Throughout history, the week of March 11 to March 17 has been marked by significant events that have shaped nations, influenced cultures, and impacted the world. Here is a look back at some of these notable occurrences:
March 11
2011: Japan’s Devastating Earthquake and Tsunami
On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan, triggering a massive tsunami. This disaster resulted in nearly 20,000 deaths and caused catastrophic damage, including a severe nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.
1941: Lend-Lease Act Signed into Law
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Act on this day in 1941, allowing the U.S. to supply Allied nations with vital war materials during World War II, significantly bolstering their efforts against Axis powers.
March 12
1930: Gandhi’s Salt March Begins
Mohandas Gandhi commenced his 24-day, 240-mile Salt March to the coastal village of Dandi on March 12, 1930. This act of non-violent protest challenged the British salt tax in colonial India and became a pivotal event in the Indian independence movement.
1912: Founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA
Juliette Gordon Low established the first American troop of the Girl Guides in Savannah, Georgia, on this day in 1912, laying the foundation for what would become the Girl Scouts of the USA.
March 13
2013: Pope Francis Elected
On March 13, 2013, Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected as Pope Francis, becoming the first pontiff from the Americas and the first from outside Europe since the 8th century.
1781: Discovery of Uranus
Astronomer William Herschel discovered Uranus on this day in 1781, expanding the known boundaries of the solar system and marking the first identification of a planet not visible to the naked eye.
March 14
1879: Birth of Albert Einstein
Renowned physicist Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany. His theories of relativity fundamentally changed our understanding of physics.
1964: Jack Ruby Convicted
Jack Ruby was found guilty on this day in 1964 for the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy. Ruby was sentenced to death, though his conviction was later overturned; he died before a retrial could occur.
March 15
44 B.C.: Assassination of Julius Caesar
On the Ides of March in 44 B.C., Roman dictator Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of senators, an event that led to the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.
1917: Tsar Nicholas II Abdicates
Amidst the February Revolution, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia abdicated the throne on March 15, 1917, ending centuries of Romanov rule and leading to significant political upheaval.
March 16
1968: My Lai Massacre
During the Vietnam War, U.S. soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians in the village of My Lai on March 16, 1968. The atrocity became a turning point in public opinion about the war.
1926: First Liquid-Fueled Rocket Launch
Physicist Robert H. Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket on this day in 1926, marking a significant milestone in the field of astronautics.
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrated annually on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day honors the patron saint of Ireland and has become a global celebration of Irish culture, marked by parades, wearing green attire, and festive gatherings.
1776: British Evacuate Boston
During the American Revolutionary War, British forces evacuated Boston on March 17, 1776, after a successful siege by American Continental Army troops, marking a significant early victory for the revolutionaries.
These events, spanning various eras and regions, highlight the diverse tapestry of history during the week of March 11 to March 17.
