March 12: What Happened on This Day in History
March 12th marks the 71st day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 72nd in case of leap years). There are 294 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on March 12th in history, famous birthdays on March 12th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to March 12.
What happened on March 12?
Here's what happened on March 12th in history:
- 2023: A devastating attack by suspected Islamist insurgents in Kirindera, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulted in the killing of nineteen people. This incident highlights the persistent instability and violence in the region's ongoing conflict.
- 2013: On March 12, 2013, the papal conclave commenced in Vatican City to elect a new pope following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. The conclave concluded on March 13 with the election of Pope Francis. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2006: Abdelhak Layada, a founder of the Armed Islamic Group (GIA), was released from prison under Algeria's national reconciliation decree.
- 1990: On March 11, 1990, Patricio Aylwin was sworn in as Chile's first civilian president since 1973, marking the end of 16 years of military rule under General Augusto Pinochet. Aylwin's inauguration followed a December 1989 election, the first democratic elections since 1970, and was part of a broader transition to democracy initiated by the 1988 plebiscite rejecting Pinochet's extended rule. The event was celebrated by thousands in Santiago, who cheered as Aylwin addressed the crowd, emphasizing the peaceful return to democracy. source: upi.com
- 1987: On March 12, 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating the month of March as Women's History Month. This followed a series of annual proclamations by U.S. presidents since 1988, honoring the contributions of American women throughout history. source: congress.gov
- 1986: Susan Butcher became the second woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 1986, completing the 1,100-mile course in 11 days, 15 hours, and 6 minutes. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career, as she had previously placed second in the race multiple times. Butcher's achievement was notable not only for her gender but also for breaking the existing speed record held by Rick Swenson. source: alaskasportshall.org
- 1984: On March 12, 1984, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), led by Arthur Scargill, declared a national strike against proposed pit closures and job losses. The strike began in Yorkshire and Scotland, with miners in other regions joining in subsequent days. The action was initiated without a national ballot, leading to internal divisions within the union. source: bbc.com
- 1983: Released on February 11, 1983, 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler quickly ascended to the number one position on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for two weeks, from March 12 to March 26, 1983. The song became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with over six million copies sold worldwide. source: officialcharts.com
- 1982: Courtney Walsh made his first-class debut for Jamaica on March 12, 1982, against the Leeward Islands. He was 19 years old at the time and took 15 wickets in the Shell Shield that season, averaging 25.20 runs per wicket. source: onthisday.com
- 1975: On March 12, 1975, the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) captured Ban Me Thuot, a strategic city in South Vietnam's Central Highlands, marking a significant victory in the Vietnam War. source: en.wikipedia.org
What famous birthdays are on March 12?
On March 12th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Jaimie Alexander]()
Jaimie Alexander (1984)Jaimie Alexander is an American actress best known for her roles as Jessi on the TV series 'Kyle XY' and Lady Sif in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including 'Thor' and 'Thor: The Dark World'. She has also starred in major television series such as 'Blindspot.' [bio]
![Ron Jeremy]()
Ron Jeremy (1953)Ron Jeremy is an American former pornographic actor, filmmaker, and stand-up comedian who gained widespread fame in the adult entertainment industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Nicknamed 'The Hedgehog,' Jeremy is recognized as one of the most prolific performers in adult film history, appearing in over 2,000 adult films. He has also made appearances in mainstream films and television shows. [bio]
![Al Jarreau]()
Al Jarreau (1940)Al Jarreau was an American jazz singer known for his versatile vocal style and unique ability to perform across jazz, pop, and R&B genres. He is the only vocalist to win Grammy Awards in three different categories: jazz, pop, and R&B. [bio]
![Marlon Jackson]()
Marlon Jackson (1957)Marlon Jackson is an American singer, dancer, and member of the Jackson family. He gained fame as a member of the Jackson 5, one of Motown's most successful pop and R&B music groups of the late 1960s and 1970s. Marlon is also known for his solo music work and for his business ventures. [bio]
![Atif Aslam]()
Atif Aslam (1983)Atif Aslam is a renowned Pakistani playback singer and actor, celebrated for his distinctive vocal style and hit songs in both the Pakistani and Indian music industries. He has released several critically acclaimed albums and has lent his voice to numerous Bollywood film soundtracks, achieving widespread recognition across South Asia. [bio]
![Courtney Vance]()
Courtney Vance (1960)Courtney B. Vance is an acclaimed American actor, best known for his roles in television, film, and theater. He is particularly recognized for his performances in 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story' and the legal drama 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent.' Vance has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including an Emmy and a Tony Award. [bio]
![Rob Cohen]()
![Aaron Eckhart]()
Aaron Eckhart (1968)Aaron Eckhart is an American actor best known for his roles in 'The Dark Knight,' 'Thank You for Smoking,' and 'Erin Brockovich.' Eckhart is celebrated for his versatility in both leading and supporting roles in major Hollywood films. [bio]
![Gordon MacRae]()
Gordon MacRae (1921)Gordon MacRae was an American actor and singer best known for his roles in musical films during the 1940s and 1950s, especially his leading performances in 'Oklahoma!' and 'Carousel.' He had a successful career on screen, stage, and radio, becoming a respected figure in American entertainment. [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on March 12?
On March 12th the following celebrities died:
![Lynne Thigpen]()
Lynne Thigpen (2003)Lynne Thigpen was an American actress and singer, best known for her roles in television, film, and theater. Her distinctive voice and commanding presence made her a notable figure, especially in children's programming and dramatic arts. [bio]
![John Cazale]()
John Cazale (1978)John Cazale was an acclaimed American actor known for his intense character work, particularly in some of the most iconic films of the 1970s. Despite a brief career due to his untimely death, Cazale appeared in only five feature films, all of which were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. He is remembered for his powerful performances and … [bio]
![Josephine Hull]()
Josephine Hull (1957)Josephine Hull was an American stage and film actress, known for her comedic roles in both Broadway and Hollywood. She gained widespread acclaim for her performances in classic works such as 'Arsenic and Old Lace' and 'Harvey,' for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. [bio]
![Maurice Evans]()
Maurice Evans (1989)Maurice Evans is a retired American professional basketball player who played as a shooting guard and small forward in the NBA. His career spanned several teams, primarily known for his defensive skills and athleticism. [bio]
![Yehudi Menuhin]()
Yehudi Menuhin (1999)Legendary violinist and conductor, considered one of the most extraordinary musical prodigies of the 20th century, renowned for his...
![Terry Pratchett]()
Terry Pratchett (2015)Acclaimed British fantasy author who created the immensely popular Discworld series, known for his witty and satirical approach to fantasy...
![George Westinghouse]()
![Robert Ludlum]()
Robert Ludlum (2001)Renowned American thriller novelist who created iconic characters like Jason Bourne and wrote numerous bestselling spy novels.
![Eugene Ormandy]()
Eugene Ormandy (1985)A Hungarian-American conductor who led the Philadelphia Orchestra for over 40 years.
![Romare Bearden]()
Romare Bearden (1988)Renowned African-American artist known for his groundbreaking collages and photomontages that powerfully depicted African-American life and...
What day of the year is March 12?
March 12th marks the 71st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 72nd in case of leap years).
There are 294 days remaining until the end of the year.
March 12th is the 12th day of the month of March.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day March 12?
The zodiac sign associated with March 12th is Pisces according to the Western Zodiac.
