This week in history, spanning from March 4 to March 10, has witnessed numerous significant events that have shaped the course of nations, cultures, and scientific advancements. Here’s a look back at some of these pivotal moments:
March 4, 1933: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Inauguration Amidst the Great Depression
In the depths of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd President of the United States. His inaugural address sought to restore public confidence, famously asserting, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Roosevelt’s New Deal policies aimed to revive the American economy and provide relief to its citizens.
March 5, 1770: The Boston Massacre Ignites Revolutionary Fervor
Tensions between American colonists and British soldiers culminated in the Boston Massacre, where British troops fired into a crowd, killing five individuals. This incident intensified anti-British sentiments and fueled the drive toward the American Revolution.
March 6, 1857: Dred Scott Decision Deepens National Divisions
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered its decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford, ruling that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could not be American citizens and that Congress lacked the authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories. This decision exacerbated sectional tensions and propelled the nation closer to civil war.
March 7, 1965: ‘Bloody Sunday’ in Selma Advances Civil Rights
Over 500 civil rights activists marching for voting rights were violently confronted by law enforcement on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The brutality of “Bloody Sunday” galvanized national support for the civil rights movement and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
March 8, 1965: First U.S. Combat Troops Land in Vietnam
Marking a significant escalation in the Vietnam War, 3,500 U.S. Marines arrived to defend the Da Nang air base. This deployment signified the beginning of large-scale American involvement in the conflict.
March 9, 1933: Congress Enacts the Emergency Banking Act
In response to the banking crisis during the Great Depression, the U.S. Congress passed the Emergency Banking Act, aiming to stabilize the banking system. This legislation allowed banks to reopen under Treasury Department inspection, restoring public confidence.
March 10, 1876: Alexander Graham Bell Makes the First Telephone Call
Inventor Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call, summoning his assistant Thomas Watson with the words, “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.” This breakthrough laid the foundation for global telecommunications.
These events, among others during this week in history, have left indelible marks on the fabric of societies worldwide, influencing the trajectory of civil rights, technological innovation, and international relations.
