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Major Events of March 1988: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from March 1988 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of March 1988: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Mar 1988 Iraq launches five missiles into Tehran, killing at least one civilian: On March 1, 1988, Iraq fired five surface-to-surface missiles into Tehran, marking a significant escalation in the Iran-Iraq War. The attacks resulted in at least one civilian death and several injuries, making it one of the most severe 'war of the cities' assaults since 1983. The Iraqi military stated that the strikes were in retaliation for Iranian missile attacks on Baghdad and ongoing shelling of border towns. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 02 Mar 1988 30th Annual Grammy Awards highlights: The 30th Annual Grammy Awards were held on March 2, 1988, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Hosted by Billy Crystal, the ceremony honored musical achievements from the previous year. U2's 'The Joshua Tree' won Album of the Year, while Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and James Horner received Song of the Year for 'Somewhere Out There'. Michael Jackson delivered a memorable performance of 'The Way You Make Me Feel' and 'Man in the Mirror', though he did not win any awards that night. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 Mar 1988 Lawyers for Tawana Brawley accuse Governor Cuomo of racism at press conference: On March 3, 1988, attorneys representing Tawana Brawley, a 16-year-old from Wappingers Falls, New York, held a press conference in the Bronx Criminal Courthouse basement. They accused Governor Mario M. Cuomo of allowing bigotry to run rampant in the state and criticized his handling of the investigation into Brawley's allegations of abduction and sexual assault by six white men. The lawyers also refused to let Brawley's parents speak with the media during the event. source: latimes.com
  • 04 Mar 1988 Construction of the Louvre Pyramid begins: The construction of the Louvre Pyramid, designed by architect I. M. Pei, began on March 4, 1988. This iconic glass and metal structure was intended to serve as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum in Paris, modernizing the historic site while maintaining its cultural significance. The pyramid was completed in 1989 and has since become a symbol of the museum and a landmark in Paris. source: britannica.com
  • 05 Mar 1988 Gallaudet University Board of Trustees selects Elisabeth Zinser as president: On March 5, 1988, the Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University selected Elisabeth Zinser, a hearing educator, as the university's seventh president. This decision, made after interviews with the three finalists, including two Deaf candidates, I. King Jordan and Harvey Corson, sparked immediate protests from students and faculty who advocated for a Deaf president. The protests led to significant changes in the university's leadership and policies. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 06 Mar 1988 Magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Gulf of Alaska: On March 6, 1988, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Gulf of Alaska, causing significant seismic activity in the region. source: earthquake.usgs.gov
  • 08 Mar 1988 George H.W. Bush dominates Super Tuesday primaries: On March 8, 1988, George H.W. Bush achieved a significant victory in the Super Tuesday primaries, winning a majority of the states and solidifying his position as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. This event marked a pivotal moment in the 1988 election cycle, showcasing Bush's strong support among party voters and setting the stage for his eventual nomination and election as president. source: nytimes.com
  • 09 Mar 1988 Reagan unveils Knute Rockne commemorative stamp at Notre Dame: On March 9, 1988, President Ronald Reagan unveiled a 22-cent commemorative stamp honoring Knute Rockne, the legendary Notre Dame football coach. The ceremony took place at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where Reagan delivered a speech highlighting Rockne's contributions to football and his influence on American culture. Reagan also reminisced about his role as George Gipp in the 1940 film 'Knute Rockne, All American.' source: reaganlibrary.gov
  • 10 Mar 1988 Prince Charles survives avalanche in Klosters: On March 10, 1988, Prince Charles narrowly escaped an avalanche while skiing in Klosters, Switzerland. The avalanche tragically killed Major Hugh Lindsay, a close friend and former equerry to Queen Elizabeth II, and injured Patricia Palmer-Tomkinson, who sustained two broken legs. Prince Charles was uninjured and assisted in the rescue efforts. The incident occurred on an unmarked, steep slope known as the Wang run on Gotschnagrat Mountain. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 13 Mar 1988 Iran-Contra indictments: On March 13, 1988, indictments were issued in the Iran-Contra affair, a political scandal involving the secret sale of arms to Iran and the diversion of funds to Contra rebels in Nicaragua. This scandal had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and governance. source: archives.gov
  • 14 Mar 1988 Yitzhak Shamir's diplomatic mission to Washington D.C.: On March 14, 1988, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir visited Washington D.C. to discuss U.S.-Israel relations and regional security issues. This visit was part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations during a period of heightened tensions in the Middle East. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 15 Mar 1988 Halabja poison gas attack during Iran-Iraq War: On March 15, 1988, the Iraqi military launched a poison gas attack on the Kurdish town of Halabja, resulting in thousands of casualties. This attack was part of the broader Iran-Iraq War and is remembered as one of the most tragic events in modern history. source: bbc.com
  • 17 Mar 1988 Apple sues Microsoft over Windows GUI: On March 17, 1988, Apple Computer Inc. filed a lawsuit against Microsoft Corporation and Hewlett-Packard Company, alleging that their graphical user interfaces (GUIs) in Windows 2.03 and NewWave infringed upon Apple's copyrights. The dispute centered on the 'look and feel' of Apple's Macintosh operating system, which Apple claimed was protected by copyright. The case lasted several years, with the court ultimately ruling that Apple could not claim copyright protection for the general idea of a graphical user interface or the desktop metaphor, but only for specific original expressions. The court found that most of the similarities between Apple's and Microsoft's interfaces were either licensed or based on standard ideas, and that the remaining elements were not original to Apple. The lawsuit concluded with a ruling in favor of Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard, affirming that Apple's claims were largely without merit. source: computerhistory.org
  • 18 Mar 1988 Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' tops US Billboard Hot 100: On March 18, 1988, Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking a significant milestone in his music career. source: mybirthdayhits.com
  • 19 Mar 1988 France shares Five Nations Rugby Championship: In 1988, France shared the Five Nations Rugby Championship with Wales and Ireland, marking a significant achievement in French rugby history. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 20 Mar 1988 Eritrean War of Independence: Battle of Afabet: The Battle of Afabet was a pivotal engagement during the Eritrean War of Independence, leading to significant strategic advantages for Eritrean forces. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 21 Mar 1988 US Billboard Number 1 Song: On March 21, 1988, Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 24 Mar 1988 Dan Fouts announces NFL retirement: On March 24, 1988, San Diego Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts announced his retirement from professional football after 15 seasons, citing the physical toll of his career. source: latimes.com
  • 26 Mar 1988 Michael Jackson's 'Man in the Mirror' reaches number one on US Billboard Hot 100: Michael Jackson's song 'Man in the Mirror' achieved the top position on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on March 26, 1988, marking his tenth number-one single in the United States. source: michaeljackson.com
  • 30 Mar 1988 2nd Soul Train Music Awards held in Los Angeles: The 2nd Soul Train Music Awards took place on March 30, 1988, celebrating achievements in the music industry, particularly in R&B and soul genres. The event featured performances and awards presented to various artists, highlighting the cultural impact of soul music. source: billboard.com
  • 31 Mar 1988 Toni Morrison wins Pulitzer Prize for 'Beloved': On March 31, 1988, Toni Morrison was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her novel 'Beloved.' This recognition highlighted her significant contributions to American literature and her exploration of African American experiences. source: nytimes.com