Major Events of March 1990: 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 1990 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of March 1990: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 Mar 1990 Luis Alberto Lacalle becomes President of Uruguay: On March 1, 1990, Luis Alberto Lacalle was inaugurated as the 36th President of Uruguay, succeeding Julio María Sanguinetti. Lacalle, a member of the National Party, served a five-year term from 1990 to 1995. His presidency was marked by liberal economic policies and the establishment of MERCOSUR, a regional trade bloc. He was succeeded by Julio María Sanguinetti in 1995. source: upi.com
02 Mar 1990 Nelson Mandela appointed deputy president of the ANC: On March 2, 1990, the African National Congress (ANC) appointed Nelson Mandela as its deputy president, effectively making him the organization's leader in the absence of President Oliver Tambo, who was recovering from a stroke. This decision was announced after a two-day meeting of the ANC's National Executive Committee in Lusaka, Zambia. source: washingtonpost.com
03 Mar 1990 First dog-sled crossing of Antarctica completed: On March 3, 1990, the six-member International Trans-Antarctica Expedition, led by Will Steger and Jean-Louis Étienne, completed the first non-motorized crossing of Antarctica. The team traversed 3,741 miles over seven months, enduring temperatures as low as -54°F and winds up to 100 mph. The journey began on July 27, 1989, from Seal Nunataks and concluded at the Soviet base of Mirnyy. The expedition aimed to draw international attention to environmental concerns and advocate for the protection of Antarctica. Notably, the team faced challenges such as a 14-hour search for team member Keizo Funatsu, who became disoriented in a blizzard but was found unharmed. The sled dogs played a crucial role, with all but one surviving the arduous journey. source: guinnessworldrecords.com
04 Mar 1990 Bloodless military coup in Ciskei Bantustan: On March 4, 1990, Brigadier Oupa Gqozo led a bloodless military coup in Ciskei, an unrecognized South African homeland, overthrowing President Lennox Sebe's government. Sebe was on a state visit to Hong Kong at the time. Following the coup, widespread rioting and looting occurred, prompting Gqozo to request assistance from the South African government to restore order. source: washingtonpost.com
05 Mar 1990 Secret Service raids Steve Jackson Games over alleged computer crime: On March 1, 1990, the U.S. Secret Service raided the Austin, Texas, offices of Steve Jackson Games, seizing computers, printers, and the manuscript for 'GURPS Cyberpunk.' The raid was part of a nationwide investigation into data piracy, with the Secret Service alleging that the company was involved in illegal computer activities. The company filed a lawsuit against the Secret Service, leading to a 1993 court decision that awarded damages and attorneys' fees to Steve Jackson Games, ruling the raid was illegal and unjustified. source: sjgames.com
06 Mar 1990 Newfoundland Premier Clyde Wells announces intention to rescind support for Meech Lake Accord: On March 6, 1990, Newfoundland Premier Clyde Wells confirmed his decision to withdraw the province's approval of the Meech Lake Accord, a constitutional amendment package aimed at gaining Quebec's formal acceptance of the Constitution Act, 1982. Wells cited concerns that the Accord would grant Quebec special status and limit federal spending, potentially disadvantaging poorer provinces like Newfoundland. source: washingtonpost.com
07 Mar 1990 Philadelphia subway train derailment kills four and injures 158: On March 7, 1990, a six-car SEPTA subway train derailed near 30th Street Station in Philadelphia during the morning rush hour, resulting in four fatalities and 158 injuries. The derailment was caused by a dislodged traction motor that struck a rail switch, leading to the last three cars crashing into steel support beams. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified improper maintenance as a contributing factor. The driver tested positive for cocaine use, though the NTSB did not link this to the accident. SEPTA initiated a comprehensive inspection of its subway fleet following the incident. source: washingtonpost.com
08 Mar 1990 German Parliament adopts resolution recognizing Poland's western border: On March 8, 1990, the West German Parliament passed a resolution affirming that a unified Germany would honor Poland's existing western border, the Oder-Neisse line. This move aimed to reassure Poland and the international community of Germany's commitment to the post-World War II territorial arrangement. The resolution stated that the Polish people are assured that their right to live in secure borders will not be questioned by Germans through territorial claims, either now or in the future. source: washingtonpost.com
09 Mar 1990 Dr. Antonia Novello appointed U.S. Surgeon General: On March 9, 1990, Dr. Antonia Novello was appointed as the 14th Surgeon General of the United States by President George H. W. Bush. She became the first woman and the first Hispanic to hold this position. During her tenure, Dr. Novello focused on public health issues affecting women, children, and minorities, including underage drinking, smoking, and AIDS. source: nlm.nih.gov
10 Mar 1990 Haitian President Prosper Avril resigns amid popular revolt: On March 10, 1990, Haitian President Lt. Gen. Prosper Avril resigned following widespread protests against his 18-month military government. He transferred power to Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Hérard Abraham, who pledged to restore order and establish a provisional civilian government within three days. Avril was expected to leave the country shortly thereafter. source: washingtonpost.com
11 Mar 1990 Lithuania declares independence from Soviet Union: On March 11, 1990, Lithuania's Supreme Council adopted the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania, declaring the restoration of its pre-war independence and renaming itself the Republic of Lithuania. This move made Lithuania the first Soviet republic to declare independence, initiating a wave of secessions that eventually led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. source: theguardian.com
12 Mar 1990 Patricio Aylwin inaugurated as Chile's first civilian president in 16 years: 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
13 Mar 1990 Iraq executes British journalist Farzad Bazoft: Farzad Bazoft, an Iranian-born journalist working for The Observer, was executed in Baghdad on March 15, 1990, after being convicted of espionage. He had been arrested in September 1989 for investigating an explosion at a military complex near Baghdad. Despite international appeals for clemency, including from British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Bazoft was hanged at dawn. His execution led to Britain recalling its ambassador from Iraq and suspending all visits to the country. source: theguardian.com
14 Mar 1990 Gorbachev elected president of the Soviet Union: On March 14, 1990, Mikhail Gorbachev was elected as the first executive president of the Soviet Union by the Congress of People's Deputies. He secured 1,329 votes in favor and 495 against, marking a significant step in his reform agenda. This election granted him broad new powers, including the ability to nominate the prime minister and dissolve the Supreme Soviet. Gorbachev's presidency aimed to consolidate authority and advance his perestroika reforms. source: washingtonpost.com
15 Mar 1990 Farzad Bazoft executed in Iraq: Farzad Bazoft, a British-based Iranian journalist for The Observer, was executed in Iraq on March 15, 1990, after being convicted of espionage. He had been arrested in September 1989 for investigating an explosion at a military complex near Baghdad, which he believed was linked to chemical weapons. Despite international appeals for clemency, including from British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Bazoft was hanged at dawn. His execution led to the recall of the British ambassador and suspension of visits to Iraq. source: theguardian.com
16 Mar 1990 Lithuania declares independence from the Soviet Union: On March 11, 1990, Lithuania's Supreme Soviet declared the restoration of its independence from the Soviet Union, renaming itself the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania. This marked the first Soviet republic to assert independence, initiating a wave of secessions that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. source: theguardian.com
17 Mar 1990 Murder of María Mejía, Guatemalan Feminist Activist: On March 17, 1990, María Mejía, a 47-year-old Maya woman and member of the Committee for the Peasant Unity (Comité de Unidad Campesina, CUC), was assassinated in her home in Parraxtut, Quiché province, Guatemala. Two armed men, identified as military commissioners, entered her residence, shot her in the chest, and, after a brief departure, returned to shoot her in the face. Her husband, Pedro Castro Tojín, survived the attack and identified the perpetrators. Prior to the murder, the family had reported threats and intimidation by military commissioners and Civil Patrols (PACs) due to their refusal to participate in the PACs. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) later concluded that the Guatemalan government was responsible for the violation of María Mejía's right to life and personal integrity. source: cidh.oas.org
18 Mar 1990 First free elections in East Germany held on March 18, 1990: On March 18, 1990, East Germany conducted its first free and fair parliamentary elections, marking a significant shift from its previous one-party rule. The conservative Alliance for Germany, advocating for rapid reunification with West Germany, secured 48.15% of the vote, just shy of an absolute majority in the 400-seat Volkskammer. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) followed with 21.84%, while the rebranded Socialist Unity Party, now the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS), garnered 16.4%. This election set the stage for German reunification, which was realized later that year. source: washingtonpost.com
19 Mar 1990 Ethnic clashes in Târgu Mureș: On March 19, 1990, ethnic tensions escalated in Târgu Mureș, Romania, when a large group of ethnic Romanians attacked the headquarters of the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR). The police and army delayed their response, resulting in numerous injuries among ethnic Hungarians inside. The following day, approximately 15,000 ethnic Hungarians gathered in the town square to protest, leading to further confrontations as ethnic Romanians, some transported from neighboring villages, joined the scene. The violence continued into the night, with the army intervening late on March 20 to disperse the crowds. The clashes resulted in at least five deaths and hundreds of injuries. source: washingtonpost.com
20 Mar 1990 Namibia gains independence from South Africa: On March 21, 1990, Namibia officially became an independent nation after over a century of German and South African rule. The independence ceremony in Windhoek was attended by international dignitaries, including UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar and South African President F.W. de Klerk. Sam Nujoma, leader of the South West African People's Organisation (SWAPO), was sworn in as the first President of Namibia. source: washingtonpost.com
21 Mar 1990 Namibia gains independence from South Africa: Namibia officially gained independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990, following a long struggle for liberation. The transition was marked by the establishment of a democratic government and the adoption of a new constitution. This event is celebrated annually as Independence Day in Namibia. source: britannica.com
22 Mar 1990 Lithuania declares independence from the Soviet Union: On March 11, 1990, Lithuania's Supreme Soviet declared the restoration of its pre-war independence, renaming the state the Republic of Lithuania. This marked the first Soviet republic to assert independence, initiating a wave of secessions that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. source: theguardian.com
23 Mar 1990 Birth of Princess Eugenie of York: Princess Eugenie of York was born on March 23, 1990, at the Portland Hospital in London, England. She is the younger daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York. Eugenie is known for her charitable work and is a prominent member of the British royal family. source: britannica.com
24 Mar 1990 Happy Land Social Club fire in the Bronx kills 87 people: On March 25, 1990, a devastating arson fire erupted at the Happy Land Social Club in the Bronx, New York, resulting in the deaths of 87 individuals. The fire was set by Julio González, who had been ejected from the club after an argument with his ex-girlfriend, Lydia Feliciano, a coat-check worker at the club. González returned to the club with gasoline, ignited it near the only staircase, and locked the front gate, trapping patrons inside. Most victims died from smoke inhalation, with some found still holding drinks. González was arrested and later convicted on multiple counts of murder and arson. The incident highlighted severe fire safety violations at the club, including the absence of fire exits, alarms, and a sprinkler system. The tragedy led to significant changes in fire safety regulations and enforcement in New York City. source: washingtonpost.com
25 Mar 1990 Happy Land Social Club fire in the Bronx kills 87 people: On March 25, 1990, a devastating arson fire erupted at the Happy Land Social Club in the Bronx, New York City, resulting in the deaths of 87 individuals. The fire was set by Julio González, who had been ejected from the club after an argument with his ex-girlfriend, Lydia Feliciano, a coat-check worker. González returned with gasoline, ignited the club's only exit, and pulled down the metal gate, trapping patrons inside. Most victims were young Hondurans celebrating Carnival, many from the Garifuna American community. The tragedy led to significant scrutiny of fire safety regulations in New York City. González was arrested, convicted on multiple counts of murder and arson, and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for each count. source: washingtonpost.com
26 Mar 1990 62nd Academy Awards Ceremony: The 62nd Academy Awards ceremony was held on March 26, 1990, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, honoring films released in 1989. Hosted by Billy Crystal, the event recognized 'Driving Miss Daisy' with four awards, including Best Picture. Jessica Tandy, at 80, became the oldest winner of a competitive acting Oscar at that time. The ceremony was televised on ABC and drew over 40 million viewers. source: oscars.org
27 Mar 1990 Jesse Owens posthumously awarded Congressional Gold Medal: On March 28, 1990, President George H. W. Bush posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Jesse Owens, honoring his athletic achievements and humanitarian contributions. Owens, who passed away in 1980, gained international fame by winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, challenging Nazi ideologies of racial superiority. The medal was presented to his widow, Ruth Owens, in a ceremony at the White House. source: congress.gov
28 Mar 1990 Michael Jordan scores 69 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers: On March 28, 1990, Michael Jordan achieved a career-high 69 points in a 117–113 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also recorded 18 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals, playing 50 minutes. Jordan's performance included 23-of-37 shooting from the field, 2-of-6 from three-point range, and 21-of-23 from the free-throw line. source: nba.com
29 Mar 1990 Czechoslovak parliament resolves naming dispute: On March 29, 1990, the Czechoslovak parliament addressed the contentious 'Hyphen War' by adopting the 'Czechoslovak Federative Republic' as the country's official name. This compromise allowed the Slovak version to include a hyphen ('Česko-slovenská federatívna republika'), while the Czech version remained without it ('Československá federativní republika'). This decision aimed to balance the national identities of both republics within the federation. source: en.wikipedia.org
30 Mar 1990 Estonian Supreme Soviet declares Soviet occupation illegal, initiates transition to independence: On March 30, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR declared the Soviet occupation of Estonia since 1940 to be illegal and began a transitional period toward full independence. This resolution marked a significant step in Estonia's path to restoring its sovereignty, following the 1988 declaration of sovereignty and preceding the full restoration of independence in August 1991. source: britannica.com
31 Mar 1990 Strangeways Prison riot begins on March 31, 1990: On March 31, 1990, tensions at Strangeways Prison in Manchester, England, escalated when inmates initiated a 30-minute sit-down protest in the chapel. This demonstration was a precursor to the larger riot that erupted the following day, leading to a 25-day standoff. The unrest resulted in significant damage to the prison and prompted widespread discussions on prison conditions and reform. source: theguardian.com