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Historical Events on March 31: 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 31, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on March 31 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1900 Boer War Military Engagement: Brigadier-General Broadwood's troops are captured by Boer guerrilla forces during the Second Boer War, highlighting the challenging military conditions of the conflict.
  • 1901 Rusalka Opera Premiere in Prague: On March 31, 1901, the renowned Czech composer Antonín Dvořák's famous opera 'Rusalka' made its world premiere at the National Opera House in Prague. This lyrical fairy tale opera, based on a Czech folk tale, is considered one of Dvořák's most significant works and features the famous aria 'Song to the Moon', which has since become a beloved piece in the classical music repertoire.
  • 1902 Death of Cecil John Rhodes, British Imperialist and Diamond Magnate: Cecil John Rhodes, a prominent British businessman, colonial administrator, and imperialist, passed away in Cape Town at the age of 48. A key figure in the expansion of the British Empire in Africa, Rhodes was a powerful mining entrepreneur who controlled approximately 90% of the world's diamond production through his De Beers Consolidated Mines. His political and economic influence was instrumental in establishing British colonial territories in southern Africa, including the regions that would later become Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia) and parts of South Africa. Rhodes was a controversial figure, known for his vision of British imperial expansion and his racist policies towards indigenous African populations.
  • 1903 Richard Pearse's Early Aircraft Flight Attempt: Richard Pearse, a New Zealand inventor and pioneer of aviation, allegedly conducted an experimental powered flight in a rudimentary aircraft. This event is considered a significant early milestone in the development of powered flight, predating the Wright Brothers' famous flight by several months.
  • 1904 Entente Cordiale Signed: The United Kingdom and France signed the Entente Cordiale, a landmark diplomatic agreement that resolved colonial tensions and established a framework for future cooperation, significantly reshaping European geopolitics.
  • 1905 Einstein's Groundbreaking Scientific Work: Albert Einstein continues his revolutionary work on the special theory of relativity and the theory of Brownian motion, laying foundational groundwork for modern physics. These theoretical developments would fundamentally transform scientific understanding of space, time, and molecular dynamics.
  • 1906 Founding of the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States: The Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States was established to standardize and regulate college sports, marking a significant moment in the organization of collegiate athletics. This association would later evolve into the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), becoming a pivotal institution in managing and promoting collegiate sports competitions across the United States.
  • 1907 Romanian Farmers' Revolt Suppressed: In a significant social and political event, the Romanian Army forcefully quelled a widespread farmers' revolt in Moldavia, highlighting the tensions between rural peasants and the government during the early 20th century. The suppression demonstrated the government's harsh approach to handling agrarian unrest and social inequality.
  • 1909 Serbia Accepts Austrian Control of Bosnia: Serbia officially accepts Austrian control over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a pivotal diplomatic moment that reshaped territorial boundaries in the Balkan region.
  • 1910 Formation of Stoke-on-Trent: On March 31, 1910, six historic pottery towns in North Staffordshire united to create the modern city of Stoke-on-Trent. This federation marked a significant administrative and economic consolidation in the ceramics manufacturing region of England, bringing together local municipalities to form a more powerful and cohesive urban center.
  • 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: A devastating industrial fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City resulted in the tragic deaths of 146 garment workers, predominantly young immigrant women. The catastrophic event exposed severe workplace safety deficiencies and became a pivotal moment in labor rights history, ultimately catalyzing significant reforms in industrial safety standards and workers' protections.
  • 1912 Death of Robert Love Taylor, Tennessee Political Leader: Robert Love Taylor, a prominent American politician from Tennessee, passed away on March 31, 1912. Known for his significant political career, Taylor served in multiple high-profile roles including congressman, state senator, and Governor of Tennessee. His death marked the end of an era for Tennessee state politics during the early 20th century.
  • 1913 The Skandalkonzert in Vienna: On March 31, 1913, the Vienna Concert Society experienced a significant cultural disruption during a groundbreaking modernist music performance. Composers Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, Alexander von Zemlinsky, and Anton von Webern were presenting their avant-garde musical works when audience members became so agitated by the unconventional compositions that they erupted into a violent riot. The intense audience reaction was so severe that it forced the concert to end prematurely, marking a pivotal moment in early 20th-century musical history and highlighting the radical departure from traditional musical aesthetics.
  • 1914 Birth of Octavio Paz: Octavio Paz was born in Mexico City, a renowned poet, writer, and diplomat who would later become a Nobel Prize laureate in Literature. Throughout his distinguished career, Paz made significant contributions to Mexican and global literature, exploring themes of identity, politics, and culture. His most famous works include 'The Labyrinth of Solitude' and he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990 for his poetic body of work.
  • 1915 Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage Becomes National Organization: On March 31, 1915, the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage officially established itself as a national organization, adopting a constitution and launching an aggressive suffrage campaign. This strategic move positioned the organization in direct competition with the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), signaling a more militant approach to women's voting rights.
  • 1916 Critical Moment in Battle of Verdun: During the Battle of Verdun, one of the longest and most devastating battles of World War I, the German Fifth Army urgently requested additional reinforcements. Intelligence reports suggested the French defensive line was on the verge of collapse, indicating a potential strategic turning point in the battle.
  • 1917 United States Acquires Danish West Indies: On March 31, 1917, the United States officially acquired the Danish West Indies through a formal treaty, marking a significant territorial expansion in the Caribbean. The U.S. paid Denmark $25 million for the islands, which were subsequently renamed the United States Virgin Islands. This strategic acquisition expanded American territorial influence and provided the U.S. with valuable maritime assets in the Caribbean region.
  • 1918 Baku Massacre of Azerbaijani Muslims: A tragic ethnic massacre occurs in Baku, Azerbaijan, where allied armed groups of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Bolsheviks systematically kill approximately 12,000 Azerbaijani Muslims, marking a dark moment of inter-ethnic violence during the tumultuous period of World War I and the Russian Revolution.
  • 1919 Foch's Warning about Versailles Treaty: French Marshal Ferdinand Foch expressed grave concerns to leaders of Great Britain and the United States, arguing that without securing the Rhine frontier, the Treaty of Versailles would merely postpone future conflict, predicting another war within two decades.
  • 1920 Government of Ireland Act 1920: The British Parliament passed the Government of Ireland Act 1920, a significant legislative measure that proposed to establish separate home rule parliaments for Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. This act was a pivotal moment in Irish political history, attempting to address the complex political tensions between Ireland and the United Kingdom during a period of significant nationalist sentiment.
  • 1921 Einstein Lectures on Relativity in New York: Albert Einstein delivered a groundbreaking lecture in New York, presenting and explaining his revolutionary theory of relativity, which fundamentally transformed scientific understanding of space, time, and gravity.
  • 1922 Infamous Hinterkaifeck Murders Shock Bavaria: A horrific mass murder occurs at the Hinterkaifeck farm north of Munich, where six people are brutally killed in one of the most mysterious and chilling criminal cases in early 20th-century German history. The perpetrator was never identified, making this a notorious unsolved crime.
  • 1923 Violent Incident at Krupp Factory in Essen: A tragic event occurred when French soldiers opened fire on workers at the Krupp factory in Essen, Germany, resulting in the deaths of 13 workers. This incident highlighted the tensions and social unrest in the post-World War I industrial landscape.
  • 1924 London Public Transport Strike Concludes: The London public transport strike came to an end on March 31, 1924, likely after negotiations between transport workers and management, potentially resolving labor disputes and restoring city transportation services.
  • 1925 Art Deco Style Exposition in Paris: The Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes takes place in Paris from April to October, officially giving name and recognition to the Art Deco design movement.
  • 1926 German Special Court of Justice Dissolution: On March 31, 1926, the German Special Court of Justice for state security was officially disbanded. This judicial institution, which had been established during a period of significant political instability in the Weimar Republic, ceased its operations, marking an important moment in the evolution of Germany's legal system.
  • 1927 César Chávez Born: César Chávez, a prominent American labor leader and civil rights activist, was born in Yuma, Arizona. He would go on to become a pivotal figure in the labor movement, co-founding the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers) and leading nonviolent protests to improve working conditions for agricultural laborers.
  • 1928 Birth of Hockey Legend Gordie Howe: Gordon 'Gordie' Howe was born in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada. He would go on to become one of the most iconic right wings in NHL history, playing primarily for the Detroit Red Wings and earning the nickname 'Mr. Hockey' for his extraordinary skills and longevity in the sport.
  • 1929 Southern Cross Aircraft Goes Missing Over Australia: The historic aircraft 'Southern Cross' and its crew temporarily disappeared over northwest Australia during the initial stage of an ambitious transcontinental flight attempt from Sydney to England, highlighting the dangerous and unpredictable nature of early long-distance aviation.
  • 1930 Motion Picture Production Code (Hays Code) Established: The Motion Picture Production Code was instituted in the United States, imposing comprehensive moral and ethical guidelines for film content. This landmark decision significantly impacted the American film industry, regulating the portrayal of sex, crime, religion, and violence in motion pictures for the next four decades. The code, developed by the Motion Picture Association of America, aimed to create a standardized set of moral standards that would govern film production and content.
  • 1931 Tragic Plane Crash Kills Knute Rockne: Transcontinental & Western Air Flight 599 crashed near Bazaar, Kansas, resulting in the death of eight passengers, including the legendary University of Notre Dame head football coach Knute Rockne. The crash was a significant loss for the sports world and the Notre Dame community, cutting short the life of one of college football's most influential coaches.
  • 1932 Ford Unveils Affordable V8 Engine: Ford Motor Company publicly introduced its V8 engine, marking a significant milestone in automotive technology. This engine was particularly notable for its affordable price point, which made high-performance automotive technology accessible to a broader range of consumers.
  • 1933 Hitler Assumes Power in Germany: The German Republic transfers political power to Adolf Hitler, marking a critical turning point in German history and the rise of Nazi totalitarianism.
  • 1934 Birth of Carlo Rubbia, Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist: Carlo Rubbia, a distinguished Italian physicist, was born on this date. He would later become renowned for his groundbreaking work in particle physics, ultimately winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1984 for his critical contributions to the discovery of the W and Z bosons, fundamental particles in understanding weak nuclear interactions.
  • 1935 Herb Alpert Born: Herbert Alpert, renowned American musician, bandleader, trumpeter, and co-founder of A&M Records, was born on this date. He would later become famous for his distinctive trumpet sound and leadership of the Tijuana Brass band, significantly influencing popular music in the mid-20th century.
  • 1936 Uneventful Day in 1936: While no specific major historical events were recorded on March 31, 1936, this period was part of the interwar years between World War I and World War II. The global political landscape was tense, with rising fascism in Europe and increasing international uncertainties.
  • 1937 Great Ohio River Flood of 1937: A catastrophic flood devastated the Ohio River Valley, causing unprecedented destruction. The massive flooding left approximately 1 million people homeless and resulted in 385 confirmed fatalities. The disaster impacted multiple states along the Ohio River, including Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia, making it one of the most significant natural disasters in the region's history.
  • 1938 Sheila Dikshit Birth: Sheila Dikshit, a prominent Indian politician who later became the Chief Minister of Delhi, was born on this date. She would go on to play a significant role in Delhi's political landscape.
  • 1939 British Military Support Pledge to Poland: Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain formally pledges British military support to the Second Polish Republic, committing to defend Poland in the event of an invasion by Nazi Germany. This diplomatic commitment was a critical moment in the lead-up to World War II, signaling Britain's intent to resist German expansionism.
  • 1940 World War II: Commerce Raiding: During World War II, commerce raiding was a significant naval strategy where maritime powers attempted to disrupt enemy supply lines and trade routes, causing economic and logistical challenges for opposing nations.
  • 1941 German Counter-Offensive in North Africa: During World War II, German forces under General Erwin Rommel launched a significant counter-offensive in North Africa, challenging British and Commonwealth troops' positions in the region. This military operation was part of the larger North African Campaign, which would prove strategically crucial in the Mediterranean theater of war.
  • 1942 Battle of Christmas Island: The Battle of Christmas Island resulted in the successful occupation of the island by Japanese soldiers, marking a significant moment in the Pacific campaign of World War II. The swift and decisive Japanese military action demonstrated their strategic capabilities during the early stages of the war.
  • 1943 Axis Forces Withdraw from North Africa: During World War II, Axis forces completed their withdrawal from North Africa, marking a significant turning point in the Mediterranean and North African theater of war. This retreat signaled a major strategic defeat for Germany and Italy.
  • 1944 Nazi Persecution: Hungarian Jews Forced to Wear Yellow Stars: On March 31, 1944, the Hungarian government, under Nazi influence, mandated that all Jewish citizens must wear yellow stars as a means of identification and segregation. This discriminatory measure was part of the broader Nazi policy of systematic persecution and dehumanization of Jewish people during the Holocaust.
  • 1945 First Me 262 Jet Fighter Captured by Allies: A defecting German pilot delivered a Messerschmitt Me 262A-1, the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft, to American forces, providing the Allies with crucial intelligence about advanced German aviation technology.
  • 1946 Belgian Government Formation: On this date in 1946, a new Belgian government was formed under the leadership of Prime Minister Acker, reflecting the political reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Belgium during the immediate post-World War II period.
  • 1947 Jackie Robinson Breaks Baseball Color Barrier: Jackie Robinson signs a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play in modern Major League Baseball, breaking the racial segregation that had existed in professional baseball. This historic moment would significantly impact civil rights and sports integration in the United States.
  • 1948 Marshall Plan Aid Act Passed: The United States Congress passed the Marshall Aid Act, a landmark economic recovery program designed to rehabilitate and rebuild war-torn European countries in the aftermath of World War II. This legislation was crucial in preventing economic collapse and communist expansion in Western Europe.
  • 1949 Churchill's Cold War Warning: Winston Churchill delivered a significant speech to an audience of 14,000, warning about the potential Soviet threat and emphasizing the critical deterrent role of America's atomic capabilities. His remarks highlighted the growing tensions of the early Cold War period and the strategic importance of nuclear deterrence.
  • 1950 Jordan's Prime Minister Resigns: Tawfik Abu al-Huda resigned as Prime Minister of Jordan, citing health reasons while also expressing his reluctance to engage in negotiations with Israel. This resignation underscored the complex geopolitical tensions in the Middle East during the early 1950s and the challenges of potential diplomatic reconciliation.
  • 1951 First UNIVAC I Computer Delivered: Remington Rand successfully delivered the first UNIVAC I computer to the United States Census Bureau, a groundbreaking moment in early computing technology that would revolutionize data processing and information management.
  • 1952 Death of Senator Wallace H. White Jr.: Wallace H. White Jr., a prominent United States Senator representing Maine, passed away at the age of 74. White was a significant Republican politician who served in the Senate from 1931 to 1949, playing important roles during the Great Depression and World War II eras. He was known for his contributions to national policy and legislative work during a transformative period in American history.
  • 1953 UN Security Council Nominates Dag Hammarskjöld as Secretary-General: The United Nations Security Council officially nominated Dag Hammarskjöld, a Swedish diplomat, for the position of UN Secretary-General, marking a significant moment in international diplomacy during the Cold War era.
  • 1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu: Vietnamese Defensive Preparations: During the critical Battle of Dien Bien Phu, Vietnamese military units organized defensive positions on strategic highpoints C1, D1, and E. Regiments 174 and 98 engaged in intense combat, with Vietnamese forces controlling one-third of Hill A1's eastern side while the enemy occupied two-thirds of the base.
  • 1955 Chase Manhattan Bank Formation: Chase National Bank and Bank of the Manhattan Company, ranking as the third and fifteenth largest banks respectively, merge to create Chase Manhattan Bank, a significant consolidation in the American banking sector during the mid-1950s.
  • 1956 Typhoon Sarah Near-Miss in the Philippines: In late March 1956, Typhoon Sarah approached the Philippine archipelago, creating significant concern among meteorologists and local populations. Remarkably, the typhoon unexpectedly altered its trajectory at the critical moment, veering away from populated areas and subsequently weakening and dissipating within a few days. This event highlighted the unpredictable nature of tropical cyclones in the Pacific region and the importance of advanced weather monitoring.
  • 1957 First FORTRAN Compiler Released: IBM released the first compiler for the FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslation) scientific programming language, a pivotal moment in computer science that would revolutionize scientific and engineering computing by making programming more accessible and efficient.
  • 1958 Canadian Federal Election Landslide: In a historic federal election, John Diefenbaker's Progressive Conservatives achieve an unprecedented victory, securing 208 out of 265 seats—the largest percentage of seats in Canadian electoral history, signaling a major political realignment.
  • 1959 Dalai Lama Seeks Refuge in India: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, fled Tibet and was granted political asylum in India after escaping from Communist Chinese control. This marked a significant moment in Tibetan history, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for Tibetan autonomy and religious freedom.
  • 1960 First Nations Voting Rights in Canada: On this historic date, the Canadian government repealed a discriminatory part of the Indian Act, granting First Nations people the right to vote in federal elections without losing their Indian status. This significant milestone represented a crucial step towards recognizing the full citizenship and democratic rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada, marking a pivotal moment in the country's ongoing journey of reconciliation and equal rights.
  • 1961 Mercury Spacecraft Prepared for Orbital Test: Mercury spacecraft number 10 was accepted and delivered to the McDonnell altitude test facility for a comprehensive orbital-flight environmental test. This milestone was crucial in NASA's Mercury program, which aimed to send the first American astronauts into space during the early years of the Space Race.
  • 1962 116th Grand National Horse Race: Fred Winter wins the 116th Grand National horse race, riding the 28/1 outsider Kilmore to a decisive 10-length victory over Wyndburgh. This remarkable performance showcased Winter's exceptional horsemanship and Kilmore's unexpected racing prowess.
  • 1963 New York City Newspaper Strike Concludes: The prolonged 1962-63 New York City newspaper strike officially ended after 114 days, concluding a significant disruption in the city's media landscape. The strike impacted journalism, labor relations, and public information dissemination during a pivotal period in American media history.
  • 1964 Nelson Mandela's Imprisonment Begins: Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment, marking the start of a 27-year period of incarceration that would become a pivotal moment in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
  • 1965 First US Combat Troops Deployed to Vietnam: The United States military officially orders the first combat troops to be deployed to Vietnam, marking a significant escalation of American involvement in the Vietnam War.
  • 1966 Luna 10: First Lunar Orbiter: The Soviet Union successfully launched Luna 10, a groundbreaking space mission that became the first spacecraft to enter lunar orbit. This achievement represented a major milestone in the Space Race and demonstrated the USSR's advanced space exploration capabilities.
  • 1967 US-Soviet Consular Treaty Signing: U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Consular Treaty with the Soviet Union, a diplomatic milestone during the Cold War era that aimed to establish formal protocols for consular interactions between the two superpowers, potentially easing diplomatic tensions.
  • 1968 LBJ Announces Decision Not to Seek Re-election and Limits on Vietnam War: President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered a televised address announcing a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and his political future. He declared a halt in bombing North Vietnam and stunned the nation by stating he would not seek re-election, marking a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War and American political landscape.
  • 1969 Eddy Merckx Wins First Tour de France: Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx achieved a historic milestone by winning his first Tour de France, marking the beginning of his legendary cycling career. This victory would be the first of many, establishing Merckx as one of the most dominant cyclists in the sport's history and earning him the nickname 'The Cannibal' for his extraordinary competitive spirit.
  • 1970 Japanese Red Army Hijacking Incident: Eight terrorists from the Japanese Red Army conducted a dramatic hijacking of a Japan Airlines Boeing 727 at Tokyo International Airport, using samurai swords and carrying a bomb. This incident highlighted the volatile political climate and terrorist activities of the era.
  • 1971 William Calley Sentenced for My Lai Massacre: Lieutenant William Calley is sentenced to life in prison for his role in the My Lai Massacre, a notorious war crime committed during the Vietnam War where American soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians.
  • 1972 Beatles Fan Club Officially Closes: The official Beatles Fan Club ceased operations, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic fan organizations in music history. This closure symbolized the final dissolution of the band's formal fan network following their breakup in 1970.
  • 1973 Muhammad Ali's Shocking Defeat: In a controversial boxing match in San Diego, Ken Norton defeats Muhammad Ali via a split-points decision, breaking Ali's jaw in the process. Ali would later win a rematch in another split decision.
  • 1975 UCLA's Historic NCAA Basketball Championship: On March 31, 1975, UCLA won its 10th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship in 12 years, defeating Kentucky 92-55 in legendary coach John Wooden's final game. This remarkable victory solidified UCLA's dominance in college basketball during the 1960s and early 1970s, with Wooden establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in sports history.
  • 1976 Apple Computer Company Founded: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak officially form Apple Computer Company, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most influential technology companies in history. This startup in a garage would revolutionize personal computing and later transform multiple industries including mobile technology, digital music, and consumer electronics.
  • 1977 Hamaas Abdul Khaalis Released After Hostage Incident: Hamaas Abdul Khaalis was released on his own recognizance following a significant hostage crisis involving the Hanafi Muslim group in Washington D.C. The incident involved the seizure of 134 hostages, marking a tense moment in urban terrorism and religious extremism in the United States.
  • 1978 Red Rum Wins Third Grand National and Retires: Red Rum, the legendary racehorse, achieved a historic feat by winning his third Grand National and subsequently retiring, cementing his status as one of the greatest racehorses in history.
  • 1979 Malta Gains Independence from British Rule: On March 31, 1979, the last British soldier departed from the Maltese Islands, marking a significant milestone in Malta's journey to complete sovereignty. This momentous occasion was celebrated as Freedom Day (Jum il-Helsien), symbolizing the end of British colonial presence and the full independence of the Maltese nation. The departure of the British military signified Malta's transition to a fully self-governing state, free from foreign military occupation.
  • 1980 Mariel Boatlift Begins: The Mariel boatlift commenced, a significant migration event where approximately 125,000 Cubans left Cuba for the United States, dramatically impacting immigration and US-Cuba relations. This mass exodus was facilitated by Fidel Castro, who allowed citizens to leave, including prisoners and individuals from mental health facilities.
  • 1981 Attempted Assassination of US President Ronald Reagan: US President Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr. outside the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. Three others were also wounded during the incident, including White House Press Secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy, and a police officer.
  • 1982 U.S. Gold Commission Recommends Gold Bullion Coins: The U.S. Gold Commission submitted a comprehensive 227-page report to Congress, recommending that the Treasury issue new gold bullion coins, which would later become known as American Eagle gold coins. This recommendation was significant for the potential revival of gold coinage in the United States.
  • 1983 Earthquake in Colombia kills some 5,000 people
  • 1984 US Nuclear Test at Nevada Site: The United States conducted a nuclear weapons test at the Nevada Test Site, part of the ongoing Cold War-era nuclear weapons development and testing program.
  • 1985 Japanese Corporate Privatization: Two major Japanese government-owned corporations, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone and Japan Tobacco and Salt, are privatized and renamed, marking a significant economic reform.
  • 1986 Mexicana Flight 940 Crash: Mexicana de Aviación Flight 940 crashes into the treacherous Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range near Maravatío, Mexico, resulting in a tragic loss of 167 lives in one of the deadliest aviation accidents of 1986.
  • 1987 Indiana Wins NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: In a thrilling finale of the 49th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, the Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Syracuse Orangemen in a nail-biting match with a final score of 74-73. The game was a testament to the skill, determination, and competitive spirit of college basketball during the late 1980s.
  • 1988 Toni Morrison Wins Pulitzer Prize: Toni Morrison was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her groundbreaking novel 'Beloved', a powerful narrative exploring the psychological impacts of slavery and African American experiences.
  • 1989 Donald Trump Acquires Eastern Airlines' Northeast Shuttle: On March 31, 1989, real estate mogul and future U.S. President Donald Trump purchased the Northeast Shuttle service from Eastern Airlines, expanding his business portfolio into the transportation sector. This acquisition was part of Trump's broader strategy of acquiring high-profile assets during the late 1980s, demonstrating his aggressive business expansion approach.
  • 1990 Poll Tax Riot in London: A massive anti-poll tax demonstration in Trafalgar Square, London, escalates into a violent riot. The event results in 471 people being injured and 341 arrested, marking a significant moment of civil unrest against the controversial Community Charge introduced by the Thatcher government.
  • 1991 Warsaw Pact Dissolution: The Warsaw Pact, a collective defense treaty between the Soviet Union and Eastern European communist states, formally disbands, marking a significant moment in the end of the Cold War.
  • 1992 Bosnia and Herzegovina Declares Independence: The Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, without Serb political delegates, proclaimed independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, a critical moment in the breakup of Yugoslavia.
  • 1993 Macao Basic Law Adoption: The National People's Congress of China officially adopted the Macao Basic Law, which outlined the framework for Macao's return to Chinese sovereignty. This landmark legislation established the 'one country, two systems' principle, ensuring Macao's distinct legal and economic systems would be preserved after the transfer from Portuguese administration. The law was set to take full effect on December 20, 1999, marking the end of over four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule.
  • 1994 Major Paleontological Discovery in Ethiopia: The prestigious scientific journal Nature published a groundbreaking report about the discovery of the first complete Australopithecus afarensis skull in Ethiopia, providing crucial insights into human evolutionary history.
  • 1995 Murder of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez: Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, the beloved Mexican-American Tejano pop singer, was tragically murdered by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her own fan club, at a Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi, Texas. This shocking event ended the life of a rising music star who had been breaking cultural barriers and achieving unprecedented success in Latin music.
  • 1996 Centennial Olympic Park Bombing: A terrorist bombing occurred at Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, a tragic event that shocked the nation and raised serious security concerns at international sporting events.
  • 1997 Pioneer 10 Space Mission Concludes: NASA's Pioneer 10 spacecraft, launched in 1972 and the first human-made object to traverse the asteroid belt and explore Jupiter, officially ended its mission after 25 years of groundbreaking space exploration, becoming the most distant human-made object at the time.
  • 1998 Netscape Launches Mozilla Open Source Project: Netscape released the source code of its web browser under an open-source license agreement, creating the Mozilla project. This groundbreaking move would eventually lead to the formation of the non-profit Mozilla Foundation, significantly impacting the future of web browser development and open-source software.
  • 1999 The Matrix Premieres in Theaters: The first installment of the Matrix trilogy, a groundbreaking science fiction film directed by the Wachowski siblings, was released. Starring Keanu Reeves as Neo, the movie revolutionized action cinema with its innovative visual effects, philosophical narrative, and pioneering 'bullet time' cinematography.
  • 2000 Dr. Harold Shipman Convicted of Mass Murder: Dr. Harold Shipman, a British family physician, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 15 patients in Greater Manchester. A subsequent inquiry revealed he may have been responsible for the deaths of at least 215 people, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in modern history.
  • 2001 Bush Withdraws from Kyoto Protocol: U.S. President George W. Bush's decision to abandon the Kyoto Protocol sparked significant international controversy. The move angered European leaders and environmental advocates by rejecting the international treaty designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global climate change.
  • 2002 Escalation of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A day of intense violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, marked by multiple incidents: Israeli troops engaged in gunfire with Yasir Arafat's guards in Ramallah, a suicide bombing in Haifa by Shadi Tubasi killed 14 and injured over 40, and another attack in Efrat wounded four. The cumulative casualties over 18 months stood at 1,262 Palestinians and 401 Israelis.
  • 2003 Hong Kong SARS Quarantine Measures: In a critical public health intervention, Hong Kong authorities cordoned off Block E of the Amoy Gardens housing estate, placing residents under strict quarantine to contain the rapidly spreading SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic.
  • 2004 Fallujah Contractor Killings: In a tragic incident during the Iraq War, four American private military contractors working for Blackwater USA were ambushed and killed in Fallujah, marking a significant escalation of violence in the Anbar Province.
  • 2005 UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Warns of Global Environmental Crisis: The UN-backed Millennium Ecosystem Assessment reported substantial and potentially irreversible biodiversity loss, warning of critical risks to basic resources like water, food, and timber.
  • 2006 Neutrino Oscillation Discovery: The MINOS (Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation search) experiment demonstrated neutrino oscillation, suggesting that neutrinos might have mass. This finding potentially requires a substantial revision of the Standard Model in particle physics.
  • 2007 Iranian Seizure of British Navy Personnel: Iranian forces seized 15 British Royal Navy sailors, triggering a significant diplomatic tension between Iran and the United Kingdom.
  • 2008 Muqtada al-Sadr Orders Mahdi Army to Cease Fighting: Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his Mahdi Army to stop fighting six days after Iraqi forces attacked Sadr strongholds in Basra and Baghdad. Sadr demanded the government free imprisoned Mahdi Army members, end house raids, and assist displaced Shiites.
  • 2009 Migrant Boat Disaster: A devastating maritime tragedy resulted in the death of at least 200 illegal migrants attempting to travel from North Africa to Europe, highlighting the perilous Mediterranean migration crisis.
  • 2010 Moscow Metro Terrorist Attack: Two female suicide bombers strike the Moscow Metro system during morning rush hour, killing 40 people in a tragic terrorist incident that shocked Russia and the international community.
  • 2011 2011 Libyan Civil War: The Libyan Civil War escalated with significant international involvement, marking a critical phase in the Arab Spring uprisings. Multiple diplomatic and military developments occurred, including foreign intervention and high-profile defections.
  • 2012 Yemen Counterterrorism Operation: Approximately 30 people were killed during intense clashes between the Yemeni army and suspected Al-Qaeda militants in southern Yemen, reflecting the ongoing counterterrorism challenges in the region.
  • 2013 North Korea's Nuclear Stance: North Korea pledged to maintain and improve its nuclear arsenal while developing a civilian nuclear power program, escalating international tensions.
  • 2014 IPCC Climate Change Report: Following a week-long meeting in Yokohama, Japan, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a comprehensive report detailing the global impacts of climate change.
  • 2015 Germanwings Flight 9525 Revelations: Lufthansa officially admitted knowing about Andreas Lubitz's mental health problems prior to the catastrophic crash. Media outlets claimed to possess a passenger's cell phone video capturing the plane's final moments, adding complexity to the investigation.
  • 2016 NASA Astronaut and Cosmonaut Complete Year-Long Space Station Mission: NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and Roscosmos cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko successfully returned to Earth after completing an unprecedented yearlong mission aboard the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration.
  • 2017 South African Presidential Cabinet Reshuffle: President Jacob Zuma dramatically reshuffled his cabinet by firing Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, causing significant economic instability. The sudden dismissal triggered an immediate negative market reaction, with the South African rand experiencing a sharp decline.
  • 2018 Syrian Civil War: Eastern Ghouta Offensive: The Syrian Army declared significant territorial gains in the Eastern Ghouta region, expelling rebel fighters from key villages around Damascus, with Douma remaining under an ultimatum.
  • 2019 Golan Heights Controversy: The United States' recognition of the Golan Heights as part of Israel drew strong condemnation from the 30th Arab League summit in Tunisia. Arab leaders called for the establishment of a Palestinian state to ensure regional stability.
  • 2020 U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Surpasses 3,000: On March 31, 2020, the United States recorded over 3,000 deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a grim milestone in the early stages of the global health crisis. This significant number highlighted the rapid spread and severe impact of the coronavirus across the country.
  • 2021 France Implements New COVID-19 Lockdown: French President Emmanuel Macron announced a comprehensive national pandemic lockdown, which included closing schools for three weeks and implementing strict new restrictions to combat the spread of COVID-19.
  • 2022 US Announces Strategic Oil Reserve Release: In response to global energy market disruptions, the United States government announced a significant intervention by releasing 1 million barrels of oil per day from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for six months. This decision aimed to stabilize oil prices and mitigate economic pressures caused by geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  • 2023 Devastating Tornado Outbreak in Mid-United States: A massive storm system swept through the central United States, spanning from Mississippi and Alabama in the south to Illinois and Wisconsin in the north. The severe weather event unleashed multiple tornadoes, resulting in significant destruction and tragically claiming at least 32 lives. The outbreak caused widespread damage to communities and infrastructure across the Midwestern and Southern regions.

What Is special about March 31?

March 31 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 31.