Historical Events on March 18: 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 18, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on March 18 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 AFC Ajax Football Club Founded: AFC Ajax, one of the most prestigious and successful football clubs in the Netherlands and Europe, was officially established in Amsterdam. The club would go on to become a powerhouse in European football, known for its innovative 'Total Football' philosophy and exceptional youth academy.
1901 Kumasi Mutiny of 1901: The Kumasi Mutiny of 1901 was a significant uprising in the Ashanti Empire against British colonial rule. This rebellion represented a critical moment of resistance by the Ashanti people against British imperial control, challenging the colonial administration's attempts to suppress local autonomy and traditional power structures.
1902 Enrico Caruso Makes First Notable Commercial Recording: Enrico Caruso, the legendary Italian tenor, became the first world-renowned performer to make a commercial sound recording, a milestone in the history of recorded music. This event marked a significant breakthrough in music technology and the emerging entertainment industry.
1903 Hay-Pauncefote Treaty Signed: The United States and Great Britain signed the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty, granting the United States control over the construction and management of an isthmian canal (later known as the Panama Canal). This diplomatic agreement was crucial in establishing American maritime and strategic dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
1904 Edward Elgar's 'In the South (Alassio)' Premiere: On March 18, 1904, the renowned British composer Edward Elgar first performed his orchestral work 'In the South (Alassio)'. This composition was inspired by Elgar's travels in Italy and reflects the vibrant landscape and cultural atmosphere of the Alassio region. The piece is known for its rich orchestration and evocative musical narrative.
1905 Einstein's Groundbreaking Paper on the Photoelectric Effect: On March 18, 1905, Albert Einstein submitted a revolutionary scientific paper titled 'On a Heuristic Viewpoint Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light' to the prestigious Annalen der Physik. In this seminal work, Einstein provided a groundbreaking explanation of the photoelectric effect by introducing the concept of light quanta (later known as photons), which challenged the prevailing wave theory of light. His innovative approach suggested that light behaves both as a wave and as discrete particles, fundamentally transforming our understanding of quantum mechanics. This paper was part of Einstein's miraculous year of 1905, during which he published several papers that would dramatically reshape modern physics.
1906 Traian Vuia's Pioneering Aircraft Flight: Romanian inventor Traian Vuia achieved a groundbreaking moment in aviation history by performing the first unassisted takeoff in a heavier-than-air powered monoplane in France. While the aircraft was not capable of sustained flight, this milestone represented a critical advancement in early aeronautical engineering and demonstrated the potential of self-propelled aircraft.
1907 Birth of John Zachary Young, Prominent English Biologist: John Zachary Young was born on March 18, 1907, in England. He would later become a distinguished biologist known for his significant contributions to the field of biology, particularly in understanding marine life and neural mechanisms.
1908 Birth of Ivor Moreton, British Musician: Ivor Moreton, a notable British singer and pianist, was born on March 18, 1908. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the musical landscape of early to mid-20th century Britain. He would continue performing until his death in 1984, leaving behind a legacy in the performing arts.
1909 First Short-Wave Radio Broadcast in Denmark: Einar Dessau of Denmark successfully demonstrated a groundbreaking short-wave radio transmitter, achieving a significant milestone in wireless communication technology. He transmitted a signal to a government post located approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) away, effectively becoming the first radio broadcaster and pioneering long-distance wireless communication.
1910 First Controlled Airplane Flight in Australia: On March 18, 1910, Australia witnessed its first controlled airplane flight, a groundbreaking moment in the nation's aviation history. The flight was notably performed by Harry Houdini, who was already famous as a magician and escape artist. This event marked a crucial milestone in Australia's technological advancement and demonstrated the expanding global reach of early aviation pioneers.
1911 Irving Berlin's First Hit Song Published: Irving Berlin's groundbreaking song 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' was published, marking a significant milestone in the young composer's career. This composition would become a pivotal moment in American popular music, launching Berlin's trajectory as one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century.
1912 No Significant Historical Record: After thorough review, no notable historical events were found to be definitively associated with March 18, 1912. This could indicate a relatively quiet day in global history or gaps in available historical documentation.
1913 Assassination of King George I of Greece: King George I of Greece, who had ruled since 1861, was assassinated at the age of 67 by Schinas in Thessaloniki. This tragic event marked the end of a long and significant reign in Greek royal history.
1914 White Wolf Gang Rebellion in Jingdezhen: On March 18, 1914, the notorious White Wolf Gang, a powerful local militia led by Zhang Xun, successfully defeated a government military force in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, China. This conflict highlighted the ongoing instability and fragmentation of military and political power during the early Republican era of China.
1915 Battle of Gallipoli: Major Naval Engagement: On March 18, 1915, a massive naval operation was conducted by British and French forces attempting to break through the strategic Dardanelles strait. The attack was a significant military engagement during World War I, resulting in a decisive defeat for the Allied powers. Three battleships were sunk, and several others were severely damaged by Turkish naval defenses, particularly sea mines.
1916 Battle of Verdun: German Attacks Repulsed: During the Battle of Verdun, one of the longest and most brutal engagements of World War I, French forces successfully repelled five consecutive German attacks on the strategic position of Vaux. This defensive stand demonstrated the resilience of French troops against intense German assault.
1917 Battle of Monastir during World War I: During World War I, French troops achieved a significant tactical victory by capturing Hill 1248 and taking 1,200 Bulgarian prisoners in the Battle of Monastir. This engagement was part of the broader Balkan Campaign, demonstrating the complex military operations of the conflict.
1918 Socialist Youth Organization Established in Amsterdam: The Amsterdam branch of the Socialist Youth organization (AJC) was formally established, marking an important moment in the Dutch socialist youth movement. This organization likely aimed to engage young people in socialist political ideologies and social activism during the tumultuous period of World War I.
1919 8th Congress of the Russian Communist Party: The 8th Congress of the Russian Communist Party convened in Moscow, with over 300 delegates representing more than 313,000 party members, marking a significant moment in the early years of the Soviet political landscape.
1920 Birth of Pope John Paul II: Karol Wojtyła, who would later become Pope John Paul II, was born in Poland. He served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005 and was one of the most influential and globally recognized popes in modern history, known for his significant role in international diplomacy and his impact on global Catholicism.
1921 Second Peace of Riga: The Treaty of Riga was signed between Poland and the Soviet Union, marking the end of the Polish-Soviet War. This treaty significantly reshaped the territorial boundaries in Eastern Europe, with Poland gaining substantial territories while the Soviet Union retained control over parts of Ukraine and Belarus.
1922 Gandhi Sentenced for Civil Disobedience: British magistrates in India sentence Mohandas K. Gandhi to six years in prison for civil disobedience, a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence.
1924 Notable Births on March 18, 1924: Two significant individuals were born on this day: Adamo Sanzogni, an Italian politician who served as a member of the European Parliament, and Michel Pomathios, a French sports champion.
1925 Tri-State Tornado of 1925: The deadliest tornado in U.S. history occurred on March 18, 1925, traveling from southeastern Missouri through southern Illinois and into southwestern Indiana. The tornado lasted 3.5 hours, traveled 219 miles, and caused 695 fatalities, with over 2,000 injuries and significant destruction of homes and towns. This catastrophic event devastated multiple communities, leaving unprecedented destruction in its wake.
1926 March 18 Massacre: Government Suppresses Civilian Protest: On March 18, 1926, a tragic event unfolded when government troops and police violently suppressed a peaceful demonstration. Forty-seven unarmed protesters were killed while demonstrating against unequal treaties with foreign powers and protesting a recent ultimatum issued on March 15. The massacre highlighted the tensions between the government and citizens demanding sovereignty and fair international relations.
1927 Northern Expedition: Nationalist Forces Capture Shanghai Defenses: During the Northern Expedition, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist forces strategically advanced to Shanghai's defensive line. In a significant turn of events, the local garrison commander chose to collaborate with the Nationalists, surrendering the city's critical defense plans. This moment marked a pivotal point in the Chinese Nationalist Party's military campaign to unify China and challenge warlord control.
1928 Birth of Fidel V. Ramos: Fidel V. Ramos was born on this date, who would later become a significant political figure and President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. He was a key leader in the People Power Revolution and played a crucial role in the country's democratic transition.
1929 Mexican Rebel Negotiations Begin: Mexican President Emilio Portes Gil announced that rebel factions had initiated peace negotiations, signaling a potential end to ongoing political tensions in Mexico. This diplomatic effort represented a critical moment in Mexico's post-revolutionary period, aiming to reduce internal conflict and stabilize the national political landscape.
1930 UK Unemployment Statistics: British Ministry of Labour reported 1,563,800 unemployed workers for the week ending March 10, marking a significant increase of over 15,500 from the previous week, highlighting the economic challenges during the early stages of the Great Depression.
1931 Nevada Legalizes Gambling: The state of Nevada passed legislation to legalize gambling, a pivotal moment that would later transform the state's economy and establish Las Vegas as a global entertainment destination.
1932 Peace Negotiations Between China and Japan: In March 1932, diplomatic representatives from China and Japan initiated critical peace negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions in the wake of increasing military conflicts, particularly surrounding the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. These talks represented a significant diplomatic effort to prevent further military confrontation and seek a diplomatic resolution to territorial and political disputes.
1933 Death of Italian Explorer Luigi A, Duke of the Abruzzi: Luigi A, Duke of the Abruzzi, a renowned Italian explorer famous for his expeditions in the Ruwenzori mountain range, passed away at the age of 60. Known for his mountaineering and geographical exploration achievements, he was a significant figure in early 20th-century Italian exploration.
1934 Mussolini's Expansionist Vision: The 60-Year Plan Speech: On March 18, 1934, Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini delivered a provocative speech in Rome, articulating an ambitious 60-year strategic plan designed to establish Italy as a global superpower. In this landmark address, Mussolini proclaimed his vision of transforming the 21st century into a 'blackshirt era', signaling his regime's expansionist and imperialistic ambitions. He specifically emphasized Italy's geopolitical focus would be directed towards the 'east and south', hinting at potential territorial conquests and colonial aspirations in regions like Africa and the Balkans.
1935 British Diplomatic Protest Against German Rearmament: The British government officially sent a diplomatic note to Berlin expressing strong objections to Germany's ongoing military rearmament efforts, which were in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
1936 Frederik Willem de Klerk's Nobel Peace Prize: Frederik Willem de Klerk, who would later become a pivotal figure in ending apartheid in South Africa, was recognized for his significant contributions to peace and reconciliation.
1937 New London School Explosion Tragedy: A catastrophic natural gas explosion at the New London School in Texas resulted in the deaths of approximately 300 people, predominantly children. This devastating incident became a pivotal moment in understanding industrial safety and led to significant changes in natural gas detection and school safety protocols.
1938 Mexico Nationalizes Oil Industry - Creation of Pemex: On March 18, 1938, President Lázaro Cárdenas expropriated all foreign-owned oil reserves and facilities, creating the state-owned petroleum company Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos). This bold move nationalized the assets of 17 American and British oil companies, marking a significant moment in Mexico's economic sovereignty and challenging foreign corporate control.
1939 Soviet Diplomatic Proposal for Collective Security Against Germany: Soviet Commissar for Foreign Affairs Maxim Litvinov proposed a diplomatic meeting to British Ambassador Sir William Seeds, suggesting a multilateral conference involving the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, France, Poland, and Romania to discuss coordinated strategies in potential conflict with Nazi Germany.
1940 Alan Turing's Bombe Machine Becomes Operational: A pivotal moment in World War II cryptography, Alan Turing's Bombe electromechanical decryption machine became operational at Bletchley Park, England. This groundbreaking device was designed to decrypt complex German Enigma messages, providing crucial intelligence for the Allied war effort.
1941 Luftwaffe Bombing of Liverpool and Birkenhead: During World War II, the German Luftwaffe conducted strategic air raids on the cities of Liverpool and Birkenhead in the United Kingdom. These bombings were part of the broader German aerial campaign targeting British industrial and port cities to disrupt war production and morale.
1942 Executive Order 9102 - Japanese American Internment: President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9102, establishing the War Relocation Authority (WRA), which became responsible for the controversial internment of Americans of Japanese descent, and to a lesser extent, German and Italian descent, many of whom were legal citizens.
1943 German Recapture of Kharkov: German forces successfully recaptured Kharkov, an important strategic city in the Ukrainian SSR, which had been briefly held by the Soviet Red Army during World War II.
1944 Nazi Germany Occupies Hungary: On March 18, 1944, Nazi Germany launched Operation Margarethe, a strategic military operation to fully occupy Hungary. This action effectively ended Hungary's limited autonomy and placed the country under direct German control, marking a significant moment in World War II's European theater.
1945 Massive Bombing of Berlin: A massive aerial assault by 1,250 American bombers targets Berlin during the final months of World War II, representing a significant strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany.
1946 United Auto Workers Strike Against General Motors Concludes: On March 18, 1946, the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike against General Motors was resolved. The labor union successfully negotiated an 18.5 cent per hour wage increase for its members, representing a significant victory for workers' rights and collective bargaining in the post-war American industrial landscape.
1947 Ireland Creates World's First Duty-Free Airport: Ireland passed the Customs-Free Airport Act, establishing Shannon Airport as the world's first duty-free airport, a significant innovation in international travel and commerce.
1948 Marshall Plan Signed by President Truman: President Harry Truman signed the Marshall Plan, authorizing $5 billion in economic aid to help rebuild and stabilize 16 European countries after World War II, marking a significant moment in post-war international relations and economic recovery.
1949 NATO Pact Ratification: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pact is officially ratified, marking a significant moment in post-World War II geopolitical cooperation and collective defense strategy.
1950 Belgian Government Political Crisis: The Belgian government collapsed following a referendum that voted in favor of King Léopold III's return from exile, marking a significant political turning point in post-World War II Belgium.
1951 Ben Cohen Born - Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder: Benjamin Cohen, co-founder of the iconic ice cream company Ben & Jerry's, was born on this day. Cohen would later revolutionize the ice cream industry with his business partner Jerry Greenfield, creating a brand known not just for its unique flavors but also for its social activism and progressive corporate policies.
1952 Korean War: Communist Offensive Operations: During the Korean War, Communist forces launched a significant offensive operation, continuing the prolonged conflict between United Nations forces and Communist troops from North Korea and China. This military engagement represented another critical moment in the ongoing struggle for territorial control and ideological supremacy on the Korean Peninsula.
1953 Devastating Earthquake in Western Turkey: A catastrophic earthquake strikes western Turkey, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 1,070 lives. This seismic event caused significant destruction and humanitarian crisis in the region.
1954 First Color Televised Boxing Match: A historic moment in sports broadcasting occurred when Joey Giardello knocked out Willie Tory at Madison Square Garden in the first boxing prize fight to be televised in color, marking a significant technological milestone in sports media.
1955 Ichirō Hatoyama Becomes Prime Minister of Japan: Ichirō Hatoyama was officially recognized as the Prime Minister of Japan, marking a significant moment in post-World War II Japanese political leadership. Hatoyama, a key figure in the Liberal Democratic Party, played a crucial role in Japan's political reconstruction and international diplomacy during the 1950s.
1956 Ingemar Stenmark: Olympic Skiing Legend: Ingemar Stenmark, a renowned Swedish alpine ski racer, was highlighted for his remarkable Olympic achievements, particularly his two gold medals in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Stenmark is considered one of the most successful alpine skiers in history, known for his exceptional slalom and giant slalom performances.
1957 WTVA Television Channel Launch in Mississippi: WTWV, later renamed WTVA, a television station broadcasting on channel 9 in the Tupelo-Columbus metropolitan area of Mississippi, commenced operations as an NBC affiliate. This marked an important milestone in local media broadcasting for northeastern Mississippi, expanding television coverage and entertainment options for regional residents.
1958 Dodgers Mascot Change: Emmett Kelly's Departure: The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that their renowned mascot and famous circus clown Emmett Kelly would not be performing with the team in the 1958 season. Kelly, known for his iconic 'sad clown' persona, had been a notable entertainment figure for the baseball team.
1959 Hawaii Statehood Act Signed: On March 18, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Hawaii Admission Act into law, marking a pivotal moment in the territorial expansion of the United States. The bill paved the way for Hawaii to become the 50th state, though the official statehood would not be completed until August 21, 1959. The signing ceremony at the White House was a significant milestone, but additional steps remained, including local elections and the acceptance of the bill's provisions by Hawaiian citizens.
1961 Algerian War of Independence Ceasefire: A significant ceasefire was implemented in the Algerian War of Independence, marking a crucial turning point in the conflict between Algeria and France.
1962 Algerian War Concludes: The Algerian War of Independence ends after 7.5 years of intense conflict, resulting in approximately 250,000 casualties. Algerian nationalist leader Ben Bella flees during the final stages of the conflict.
1963 Miranda Rights Supreme Court Decision: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that criminal defendants must be provided with legal representation, a landmark decision in protecting the rights of the accused.
1964 Nelson Mandela Sentenced to Life Imprisonment: Nelson Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid revolutionary, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in fighting against the racist apartheid system in South Africa. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his 27-year incarceration, during which he became a global symbol of resistance against racial oppression and human rights violations.
1965 First Human Spacewalk by USSR: The Soviet Union launches Voskhod 2 spacecraft, with cosmonaut Alexei Leonov making history as the first human to conduct a spacewalk. Leonov exited the spacecraft and floated in the vacuum of space for 12 minutes, marking a groundbreaking moment in space exploration.
1966 Suharto Establishes New Indonesian Government: General Suharto forms a new government in Indonesia, a significant political transition that would have far-reaching implications for the country's future governance and geopolitical landscape.
1967 Torrey Canyon Oil Spill: The oil tanker Torrey Canyon ran aground off the coast of Cornwall, causing a significant environmental disaster. This maritime accident resulted in one of the worst oil spills in history, leading to extensive marine pollution and prompting international discussions about maritime safety and environmental protection.
1968 U.S. Congress Repeals Gold Reserve Requirement: The United States Congress officially repealed the long-standing requirement that U.S. currency must be backed by gold reserves, marking a significant shift in monetary policy and signaling the end of the traditional gold standard.
1969 Secret US Bombing of Cambodia Begins: The United States initiated a covert military operation by secretly bombing the Sihanouk Trail in Cambodia, a strategic route used by communist forces to infiltrate South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. This marked a significant escalation of the conflict into Cambodian territory.
1970 US Postal Workers Strike: The first mass work stoppage in the 195-year history of the US Postal Service began with a walkout of letter carriers in Brooklyn and Manhattan, demanding better wages. Ultimately, 210,000 postal employees in 30 cities participated in this wildcat strike. Mail service was virtually paralyzed in major cities like New York, Detroit, and Philadelphia, prompting President Nixon to declare a national emergency and deploy military units to post offices. The strike concluded after one week, representing a significant moment in labor relations.
1971 Massive Tsunami and Landslide in Peru: A devastating geological event at Lake Yanahuani involved a massive rock avalanche creating a 100-foot (30-meter) high wave that destroyed a Peruvian mining camp. The rock slide, originating from a height of 1,300 feet (400 meters), resulted in hundreds of fatalities, demonstrating the immense destructive power of natural disasters.
1972 China's Nuclear Test at Lop Nor: The People's Republic of China conducted a nuclear weapons test at the Lop Nor nuclear test site in Xinjiang, demonstrating its growing nuclear capabilities during the Cold War era.
1973 Seesaw Musical Opens on Broadway: Seesaw, a musical production, premiered at the Uris Theater in New York City, running for 296 performances and becoming a notable theatrical event of the early 1970s.
1974 End of Arab Oil Embargo Against the United States: In a significant geopolitical development, most Arab oil-producing nations officially ended their five-month oil embargo against the United States, Europe, and Japan. This embargo, which was implemented in response to American support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War, had substantial economic and diplomatic implications for global energy markets and international relations.
1975 Assassination of Herbert Chitepo: Herbert Chitepo, the 51-year-old leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), was assassinated by a bomb explosion, marking a significant moment in Zimbabwe's struggle for independence. This event likely had profound implications for the liberation movement and political landscape of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
1977 The Clash Releases 'White Riot': The iconic punk rock band The Clash released their groundbreaking first single 'White Riot', a pivotal moment in the emergence of punk music that would significantly influence the rock music landscape of the late 1970s.
1978 Pakistani Former Premier Sentenced to Death: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was sentenced to death by hanging for allegedly ordering the assassination of a political opponent, marking a significant political upheaval in Pakistan's history.
1979 Kurdish-Iranian Conflict in Sanandaj: Intense battles erupted between Kurdish forces and Iranian military in Sanandaj, Iran, reflecting the ongoing ethnic tensions and regional conflicts in the Iranian Kurdistan region during this period.
1980 Deadly Rocket Explosion at Plesetsk Cosmodrome: A catastrophic accident occurred at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia when a Vostok-2M rocket exploded on its launch pad during a routine fueling operation. The tragic incident resulted in the immediate death of 50 personnel, highlighting the inherent risks in space technology and rocket development during the Cold War era.
1981 Kosovo Ethnic Tensions Escalate: Significant tensions erupted in Kosovo, Yugoslavia, as police and Albanian demonstrators engaged in violent clashes. This event highlights the growing ethnic and political tensions in the region during the early 1980s, foreshadowing future conflicts.
1982 Argentinian Flag Raised in South Georgia: An Argentinean scrap metal dealer raised the Argentinean flag on South Georgia island, which was a significant early action in the lead-up to the Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
1983 Major Earthquake in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea: A powerful magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the New Ireland region of Papua New Guinea, causing significant geological disruption. The seismic event occurred in a tectonically active area of the Pacific Ring of Fire, potentially impacting local communities and geological structures.
1984 US Billboard Number 1 Song: Van Halen's hit single 'Jump' topped the Billboard charts in the United States on March 18, 1984, representing the popular rock music of the era.
1985 MLB Commissioner Reinstates Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays: Baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth officially reinstates legendary Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays, ending their previous ban from associating with major league baseball due to their employment with Atlantic City casinos. This decision marks a significant moment in baseball's relationship with player conduct and rehabilitation.
1986 US Treasury Department Proposes Currency Design Changes: The United States Treasury Department announced significant plans to modify the design and security features of American paper currency. This initiative was likely aimed at enhancing anti-counterfeiting measures and updating the visual aesthetic of US banknotes.
1987 Breakthrough in Superconductivity Research: The American Physical Society held a landmark 'Woodstock of physics' meeting, featuring 51 presentations on high-temperature superconductors, marking a significant moment in scientific research.
1988 US Billboard Chart Topper: Rick Astley's iconic pop hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' was the number 1 song in the United States on March 18, 1988. This song would later become famous in internet culture as the centerpiece of the 'Rickrolling' meme.
1989 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Art Heist: The largest art robbery in history occurred at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, where 12 priceless paintings valued at $100 million were stolen. This audacious theft remains one of the most significant unsolved art crimes in the world, involving masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer.
1990 First Free Elections in East Germany: The German Democratic Republic (East Germany) held its first democratic elections, marking a historic moment in the transition from communist rule. Conservative parties defeated the Communist Party, signaling a significant political shift in the lead-up to German reunification.
1991 Steve Jobs Marries Laurene Powell: Apple Computer co-founder Steve Jobs married Laurene Powell in a private ceremony, marking a significant personal milestone for the tech visionary. Powell, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, would become a crucial support system for Jobs in his later years.
1992 IAEA Orders Destruction of Iraqi Nuclear Facility: The International Atomic Energy Agency mandates the destruction of an Iraqi industrial complex at Al Atheer used for potential nuclear weapons manufacturing.
1993 Amsterdam Stock Exchange Record: The Amsterdam stock exchange reached a record high of 12.2 billion gulden, marking a significant milestone in the Dutch financial markets.
1994 Washington Agreement in Bosnia: Bosniak and Croatian leaders signed the Washington Agreement, a crucial diplomatic milestone that ended inter-ethnic conflict and established the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, helping to stabilize the region during the Bosnian War.
1995 Michael Jordan's NBA Return: Basketball superstar Michael Jordan announces his return to the NBA after a 17-month retirement, rejoining the Chicago Bulls and marking a significant moment in sports history.
1996 Death of Odysseus Elytis: Odysseus Elytis, renowned Greek poet and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate, passed away. Elytis was a significant figure in modern Greek poetry, known for his surrealist style and profound exploration of Greek identity and landscape.
1997 Russian AN-24 Plane Crash in Turkey: A Russian Antonov An-24 charter plane crashed in Turkey after its tail section broke off mid-flight, resulting in the tragic death of all 50 passengers and crew on board. The catastrophic incident led to the immediate grounding of all An-24 aircraft pending a comprehensive safety investigation.
1998 Russian Atomic Minister Removed from Position: Viktor N. Mikhailov, a highly influential figure in Russia's nuclear sector who played crucial roles in both military and civilian nuclear programs, was unexpectedly dismissed from his ministerial position. His removal came as a surprise to many observers and potentially signaled significant shifts in Russia's nuclear policy and leadership.
1999 Clinton's Visit to Los Alamos National Laboratory: President Bill Clinton visited Los Alamos National Laboratory to discuss the critical role of the Department of Energy's stockpile stewardship program in supporting the ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, highlighting the importance of nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
2000 Chen Shui-bian Elected President of Taiwan: Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party was elected President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), ending the Kuomintang's 55-year continuous political rule. This election marked a significant turning point in Taiwanese political history, representing a shift towards a more pro-independence stance and democratic transition.
2001 John Phillipsnbsp - Singer and songwriter
2002 Operation Anaconda Concludes in Afghanistan: The U.S. military completed Operation Anaconda in eastern Afghanistan, a significant counter-terrorism campaign against Taliban and al Qaeda fighters. The operation resulted in approximately 500 enemy combatants killed, with 11 allied troops losing their lives during the intense military engagement.
2003 UK Parliament Votes for Iraq War Authorization: The Parliament of the United Kingdom voted in favor of a motion granting the government final authority to join the invasion of Iraq, marking a critical moment in the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq War.
2004 Pakistani Military Targets Al-Qaida in Waziristan: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf reported a military operation against Al-Qaida militants in the Waziristan region, specifically targeting a group believed to be protecting Ayman al-Zawahiri, a key Al-Qaida leader.
2005 Terri Schiavo Feeding Tube Removal: Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed at her husband's request, sparking a global ethical debate on euthanasia, patient rights, and end-of-life medical decisions.
2006 France Labor Protests Against First Employment Contract: Massive demonstrations erupted across France, with hundreds of thousands protesting the controversial Contrat de première embauche (First Employment Contract). The proposed labor law would allow employers to terminate employees under 26 years old within their first two years of employment without providing justification, sparking significant youth and worker outrage.
2007 Death of Bob Woolmer: Bob Woolmer, the renowned Pakistan cricket coach, tragically died in Kingston, Jamaica, following Pakistan's unexpected early elimination from the 2007 Cricket World Cup after losing to Ireland. His sudden death shocked the international cricket community.
2008 Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates: In response to economic challenges, the US Federal Reserve lowered the interest rate by 0.75 percentage points to 2.25%, signaling aggressive monetary policy to stimulate economic activity.
2009 US Federal Reserve Purchases Treasury Bonds: In an unprecedented move since the 1960s, the US Federal Reserve announces it will purchase up to US$300 Billion of Treasury bonds, simultaneously expanding its existing securities and debt purchase program to US$1.45 trillion.
2010 Dresden Bombing Casualties Report: After five years of research, the Dresden Historians Commission released an official report suggesting approximately 25,000 people were killed during the 1945 bombardment of Dresden, providing a more precise historical assessment.
2011 Arab Spring Protests: The Arab Spring continues to sweep across the Middle East, with widespread protests challenging authoritarian regimes in multiple countries, including Yemen, Syria, Bahrain, and Jordan.
2012 Fabrice Muamba Suffers Cardiac Arrest: Footballer Fabrice Muamba from Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur suffered a critical cardiac arrest during an FA Cup quarterfinal match at White Hart Lane, raising serious concerns about player health and safety.
2013 Iraq Violence Surge: A series of bombings and shootings across Iraq resulted in 98 fatalities and 248 injuries, highlighting the ongoing sectarian and terrorist challenges in the country.
2014 Russia-Crimea Accession Treaty Signed: The parliaments of Russia and Crimea formally signed an accession treaty, marking a significant moment in the 2014 Crimean crisis and Russia's annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine.
2015 Scientific Breakthrough: Evidence of Liquid Water on Mars: On March 18, 2015, scientists made a remarkable discovery of evidence suggesting the presence of liquid water on Mars. This finding significantly contributed to new theories about the planet's geological history and raised exciting possibilities regarding potential past or present microbial life.
2016 Brussels Police Raid: Paris Attack Suspect Arrested: Belgian authorities arrested and shot Salah Abdeslam, the primary suspect in the November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, during a significant police operation in Brussels.
2017 Battle of Mosul Intensifies: The Battle of Mosul continues to escalate, with many Iraqi civilians fleeing the western part of the city as ISIL militants and Iraqi forces engage in intense combat in the Old City area. The humanitarian situation remains critical as civilians seek safety from the ongoing conflict.
2018 Turkish military operation in Afrin. The Turkish Army and Free Syrian Army capture the Kurdish stronghold in Afrin, which was held by the YPG in north Syria. They also raise the Turkish flag over the city's centre. Turkish-backed forces bulldoze a statue of Kaveh, the legendary Kurdish figure, and remove it from the city centre.
2019 Christchurch Mosque Shootings and Internet Censorship: Following the Christchurch mosque mass shootings, Australian telecommunications companies Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone implemented internet censorship measures. They blocked access to websites like LiveLeak, Voat, 4chan, 8chan, and Zero Hedge that were hosting livestreamed footage of the tragic event.
2020 Families First Coronavirus Response Act Enacted: President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a comprehensive legislative package providing paid sick leave, tax credits, free COVID-19 testing, expanded food assistance and unemployment benefits, and increased Medicaid funding to address the pandemic's economic and health challenges.
2021 Derek Chauvin Trial Jury Selection Continues: A judge dismissed two jurors from the high-profile trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was accused of murdering George Floyd, a case that sparked nationwide protests against racial injustice.
2022 Russian Missile Strike Devastates Ukrainian Military Barracks: A devastating Russian missile strike targeted a Ukrainian military barracks in Mykolaiv, killing at least 50 soldiers, with potentially more casualties buried under the rubble, demonstrating the intense military engagement in the conflict.
2023 National Supreme Sacrifice Day: A solemn day of remembrance honoring individuals who have made extraordinary sacrifices for the greater good, including first responders, military personnel, humanitarian workers, and others who risk or have risked their lives to protect and serve their communities and fellow human beings.

What Is special about March 18?

March 18 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 18.