31 MAR 2024 · #HistoryPodcast #TodayInHistory #HistoricalEvents March 31st has been a significant day in history for a variety of reasons, spanning from political changes to scientific advancements. Let's delve into 15 notable events that occurred on this day throughout history: 307 After divorcing his wife Minerva, Constantine marries Fausta, the daughter of the retired Roman Emperor Maximian. 1889 The Eiffel Tower is officially open to the public in Paris, France. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time. 1909 Construction begins on the RMS Titanic at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 1917 The United States took possession of the Danish West Indies after paying $25 million to Denmark and renaming the territory the United States Virgin Islands. 1918 Daylight saving time went into effect in the United States for the first time to conserve fuel during the war effort. 1930 The Motion Picture Production Code (Hays Code), imposing strict guidelines on the treatment of sex, crime, religion, and violence in film, goes into effect in the United States. 1931 An earthquake destroys Managua, Nicaragua, killing 2,000 people. In 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canada as its 10th province. 1959 The 14th Dalai Lama crosses the border into India and is granted political asylum. 1966 The Soviet Union launches Luna 10, which later becomes the first space probe to enter orbit around the Moon. 1970: Explorer 1, the first American satellite and the first object to achieve a high Earth orbit, reenters the Earth's atmosphere after 12 years in orbit. 1992 The USS Missouri, the last active United States Navy battleship, is decommissioned in Long Beach, California. 1995 The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established to replace the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). 2004 In Ireland, smoking is banned in all workplaces, becoming the first country in the world to implement such a wide-ranging ban. 2019: NASA's InSight lander, designed to study the deep interior of the planet Mars, records what are believed to be "marsquakes" for the first time. These events showcase the breadth of human experience, from significant advances in science and technology to shifts in social norms and natural disasters. Each of these moments has contributed in some way to shaping the world we live in today.

29 MAR 2024 · #HistoryPodcast #TodayInHistory #HistoricalEvents March 29th has been a day of significant events throughout history, marked by notable achievements, discoveries, and milestones across various fields. Let's dive into 15 detailed events that have shaped our world: 1461: Wars of the Roses: The Battle of Towton was regarded as the largest and bloodiest battle in English history. Edward of York defeated Queen Margaret to become King Edward IV of England, marking a pivotal moment in the Wars of the Roses. 1638: Swedish Colony in America: Sweden established its first settlement in America, named New Sweden, near present-day Wilmington, Delaware. This marked the beginning of Swedish colonial efforts in North America. 1849: The United Kingdom formally annexes Punjab. After defeating the Sikh Empire in the Second Anglo-Sikh War, the British Empire officially annexed the region, marking a significant expansion of British India. 1867 The British North America Act is passed in the House of Commons. This act led to the creation of Canada as a self-governing dominion of Britain on July 1, 1867. It was a critical step in Canada's journey towards independence. 1886 John Pemberton brews the first batch of Coca-Cola. In Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. John Pemberton brewed the first batch of Coca-Cola, a tonic wine that would become one of the world's most famous beverages. 1945 World War II: The Battle of Iwo Jima ended as U.S. forces captured the island from the Japanese. It was a critical victory for the Allies and a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theatre. 1971 Charles Manson and three of his followers received the death penalty: For their involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca murders, Charles Manson and his followers were sentenced, though their sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment. 1974: NASA's Mariner 10 spacecraft became the first spacecraft to fly by Mercury, providing valuable data about the planet's environment, surface, and atmosphere. 1993 Catherine Callbeck became the first female premier in Canada. Catherine Callbeck of Prince Edward Island became the first woman to be elected in her own right as a provincial premier in Canada, marking a significant moment in Canadian politics. 2004 Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia join NATO. In a significant expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, these seven countries were formally admitted, enhancing security and cooperation in the region. 2010 Two female suicide bombers struck the Moscow Metro: Resulting in 40 deaths and over 100 injuries, this attack underscored the ongoing security challenges in Russia. 2014 The first same-sex marriages in England and Wales: This day marked a milestone for LGBTQ+ rights, with the first same-sex marriages taking place in England and Wales following legal changes. 2017 The United Kingdom triggers Article 50: Beginning the formal process of exiting the European Union, this was a significant moment in Brexit—the UK's decision to leave the EU. 2018 North Korea and South Korea agree to hold a summit. Announcing plans for a summit was seen as a step towards easing tensions and improving relations between the two Koreas. 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: Various countries worldwide implemented strict lockdown measures to combat the rapidly spreading coronavirus, marking a global effort to contain the pandemic. Each of these events has contributed to shaping the historical and cultural landscape of our world, illustrating the complexity and interconnectedness of global history.

28 MAR 2024 · #HistoryPodcast #TodayInHistory #HistoricalEvents Let's take a journey through history and highlight 15 notable events that occurred on March 28th, focusing on the positive and enlightening moments: 1930: Constantinople and Angora changed their names to Istanbul and Ankara. This day marks the official renaming of these key Turkish cities as part of Turkey's national reforms under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. 1939: The Spanish Civil War ends with the victory of Francoist forces, leading to a period of stability and reconstruction in Spain, despite the authoritarian regime that followed. 1979 Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident: In the United States, the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania experienced a partial meltdown. It led to significant changes in nuclear power plant operations, safety procedures, and regulatory oversight, ultimately improving nuclear safety worldwide. 1963 Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" premiered: Alfred Hitchcock's horror film "The Birds" premiered, showcasing Hitchcock's innovative directorial techniques and becoming a classic in cinematic history. In 1990, President H.W. Bush awarded Jesse Owens the Congressional Gold Medal, posthumously recognizing Jesse Owens' achievements and his role in promoting equality and sportsmanship. 2005 The Sumatran Andaman earthquake triggers a series of devastating tsunamis. It is one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, leading to unprecedented international humanitarian efforts. 1986 More than 6,000 radio stations of all format types simultaneously broadcast “We Are the World” by the USA for Africa: A remarkable moment of unity and charity raised funds for famine relief in Africa. 1999 Kosovo War: NATO Commences Aerial Bombardment Against Yugoslavia: This marked the first time NATO used military force without the direct sanction of the UN, aiming to end human rights abuses in Kosovo. 1834: The Senate censures President Andrew Jackson. For the first time in history, the U.S. Senate censured a sitting president, Andrew Jackson, in a political conflict over the rechartering of the Bank of the United States, highlighting the system of checks and balances. In 1971, Charles Manson and three of his followers received the death penalty for their roles in the infamous Tate LaBianca murders. They later commuted to life imprisonment when California abolished the death penalty. 2014: Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared: a tragic aviation mystery that led to significant improvements in international flight tracking and safety protocols. 2000 Three children discover a bronze-age gold hoard in Wales. This discovery in the village of Gwaenysgor is considered one of the most significant in British archeological history. 2006: AT&T Inc. announced it was buying BellSouth, a $67 billion acquisition that was part of the reconsolidation of AT&T's original structure, impacting the telecommunications industry significantly. 2015 Nigeria postpones its presidential election to combat Boko Haram, a significant event in Nigeria's fight against terrorism, demonstrating the nation's resolve to ensure a democratic process despite severe challenges. 1920 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak: One of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history occurred, leading to significant advancements in weather forecasting and emergency preparedness. These events, spanning various spheres such as politics, natural disasters, the arts, and sports, reflect the diverse tapestry of human history on March 28th.

27 MAR 2024 · #HistoryPodcast #TodayInHistory #HistoricalEvents Let's explore 15 notable events that occurred on March 27th throughout history: 1964 The Great Alaskan Earthquake: The most powerful earthquake in U.S. history, magnitude 9.2, struck south-central Alaska, causing widespread destruction and triggering tsunamis along the Pacific coast. 1513: Juan Ponce de León Sights Florida: Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León first sighted land he named Florida while searching for the Fountain of Youth. 1998: FDA Approves Viagra: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Viagra, the first pill to treat erectile dysfunction, marking a significant advance in men's sexual health. 1977 Tenerife Airport Disaster: The deadliest aviation accident in history occurred at Tenerife North Airport, Canary Islands, when two Boeing 747s collided on the runway, killing 583 people. 1613: The First English Child Born in Canada The first English child, Snorri Thorfinnsson, was born in Vinland, marking the earliest European birth in North America outside Greenland. 1794: The Louvre Opens to the Public Originally a royal palace, the Louvre was opened to the public as a museum in Paris, France, showcasing thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa. 1963 Quentin Tarantino Born: Influential filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, known for films like "Pulp Fiction" and "Kill Bill," was born, later becoming a major force in independent film. 2002 Passover Massacre: A Palestinian suicide bomber attacked a Passover celebration at the Park Hotel in Netanya, Israel, killing 30 and injuring over 140 people, escalating the Second Intifada. 1999 Kosovo War: NATO began air strikes against Yugoslavia, marking the first time NATO engaged in combat operations against a sovereign country without U.N. approval to halt ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. 1836: Texas Revolution: Goliad Massacre: Following their surrender at the Battle of Coleto, more than 400 Texan soldiers were executed by the Mexican Army under orders from General Santa Anna. 1625: Charles I Becomes King of England Charles I ascended to the English throne, starting a reign that would eventually lead to civil war and his own execution for treason. 2006: Twitter Launched: Twitter, a social media platform that would revolutionize communication with its microblogging format, was launched, eventually becoming a global platform for public discourse. 1976: Washington, D.C. Metro Opens: The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority opened the first phase of the D.C. Metro, a major public transportation system serving the nation's capital and surrounding areas. 1979 Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin Sign a Peace Treaty: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin signed a peace treaty in Washington, ending 30 years of hostilities between the two countries. 1995 The Schengen Agreement Takes Effect: The Schengen Agreement was implemented, allowing for passport-free travel between many European countries, significantly easing cross-border movement, and fostering European integration. These events span a wide range of human endeavors, from exploration and innovation to conflict and peacemaking, reflecting the complex tapestry of human history on March 27th.

26 MAR 2024 · #HistoryPodcast #TodayInHistory #HistoricalEvents March 26th is a day rich with history, spanning various fields such as politics, arts, science, and sports. Here are 15 notable events: 1484: William Caxton prints his translation of Aesop's Fables. Caxton was the first English printer and a major figure in the development of printing in England. 1812: The term "gerrymander" was coined after a review of Massachusetts' redistricting maps signed by Governor Elbridge Gerry, which included a district shaped like a salamander to benefit his political party. 1830 The Book of Mormon is published by Joseph Smith in Palmyra, New York. It would become the foundational text for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1871 The Paris Commune, a radical socialist and revolutionary government, was declared in Paris, signaling the start of a two-month rule. 1917 The First Battle of Gaza: British troops are halted after 17,000 Turks block their advance, marking a significant event in World War I. 1931: Swissair, the national airline of Switzerland, is founded. It played a key role in the development of commercial aviation. 1953 Jonas Salk announces his polio vaccine, a groundbreaking development in medical history that would lead to widespread vaccination against poliomyelitis. 1958 The United States Army launches Explorer 3, its third satellite, as part of its contributions to the International Geophysical Year. 1971: East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) declares its independence from Pakistan, leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War. 1979: Anwar Sadat, Menachem Begin, and Jimmy Carter sign the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in Washington, D.C., a major step towards peace in the Middle East. 1997 The Comet Hale-Bopp has its closest approach to Earth, providing a spectacular show in the night sky and becoming one of the most observed comets in history. 1999 The "Melissa" computer virus, causing massive disruption and highlighting the vulnerabilities of the internet and email systems, was unleashed. 2000: Vladimir Putin is elected President of Russia, marking the start of his long tenure in Russian politics. 2005 A 6.6-magnitude earthquake hits the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, causing widespread damage and loss of life. 2015 Co-pilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately crashes Germanwings Flight 9525 in the French Alps, killing all 150 people on board in one of the deadliest aviation disasters of the decade. Each of these events left a significant mark on history, reflecting changes in politics, society, technology, and the natural world.

25 MAR 2024 · #HistoryPodcast #TodayInHistory #HistoricalEvents March 25th is a day rich in history, featuring a range of significant events across different years and spheres. Here's a selection of 15 detailed events: 421 According to legend, Venice was founded at noon on this day, with the establishment of the city marked by the dedication of the first church, San Giacomo, on the islet of Rialto. 1306: Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scots at Scone, near Perth, Scotland. His coronation was a significant moment in the First War of Scottish Independence against England. In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh was granted a patent by Queen Elizabeth I to colonize Virginia, an event that led to the eventual establishment of English colonies in the New World. In 1655, Saturn's largest moon, Titan, was discovered by Christiaan Huygens, a Dutch astronomer, mathematician, and inventor. This discovery expanded human knowledge of the solar system. 1807: The Slave Trade Act became law, making it a felony to engage in the slave trade throughout the British Empire. This marked a significant step towards the abolition of slavery. In 1821, Greece began its war of independence from the Ottoman Empire, a pivotal moment in Greek history that led to the establishment of a sovereign nation-state. 1911 In New York City, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire killed 146 garment workers. This tragedy highlighted the need for improved workplace safety standards and led to significant labor reforms. 1917 The Georgian Orthodox Church restored its autonomy, abolished by Imperial Russia in 1811. This was a significant step in Georgia's national revival. 1957 The European Economic Community was established by the Treaty of Rome. This organization was a precursor to the European Union, promoting economic cooperation and integration among its members. 1965: Civil rights activists led by Martin Luther King Jr. successfully completed their march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, highlighting the struggle for African American voting rights. 1975: King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was assassinated by his nephew, Prince Faisal bin Musaid. This event marked a turning point in Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern politics. 1988 The Candle demonstration in Bratislava was the first mass demonstration of the 1980s against the communist regime in Czechoslovakia, playing a part in the eventual fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe. 1995 WikiWikiWeb, the world's first wiki, or user-editable website, was created by Ward Cunningham. This innovation laid the groundwork for the collaborative web platforms that are common today. 1996 The European Union's Veterinarian Committee banned the export of British beef and its by-products as a result of mad cow disease (BSE). This had significant implications for British agriculture and international trade. 2006 Protesters demanding a new election in Belarus, following the presidential elections, were beaten by police. This event was part of a larger pattern of political repression and efforts for democratic reforms in the country. These events illustrate the diverse tapestry of human history, encompassing the realms of politics, science, culture, and social progress.

24 MAR 2024 · #HistoryPodcast #TodayInHistory #HistoricalEvents March 24th has been a day of notable events across various years. Here are 15 historical events, spanning discoveries, significant milestones, and cultural moments. 1603 James VI of Scotland ascends to the throne of England, becoming James I of England, and bringing about the union of the crowns of England, Scotland, and Ireland under a single monarch. 1663 The Carolina Charter is issued by King Charles II of England, granting the territory that would become North and South Carolina to eight of his loyal friends, known as the Lords Proprietors. 1832 In Hiram, Ohio, Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, is beaten, tarred, and feathered by a mob of dissenters.The discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB), laid the groundwork for diagnosing and fighting the disease. 1905 Jules Verne, a French author known for his pioneering science fiction novels including "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "Around the World in Eighty Days," dies in Amiens, France. 1922 The first radio broadcast in Canada airs from station XWA (now CFCF) in Montreal. 1934 The Tydings-McDuffie Act is signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, providing for the independence of the Philippines after a ten-year transition period of limited autonomy. 1944 In World War II, the Ardeatine massacre occurs in Rome; 335 Italian civilians are executed as a reprisal for a partisan attack. 1958 Elvis Presley is inducted into the U.S. Army, serving for two years mostly in Germany, where he would meet his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu. 1976 Argentina experienced a military coup, leading to the establishment of a military junta that would rule the country until 1983, a period marked by widespread human rights abuses. 1989 The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurs in Prince William Sound, Alaska, and is one of the largest environmental disasters in U.S. history, leading to significant changes in oil industry regulations and practices. 1999 NATO commences aerial bombings against Yugoslavia, marking the first time NATO has used military force without the approval of the UN Security Council, in response to Yugoslavia's actions in Kosovo. 2001 Apple Inc. released the first version of its Mac OS X operating system, a significant step in the development of Apple's software offerings. 2015 Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore, who transformed the island city-state from a British colonial trading post into a prosperous global finance hub, passes away. 2019 Hundreds of thousands of students around the world take part in the "School Strike for Climate" to demand action on climate change, showcasing the growing role of youth activism in global environmental politics. Each of these events reflects significant moments in history across a range of fields, including politics, science, and culture, marking March 24th as a day of diverse historical significance.

23 MAR 2024 · #TodayInHistory #HistoricalEvents #HistoryPodcst On March 23rd, history is rich with significant events, ranging from political milestones to cultural moments. Here's a diverse selection to illuminate the day: 1775 Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech: At St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry delivered this impassioned call to arms, igniting American resolve for independence from Britain. 1806 Lewis and Clark Return Journey: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their journey back east after reaching the Pacific Ocean, marking a significant moment in the exploration of the American West. 1848 The Battle of Novara: In the First Italian War of Independence, Austrian forces defeated the Kingdom of Sardinia at Novara, leading to significant political and social changes in Italy. 1857 Elisha Otis's First Elevator: Otis installed the first commercial passenger elevator at 488 Broadway in New York City, revolutionizing building design and urban architecture. 1889 The Land Run of Oklahoma: Known as the "Oklahoma Land Rush," nearly two million acres of land in Oklahoma Territory were opened for settlement, leading to the establishment of numerous towns and cities. 1903 The Wright Brothers File for a Patent: Orville and Wilbur Wright filed a patent for their flying machine, leading to the development of the first successful airplane. 1919 The Fascist Movement: In Italy, Benito Mussolini founded the Fasci di Combattimento, marking the beginning of the fascist movement that would lead to his rule over Italy. 1933 The Enabling Act in Germany: Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party was granted dictatorial powers by the German Reichstag, leading to the establishment of a totalitarian regime. 1956 Pakistan Becomes the First Islamic Republic: Pakistan reconstituted itself as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, becoming the world's first Islamic republic. 1965 Gemini 3 Launched: NASA launched Gemini 3, the United States' first two-person space flight, piloted by Gus Grissom and John Young. 1983 President Reagan Proposes the Strategic Defense Initiative: Often dubbed "Star Wars," Reagan announced a plan to develop space-based systems to protect the United States from nuclear attacks. 1994 Luis Donaldo Colosio was assassinated during a campaign rally in Tijuana, marking a significant moment in Mexican political history. 1996 Taiwan Holds Its First Direct Presidential Elections: A landmark event in Taiwan's democratization process, leading to increased political participation and stability. 2001 The Russian Space Station Mir is deorbited. After 15 years in orbit, Mir was brought back to Earth, marking the end of one of the most significant projects in space exploration. 2010 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed: Also known as Obamacare, the ACA represented a major overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system, aiming to reduce the costs of healthcare for individuals and the government. These events showcase the breadth of human endeavor and the pivotal moments that have shaped our world on March 23rd throughout history.

22 MAR 2024 · #HistoryPodcast #TodayInHistory #HistoricalEvents #OnThisDay #HistoryLovers On March 22nd, a variety of significant events took place throughout history. Here are 15 notable occurrences, ranging from scientific breakthroughs to important cultural moments: 1622: The Jamestown Massacre: The Powhatan Confederacy attacked English settlers in Jamestown, Virginia, killing around 347 people, nearly a third of the English population of the Virginia colony. This event dramatically changed the relationship between the English settlers and the Native Americans. 1765: The Stamp Act is passed by the British Parliament. Aimed at raising revenues from the American colonies, this act required all legal documents, newspapers, and pamphlets to use stamped paper denoting the tax had been paid. This act was a significant grievance leading up to the American Revolution. 1790: Thomas Jefferson Becomes the First U.S. Secretary of State: Jefferson was appointed the first Secretary of State under President George Washington, playing a critical role in the early formation of U.S. foreign policy. 1871 William Woods Holden is Impeached: Holden, the Governor of North Carolina, became the first sitting governor in the United States to be impeached and removed from office, largely due to his efforts to combat the Ku Klux Klan. 1894 The First Stanley Cup Championship is Played: The Montreal Hockey Club defeated the Ottawa Generals to win the first Stanley Cup, marking the beginning of the most prestigious trophy in North American hockey. 6. 1923 The First Dance Marathon is Held in New York City: Alma Cummings set a world record by dancing for 27 hours straight, sparking a dance marathon craze during the Great Depression. 1933 The First Human to Fly Solo & Nonstop Across the Atlantic, Charles Lindbergh, is Promoted to Colonel: For his pioneering flight in 1927, Lindbergh was promoted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 1945 The Arab League is Formed: The Arab League was founded in Cairo, Egypt, to promote economic, cultural, and political cooperation among its members. 1960 The First Laser is Patented: Arthur Schawlow and Charles Townes were granted the first patent for the laser, a device that has since become ubiquitous in various fields of technology and medicine. 1972 The Equal Rights Amendment is Passed by the U.S. Senate: The amendment aimed to guarantee equal rights regardless of sex, though it ultimately failed to be ratified by enough states to become part of the Constitution. 1995 Cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov Returns to Earth: After spending 437 days in space aboard the Mir space station, Polyakov returned to Earth, setting a record for the longest single human spaceflight. 1997 Tara Lipinski becomes the youngest world figure skating champion: At 14 years old, Tara Lipinski wins the gold at the World Figure Skating Championships, becoming the youngest ever to win. 2006 ETA Announces a Permanent Ceasefire: The Basque separatist group ETA declared a "permanent ceasefire" in its campaign for independence from Spain, signaling an end to decades of violence. 2016 President Obama Visits Cuba: Marking a significant thaw in relations, Barack Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Cuba in 88 years, symbolizing a historic move towards reconciling the two countries' long-strained relations. 2019 Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Investigation Concludes: Mueller submitted his report on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election to Attorney General William Barr, marking the end of a nearly two-year investigation. These events reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of history on March 22nd, spanning politics, culture, science, and sports.

21 MAR 2024 · #TodayInHistory #HistoricalEvents #OnThisDay #HistoryPodcast On March 21st, various significant events took place throughout history, ranging from political milestones to cultural achievements. Here are 15 notable occurrences: 1413 Henry V becomes King of England: Following the death of his father, Henry IV, Henry V ascends to the throne, later leading England through the Hundred Years' War against France. 1804 Code Napoléon is adopted in France: This French civil code established clear laws in a coherent set of statutes, influencing the legal systems of many other countries. 1857 Earthquake in Tokyo, Japan: One of the most destructive earthquakes in history, it resulted in over 100,000 deaths and significant damage to the city. 1871 Otto von Bismarck is proclaimed Chancellor of the German Empire: A pivotal figure in German history, Bismarck's leadership would lead to the unification of Germany. 1906 The First Modern Cabaret Opens: The "Cabaret Voltaire" was opened in Zurich, Switzerland, becoming a center for the Dada movement in art and literature. 1925 The Butler Act: Tennessee enacts the Butler Act, making it unlawful to teach human evolution in any state-funded school, leading to the famous Scopes "Monkey" Trial. 1960 The Sharpeville Massacre: In South Africa, a peaceful demonstration against apartheid pass laws turned deadly when police opened fire, killing 69 and wounding 180. 1963 Alcatraz Prison Closes: Alcatraz, the infamous island prison in San Francisco Bay, California, closes after 29 years of operation. 1965 Martin Luther King Jr. leads the Selma-to-Montgomery marches: highlighting the civil rights movement's campaign for African American voting rights. 1980 The United States announces its boycott of the Moscow Olympics: In protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, leading to a major Cold War era diplomatic incident. 1999 Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones completed the first nonstop circumnavigation of the globe in a balloon: They landed in Egypt after a 20-day journey. 2006 The social media platform Twitter is founded: to change the landscape of social media and communication with its microblogging service. 2016 Barack Obama visits Cuba: marking the first visit by a sitting U.S. President to Cuba in 88 years, signifying a historic step in normalizing relations between the two countries. 2019 Cyclone Idai makes landfall in Mozambique: one of the worst tropical cyclones on record to affect Africa and the Southern Hemisphere, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: Many countries around the world began implementing lockdown measures to combat the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus, marking a significant moment in global health and economic history. These events, spanning various aspects of human endeavor and global history, reflect the complexity and diversity of our shared past on March 21st.