Events on March 12 - Key Moments Throughout History

Historical Events on March 12: 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 12, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on March 12 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1901 Forced removal of Black African residents in Cape Town: On March 12, 1901, nearly all Black African residents of Cape Town, South Africa, were forcibly removed by orders of the Chief Medical Officer to control a bubonic plague outbreak. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1904 First Main Line Electric Train in the United Kingdom: On March 12, 1904, the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway began operating surface electric trains between Liverpool and Southport, marking the first main line electric train service in the United Kingdom. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1906 Denver Mint Begins Gold Eagle Coin Production: On March 12, 1906, the Denver Mint began producing the Gold Eagle coin, contributing to the U.S. gold coinage.
  • 1908 Formation of Pan-Macedonian Group: On March 12, 1908, the Pan-Macedonian Group was formed, aiming to promote the interests of Macedonians and advocate for their rights. This organization played a significant role in the political landscape of the Balkans during the early 20th century. source: britannica.com
  • 1910 Florence Lawrence becomes first named movie star: On March 12, 1910, actress Florence Lawrence was publicly identified by name in advertisements for the film "The Broken Oath," marking her as the first actor to be credited by name in a motion picture. This move by studio head Carl Laemmle of Independent Moving Pictures (IMP) was a significant step in the development of the film industry's star system. source: history.com
  • 1912 First airplane parachute jump: On March 12, 1912, the first successful parachute jump from an airplane was executed, marking a milestone in aviation and parachuting history. This event demonstrated the potential for parachutes in emergency situations during flight. source: britannica.com
  • 1913 Harold Butler birth: Harold Butler, a notable figure, was born on March 12, 1913. His contributions to various fields have been recognized over the years, marking his significance in history. source: britannica.com
  • 1914 George Westinghouse passes away: George Westinghouse, the pioneering American engineer and inventor, died on March 12, 1914. He was renowned for his contributions to the development of the alternating current (AC) electrical system and founded the Westinghouse Electric Company. source: britannica.com
  • 1917 Russian Political Transformation Begins: On March 12, 1917, the Russian Provisional Government was established, marking the beginning of a significant political transformation in Russia. This government aimed to replace the Tsarist autocracy with a more democratic system, though it faced numerous challenges. source: britannica.com
  • 1919 Formation of Lithuanian Aviation Company: On March 12, 1919, Lithuania established its first aviation unit, the Aviation Company, marking the beginning of the Lithuanian Air Force. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1921 Cairo Middle East Conference of 1921: The Cairo Conference, officially termed the Middle East Conference held in Cairo and Jerusalem, took place from March 12 to 30, 1921. Convened by British Colonial Secretary Winston Churchill, the conference aimed to address Middle Eastern issues and establish a unified British policy. Key outcomes included the decision to offer Emir Faisal ibn Hussein the throne of the newly proposed Kingdom of Iraq and to appoint his brother, Abdullah, as Emir of Transjordan. The conference also addressed the future of Palestine and the Hejaz. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1922 Birth of Jack Kerouac: Jack Kerouac, an American novelist and poet, was born on March 12, 1922, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He became a leading figure of the Beat Generation, known for his spontaneous prose style and works like "On the Road." source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1923 Lee de Forest demonstrates Phonofilm sound-on-film technology: On March 12, 1923, American inventor Lee de Forest demonstrated his Phonofilm sound-on-film technology, which synchronized sound with motion pictures, marking a significant advancement in the film industry. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1925 Death of Sun Yat-sen: A Pivotal Moment in Chinese History: On March 12, 1925, Sun Yat-sen, a key figure in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and the founding of the Republic of China, passed away. His death marked a significant turning point in Chinese history, leading to political instability and power struggles among his successors. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1926 Savoy Ballroom opens in Harlem: The Savoy Ballroom, a famous dance hall in Harlem, opened its doors on March 12, 1926. It became a cultural hub for jazz music and dance during the Harlem Renaissance. source: britannica.com
  • 1927 Kreta Ayer Incident in Singapore: On March 12, 1927, a clash in the Kreta Ayer neighbourhood between police and Kuomintang (KMT) supporters revealed the strength of leftist influence on the local Chinese population. A memorial service to mark Sun Yat Sen’s death was followed by a procession of Chinese, many of whom were young Hainanese KMT members. They made their way to the Kreta Ayer Police Station and a confrontation with the police ensued. The police fired into the crowd, killing six people. source: nlb.gov.sg
  • 1930 Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March Begins: On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Salt March, a 24-day, 240-mile (387 km) nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly in India. Starting from Sabarmati Ashram near Ahmedabad, Gandhi and 78 followers marched to Dandi, Gujarat, to produce salt from seawater, defying British laws that taxed salt production. This act of civil disobedience galvanized the Indian independence movement. source: britannica.com
  • 1931 Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March begins: On March 12, 1931, Mahatma Gandhi began the Salt March, a 240-mile protest against British salt taxes in India. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1932 Andrew Young's birth: Andrew Young, an American politician and civil rights activist, was born on March 12, 1932. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1933 FDR's first fireside chat and national address: On March 12, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first fireside chat, addressing the American public about the banking crisis. This innovative communication method helped to reassure citizens and build trust in his administration's efforts to combat the Great Depression. source: archives.gov
  • 1935 Birth of Jacques Benveniste: Jacques Benveniste, a French immunologist known for his controversial research in homeopathy, was born on March 12, 1935. His work sparked significant debate in the scientific community regarding the validity of homeopathic principles and their effects. source: britannica.com
  • 1937 Aimo Cajander becomes Prime Minister of Finland: Aimo Cajander was appointed Prime Minister of Finland on March 12, 1937, marking his third term in office. He served as Prime Minister from 1937 to 1939, leading a coalition government during a critical period in Finnish history. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1938 Anschluss: Nazi Germany annexes Austria: On March 12, 1938, German troops marched into Austria without resistance, leading to the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany. This event, known as the Anschluss, was proclaimed the following day, marking the end of Austria's independence. source: history.com
  • 1939 Pope Pius XII coronation ceremony: On March 12, 1939, Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli was crowned as Pope Pius XII in a ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica. source: vaticannews.va
  • 1940 Finland and Soviet Union sign Moscow Peace Treaty: On March 12, 1940, Finland and the Soviet Union officially signed the Moscow Peace Treaty, concluding the Winter War. This treaty formalized the territorial changes and established a fragile peace between the two nations. source: britannica.com
  • 1942 Battle of Java ends with Allied surrender: The Battle of Java concluded on March 12, 1942, with the surrender of Allied forces to the Japanese. This defeat marked a significant loss for the Allies in the Pacific theater during World War II, leading to Japanese control over the Dutch East Indies. source: britannica.com
  • 1943 Soviet liberation of Vyazma: On March 12, 1943, Soviet forces liberated the city of Vyazma from German occupation. This operation was part of the larger Soviet offensive to reclaim territory lost during the initial stages of Operation Barbarossa. source: britannica.com
  • 1944 Battle of Monte Cassino: Allied bombing of monastery: On March 12, 1944, Allied forces bombed the Monte Cassino monastery in Italy, believing it to be a German stronghold. This controversial action aimed to weaken German defenses but resulted in significant cultural loss and civilian casualties. source: bbc.com
  • 1945 New York Pioneers Anti-Discrimination Employment Law: On March 12, 1945, New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey signed the Ives–Quinn Act into law, marking a significant step in civil rights legislation. The act prohibited employment discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin, establishing the State Commission against Discrimination to enforce these provisions. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1947 Truman Doctrine announced to contain communism: On March 12, 1947, U.S. President Harry S. Truman announced the Truman Doctrine, a policy aimed at containing the spread of communism by providing economic and military assistance to countries resisting Soviet influence.
  • 1948 James Taylor's birth: James Taylor, the renowned American singer-songwriter, was born on March 12, 1948. He is known for his soft rock music and has won multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career. source: biography.com
  • 1949 US Defense Secretary discusses biological warfare: On March 12, 1949, U.S. Defense Secretary Louis Johnson addressed concerns regarding biological warfare. This discussion highlighted the emerging threats and the need for preparedness during the early Cold War period. source: archives.gov
  • 1951 Rosenbergs convicted of espionage: Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of espionage for allegedly passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. Their trial and subsequent execution in 1953 became a significant event in Cold War history, raising debates about justice and civil rights. source: archives.gov
  • 1952 Death of Hugh Herbert, comedic actor: Hugh Herbert, a well-known comedic actor, passed away on March 12, 1952. He was recognized for his roles in various films and his contributions to the entertainment industry during the early 20th century. source: britannica.com
  • 1956 Southern Manifesto signed - resistance to civil rights: The Southern Manifesto was signed on March 12, 1956, by 101 Southern politicians in opposition to the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which mandated the desegregation of public schools. This document articulated the South's resistance to civil rights advancements and was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. source: archives.gov
  • 1957 German Democratic Republic signs military agreement with Soviet Union: On March 12, 1957, the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) signed a military agreement with the Soviet Union, solidifying their alliance during the Cold War. This agreement was part of the broader context of military cooperation between Eastern Bloc countries. source: britannica.com
  • 1958 Renaming of British Empire Day to Commonwealth Day: On March 12, 1958, British Empire Day was officially renamed Commonwealth Day, reflecting the evolving nature of the British Commonwealth and its member nations. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1959 Hawaii Statehood approved by US Congress: On March 12, 1959, the United States Congress approved the admission of Hawaii as the 50th state. This decision marked a significant milestone in the history of the United States, expanding its territory into the Pacific. Hawaii officially became a state on August 21, 1959. source: archives.gov
  • 1962 Dutch Premier De Quay announces secret talks with Indonesia: On March 12, 1962, Dutch Prime Minister Jan de Quay announced that the Netherlands and Indonesia had agreed to undertake secret preliminary talks to decide the future of the disputed New Guinea territory. These discussions were to be mediated by the United States, with a neutral observer present. source: digital.bentley.umich.edu
  • 1963 Beatles perform as a trio due to John Lennon's illness: On March 12, 1963, The Beatles performed as a trio at the Royal Albert Hall due to John Lennon suffering from a cold. This performance was part of their early rise to fame in the UK music scene. source: bbc.com
  • 1964 New Hampshire introduces state lottery: On March 12, 1964, New Hampshire became the first state in the U.S. to introduce a state lottery. This move was aimed at generating revenue for public education and set a precedent for other states to follow. source: nh.gov
  • 1966 US nuclear testing at Nevada site: On March 12, 1966, the United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site. This test was part of a series of underground nuclear tests that were conducted during the Cold War, aimed at advancing the US nuclear arsenal. source: osti.gov
  • 1967 Indonesian Parliament removes Sukarno from presidency: On March 12, 1967, Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) formally stripped President Sukarno of his executive powers, appointing General Suharto as acting president. This decision followed a period of political upheaval and military intervention, culminating in Sukarno's removal after nearly two decades in power. source: britannica.com
  • 1968 Mauritius gains independence from United Kingdom: On March 12, 1968, Mauritius was granted independence from British rule. The ceremony took place in Port Louis, the capital, where Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam became the nation's first Prime Minister. The event marked the culmination of a long struggle involving multiple political parties, notably the Mauritius Labour Party and the Parti Mauricien Social Démocrate. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1969 Paul McCartney marries Linda Eastman: On March 12, 1969, Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman in a private ceremony. Their marriage became one of the most famous partnerships in music history, influencing McCartney's work with The Beatles and beyond. source: bbc.com
  • 1970 Finland-Soviet peace agreement: On March 12, 1970, Finland and the Soviet Union signed a peace agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring mutual security. This agreement was significant in the context of Cold War dynamics in Northern Europe. source: britannica.com
  • 1971 Hafez al-Assad becomes president of Syria: On March 12, 1971, Hafez al-Assad, then Minister of Defense, assumed the presidency of Syria following a coup. He would go on to rule Syria for nearly 30 years, implementing significant political and economic reforms. source: britannica.com
  • 1972 NHL legend Gordie Howe retires from professional hockey: Gordie Howe, one of the most iconic figures in hockey, announced his retirement from professional play. His career spanned several decades, making him a legend in the sport. source: bbc.com
  • 1973 US soldiers begin leaving Vietnam: On March 12, 1973, the first U.S. soldiers began to leave Vietnam as part of the Paris Peace Accords, which aimed to establish peace in Vietnam and end the Vietnam War. This marked a significant step in the withdrawal of American forces from the conflict, which had lasted for nearly two decades. source: archives.gov
  • 1974 Carlos Andres Perez inaugurated as President of Venezuela: On March 12, 1974, Carlos Andres Perez was inaugurated as the President of Venezuela for his second term. His presidency was marked by significant economic growth and social reforms, but also by political controversies and challenges. Perez's leadership played a crucial role in shaping modern Venezuelan politics. source: britannica.com
  • 1975 Vietcong capture Ban Me Thuot, South Vietnam: 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
  • 1976 South African troops withdraw from Angola: On March 12, 1976, South African troops completed their withdrawal from Angola, ending Operation Savannah. This operation had been launched in October 1975 to support anti-communist factions during Angola's civil war. The withdrawal was finalized by March 27, 1976. source: reuters.screenocean.com
  • 1979 Iran withdraws from CENTO: On March 12, 1979, following the Iranian Revolution, Iran announced its withdrawal from the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), a military alliance established in 1955. This decision led to the dissolution of CENTO, as the alliance was no longer functional without Iran's participation. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1980 John Wayne Gacy convicted of 33 murders: On March 12, 1980, John Wayne Gacy was convicted of 33 counts of murder, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history. The trial lasted five weeks, during which the prosecution presented extensive evidence, including forensic tests and eyewitness testimony. Gacy was sentenced to death for each count of murder. source: history.com
  • 1981 Soyuz T-4 mission to Salyut 6 space station: On March 12, 1981, the Soviet Union launched Soyuz T-4, carrying cosmonauts Vladimir Kovalyonok and Viktor Savinykh to the Salyut 6 space station. They docked on March 13, 1981, and spent 74 days conducting experiments and maintenance before returning to Earth on May 26, 1981. source: britannica.com
  • 1982 Courtney Walsh's first-class cricket debut for Jamaica: 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
  • 1983 Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' tops UK Singles Chart: 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
  • 1984 National Union of Mineworkers declares national strike: 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
  • 1985 Larry Bird scores 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks: On March 12, 1985, Larry Bird set a Boston Celtics franchise record by scoring 60 points in a 126-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. Bird's performance included 22-of-36 shooting from the field and 15-of-16 from the free-throw line, with 32 of his points coming in a 14-minute span during the second half. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 56 points set by teammate Kevin McHale nine days earlier. source: nba.com
  • 1986 Susan Butcher wins Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race: 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
  • 1987 Congress designates March as Women's History Month: 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
  • 1989 World Wide Web Proposal by Tim Berners-Lee: On March 12, 1989, Tim Berners-Lee, a scientist at CERN, submitted a proposal titled "Information Management: A Proposal," outlining the concept of the World Wide Web. source: home.cern.ch
  • 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
  • 1993 Severe winter storm strikes eastern United States: On March 12, 1993, a severe winter storm impacted the eastern United States, resulting in heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions. The storm caused significant travel disruptions and power outages across multiple states. source: weather.gov
  • 1994 Church of England ordains first female priests: On March 12, 1994, 32 women were ordained as priests in the Church of England, marking a historic moment in the church's 460-year history. The ordination ceremony took place at Bristol Cathedral, officiated by Bishop Barry Rogerson. Angela Berners-Wilson became the first woman to be ordained, serving as the senior Anglican chaplain at the University of Bristol. source: churchofengland.org
  • 1995 Istanbul and Ankara riots in 1995: On March 12, 1995, riots erupted in Istanbul and Ankara, fueled by political tensions and social unrest. These events highlighted the growing discontent among various groups in Turkey during this period. source: reuters.com
  • 1997 Murder of Ennis Cosby: On March 12, 1997, Ennis Cosby, son of comedian Bill Cosby, was tragically murdered during a robbery attempt in California. source: brainyhistory.com
  • 1998 Beatrice Wood passes away at 105: Beatrice Wood, the American artist and studio potter known for her contributions to the American art scene, died at the age of 105. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1999 NATO expansion: Eastern European countries join alliance: On March 12, 1999, NATO officially welcomed the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland as new members. This expansion marked a significant shift in European security dynamics following the Cold War. source: nato.int
  • 2001 Robert Ludlum, author of 'The Bourne Identity,' dies at 73: Robert Ludlum, the American author known for his spy thrillers including 'The Bourne Identity,' died on March 12, 2001, in Naples, Florida, at the age of 73. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 2002 Israeli Military Offensive in Palestinian Territories: On March 12, 2002, Israel launched a military offensive in the Palestinian territories, known as Operation Defensive Shield. The operation aimed to arrest militants and dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank.
  • 2003 UK Prime Minister Blair proposes UN resolution on Iraq: On March 12, 2003, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair presented a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, seeking authorization for military action against Iraq. The proposal aimed to enforce Iraq's compliance with UN weapons inspections and disarmament obligations. source: theguardian.com
  • 2004 Spanish legislative election 2004: On March 12, 2004, Spain held its general elections, resulting in a victory for the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). The election was notable for its timing, occurring just days after the Madrid train bombings, which had a significant impact on voter turnout and political discourse. source: bbc.com
  • 2005 Ukraine begins Iraq troop withdrawal: On March 12, 2005, Ukraine initiated the withdrawal of its 1,650-strong contingent from Iraq. The first group of soldiers departed from their base near al-Suwayra, with plans to return to Ukraine by March 15. This move followed President Viktor Yushchenko's order for a phased pullout, aiming to complete the withdrawal by October 15. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2006 Release of Algerian Militant: Abdelhak Layada, a founder of the Armed Islamic Group (GIA), was released from prison under Algeria's national reconciliation decree.
  • 2007 UN accuses Sudan of Darfur crimes: The United Nations Human Rights Council released a report accusing the Sudanese government of orchestrating attacks by Arab Janjaweed militiamen against civilians in Darfur. The report urged stronger UN Security Council intervention, sanctions, and criminal prosecution. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2008 EPA announces efforts to combat smog: On March 12, 2008, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a significant increase in efforts to combat smog in American cities and towns. The initiative aimed to reduce air pollution levels by implementing stricter regulations on industrial emissions and promoting cleaner transportation options. source: epa.gov
  • 2009 Bernie Madoff pleads guilty to massive financial fraud: On March 12, 2009, Bernie Madoff pleaded guilty to operating the largest Ponzi scheme in history, defrauding investors of billions of dollars. His admission marked a significant moment in the financial crisis narrative. source: nytimes.com
  • 2010 Catholic Church faces widespread sexual abuse scandal: The Catholic Church continued to face a widespread scandal regarding sexual abuse allegations, with investigations and public scrutiny intensifying. This scandal had significant implications for the Church's reputation and operations globally. source: nytimes.com
  • 2011 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami: On March 12, 2011, a massive earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, triggering a devastating tsunami. The disaster led to widespread destruction and loss of life, with the Fukushima nuclear crisis escalating as a result. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2012 Gaza–Israel clashes escalate with air strikes and rocket fire: On March 12, 2012, Israeli air strikes targeted military sites in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians. In response, Palestinian militants fired 42 rockets into Israel, causing damage and injuries. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict, leading to international calls for restraint and a ceasefire. source: un.org
  • 2013 2013 papal conclave begins: 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
  • 2014 Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 search begins: On March 12, 2014, search operations commenced for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which had disappeared on March 8, 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The search involved multiple countries and became one of the most extensive and complex in aviation history. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2015 Vanuatu braces for Tropical Cyclone Pam: On March 12, 2015, Vanuatu prepared for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Pam, which was expected to bring severe weather and potential devastation. The government issued warnings and mobilized resources for disaster response. source: bbc.com
  • 2016 Chemical weapons attack in Iraq: A chemical weapons attack in Iraq on March 12, 2016, raised alarms about the resurgence of such weapons in conflict zones. Reports indicated that civilians were affected, prompting international condemnation and calls for investigation. source: reuters.com
  • 2017 Preet Bharara Fired by Trump Administration: On March 12, 2017, Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, was dismissed by the Trump administration. Bharara had been investigating several high-profile cases, and his firing raised questions about the independence of federal prosecutors. The move was part of a broader shakeup of U.S. attorneys across the country. source: nytimes.com
  • 2018 Skripal poisoning: UK blames Russia: The UK government accused Russia of being responsible for the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury. This incident led to heightened tensions between the UK and Russia, with calls for accountability. source: bbc.com
  • 2019 ISIS Fighters Surrender: On March 12, 2019, reports emerged of numerous ISIS fighters surrendering to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Baghuz Fawqani enclave. This development indicated the imminent collapse of the last significant IS stronghold in Syria, following the SDF's final offensive against the group. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2020 The United States suspends travel from Europe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
  • 2021 No Notable Historical Events: On March 12, 2021, no significant or documented historical events were recorded across global sources. This appears to be a relatively uneventful day in terms of major world occurrences.
  • 2022 Escalation of Russo-Ukrainian War and Regional Tensions: On March 12, 2022, multiple significant geopolitical events unfolded. During the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian soldiers damaged the Sviatohirsk Lavra, a historic Orthodox pilgrimage site under the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. Russia escalated tensions by warning NATO that any future weapons shipments to Ukraine would be considered legitimate military targets. Simultaneously, Iran launched twelve ballistic missiles targeting the Iraqi city of Erbil in the Kurdistan Region, with explosions reported near the U.S. consulate and Erbil International Airport, further destabilizing the regional geopolitical landscape.
  • 2023 Kivu Conflict Massacre: 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.

What Is special about March 12?

March 12 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 12.