both nations.
1989 World Wide Web Proposal Created: Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist working at CERN, produces the groundbreaking proposal document that will become the blueprint for the World Wide Web. This seminal document outlines the fundamental concepts of hypertext linking, web servers, and browsers, effectively laying the foundation for the global internet communication system that would revolutionize human information exchange.
1990 Lithuania Declares Independence from Soviet Union: The Lithuanian Parliament officially declared that the previous incorporation into the Soviet Union was illegal and proclaimed the country's independence, marking a significant moment in the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
1991 Violent Unrest in South African Townships: A severe curfew was imposed on black townships in South Africa following intense political violence that resulted in 49 deaths. The incident underscored the ongoing tensions and political instability during the late apartheid era.
1992 John Major Calls UK General Election: British Prime Minister John Major announced a general election scheduled for 9 April 1992. This election was a crucial political moment for the Conservative Party, which was seeking to maintain its parliamentary majority following Margaret Thatcher's resignation.
1993 Janet Reno Becomes First Female US Attorney General: Janet Reno made history by being confirmed by the United States Senate and sworn in as the first female Attorney General of the United States. Her appointment was a significant milestone for women in high-level government positions.
1994 Eduardo Frei Becomes President of Chile: Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle succeeded Patricio Aylwin as the President of Chile, marking an important transition in the country's post-dictatorship democratic era. Frei, representing the center-left Concertación coalition, continued the process of democratic consolidation and economic reforms initiated by his predecessor.
1995 Gerry Adams US Visit: Gerry Adams, leader of Sinn Fein, arrived in the United States, a significant diplomatic moment during the Northern Ireland peace process.
1996 John Howard Becomes Prime Minister of Australia: John Howard was elected and came to power as the twenty-fifth Prime Minister of Australia, marking a significant moment in Australian political history. He would go on to serve until 2007, becoming one of the longest-serving Prime Ministers in the country's history.
1997 Paul McCartney Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II: In a prestigious ceremony, musician Paul McCartney was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to music, honoring his remarkable career with The Beatles and as a solo artist.
1998 Palestinian Conflict Escalation: A tragic incident occurred in the West Bank where three Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops at a military checkpoint. The deaths sparked violent protests and a funeral for the martyrs, highlighting the ongoing tensions and complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
1999 Infosys Lists on NASDAQ: On March 11, 1999, Infosys Technologies became the first Indian company to be listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, marking a significant milestone in India's technological and economic globalization. This groundbreaking event symbolized India's emerging prowess in the global technology sector and demonstrated the country's capability to compete on international financial platforms.
2000 Lonestar's 'Amazed' Tops US Music Charts: The country ballad 'Amazed' by Lonestar was the number one song in the United States during the week of March 6-12, 2000. The song, known for its emotional lyrics and powerful vocals, dominated the Billboard music charts during this period.
2002 Zimbabwe Presidential Election: Mugabe's Controversial Victory: Robert Mugabe won Zimbabwe's presidential election with 54% of the vote, defeating Morgan Tsvangirai who received 40%, with a voter turnout of 55.9%. The election was marred by serious allegations of voter suppression and intimidation. While South African and Organisation of African Unity observers declared the result valid, international scrutiny remained intense.
2003 International Criminal Court Establishment: The International Criminal Court (ICC) is officially founded in The Hague, Netherlands, representing a landmark moment in international law and global justice mechanisms.
2004 Madrid Train Bombings: On March 11, 2004, ten coordinated terrorist explosions struck commuter trains and rail stations in Madrid, Spain, resulting in 190 fatalities and causing widespread devastation. This tragic terrorist attack was one of the deadliest in European history, targeting rush hour transportation infrastructure.
2005 Madrid Train Bombings Memorial: Spain held a national day of mourning to commemorate the first anniversary of the Madrid train bombings. King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia inaugurated the Forest of the Departed, a memorial park where each victim has a cypress or olive tree planted.
2006 Slobodan Milošević Dies in UN Detention: Slobodan Milošević, the former Yugoslav president facing war crimes charges, was found dead from an apparent heart attack in his prison cell at the UN war crimes tribunal's detention centre in Scheveningen, The Hague, Netherlands.
2007 Political Suppression in Zimbabwe: Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change, and four other opposition members were arrested in Harare for attempting to organize protest rallies. During the incident, riot police fatally shot one activist, underscoring the intense political repression under President Robert Mugabe's regime.
2008 US Federal Reserve Economic Intervention: The US Federal Reserve announced a significant financial intervention, pledging to lend $200 billion monthly in Treasury bonds, using mortgage-backed securities as collateral, in response to the emerging financial crisis.
2009 Winnenden School Shooting: A tragic school shooting in Winnenden, Germany, resulted in the death of 16 people and injury of 11 others. The shooter, Tim Kretschmer, a recent graduate, killed multiple victims before taking his own life. This devastating incident prompted Germany to implement stricter weapons control regulations.
2010 Major Earthquake Strikes Chile During Presidential Inauguration: A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit 140km south of Valparaiso, Chile, followed by additional tremors including a 6.7 magnitude quake. The seismic event occurred during the presidential inauguration of Sebastián Piñera.
2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami: A catastrophic 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Japan, triggering a massive tsunami that caused unprecedented destruction and led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The event was one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history, devastating coastal regions and causing widespread loss of life and infrastructure damage.
2012 U.S. Soldier Massacre in Afghanistan: A U.S. Army staff sergeant conducted a horrific mass killing of 16 Afghan civilians, including women and children, in the Panjwayi District near Kandahar. This tragic event severely damaged U.S.-Afghanistan relations and highlighted the psychological toll of prolonged military engagement.
2013 North Korea Threatens South Korea: Following joint US-South Korean military drills, North Korea broke the 1953 armistice and declared its army prepared to strike, escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
2014 Maoist Rebel Attack in India: Maoist rebels launched a deadly ambush against an Indian paramilitary force in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the deaths of 18 soldiers, demonstrating the persistent insurgency in the region.
2015 Boris Nemtsov Assassination Investigation: The Kremlin's Rights Council alleged that Zaur Danaev, a former Chechen officer, confessed to involvement in Boris Nemtsov's assassination under torture, raising serious concerns about human rights and judicial processes.
2016 UN Report Highlights South Sudan Human Rights Crisis: A United Nations report described the human rights situation in South Sudan as one of the most horrific globally, primarily implicating government forces. The report recommends a complete arms embargo and potential referral to the International Criminal Court.
2017 Guatemala Orphanage Fire Tragedy: A devastating fire at a San Jose Pinula orphanage resulted in the heartbreaking death of at least 38 children, causing national mourning and raising questions about child welfare infrastructure.
2018 China Removes Presidential Term Limits: China's National People's Congress approved the removal of presidential term limits, effectively allowing President Xi Jinping to potentially remain in power indefinitely, marking a significant shift in Chinese political governance.
2019 Boeing 737 MAX Global Grounding: Following the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 disaster, Boeing shares plummeted nearly 9 percent. China and Indonesia grounded all 737-8 MAX planes, with other airlines voluntarily following suit, highlighting serious safety concerns about the aircraft.
2020 WHO Declares COVID-19 Global Pandemic: The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, marking a critical moment in the worldwide response to the emerging coronavirus crisis. This declaration signaled the severe and widespread nature of the virus, prompting global health authorities to escalate preparedness and mitigation strategies.
2021 COVID-19 Pandemic One-Year Anniversary: The World Health Organization marks one year since declaring the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, reflecting on the unprecedented global health crisis that transformed societies worldwide.
2022 COVID-19 Pandemic Officially Declared Globally: On March 11, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. At this point, the virus had spread to numerous countries, with 121,564 confirmed cases and 4,373 recorded deaths worldwide. This declaration marked a significant escalation in the global response to the coronavirus, signaling the serious threat posed by the rapidly spreading infectious disease.
2023 Pinlaung Massacre in Myanmar: On March 11, 2023, the Burmese military conducted a brutal attack in Shan State, killing at least 30 villagers, including three Buddhist monks. This tragic event highlights the ongoing human rights violations and violent conflict in Myanmar, where military forces have been systematically targeting civilian populations.

What Is special about March 11?

March 11 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 11.