March 28 has witnessed significant historical moments that shaped nations and cultures. From the tragic Third Partition of Poland in 1795, which erased a country from the map, to the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939 under Franco’s regime, the date carries weight. Notable births and cultural milestones also mark this day. What other events define March 28? The answers hold intriguing insights.
History
Major Historical Events
1795 – Partitions of Poland: The third and final partition of Poland is completed as Austria, Prussia, and Russia sign an agreement to divide the remaining Polish territory.
Effectively erasing Poland from the map for over a century until its reestablishment after World War I.
1834 – United States Senate Censures President Jackson: The U.S. Senate votes to censure President Andrew Jackson for his role in removing federal deposits from the Bank of the United States.
Marking a significant moment of political conflict during his presidency over economic policy.
1939 – Spanish Civil War Ends: The Spanish Civil War officially concludes as General Francisco Franco’s Nationalist forces capture Madrid.
Establishing Franco’s dictatorship that would last until his death in 1975.
1979 – Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident: A partial meltdown occurs at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, USA.
Becoming the most significant nuclear accident in U.S. history and raising widespread concerns about nuclear energy safety.
2006 – France’s Labor Protests: Massive protests erupt across France in response to a proposed labor law that would make it easier to fire young workers.
Leading to weeks of unrest and highlighting tensions over employment reforms.
Famous Birthdays
1483 – Raphael: The renowned Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance, known for masterpieces like “The School of Athens,” is born in Urbino, Italy.
Leaving an indelible mark on Western art.
1868 – Maxim Gorky: The influential Russian writer and playwright, often considered the father of Soviet literature, is born in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
With works like “The Lower Depths” reflecting social struggles.
1981 – Julia Stiles: The American actress, known for her roles in films like “10 Things I Hate About You” and the “Bourne” series, is born in New York City.
Becoming a prominent figure in modern cinema.
1986 – Lady Gaga: The American singer, songwriter, and actress, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta in New York City, emerges as a global pop icon with hits like “Bad Romance.”
Demonstrating a groundbreaking approach to music and fashion.
Notable Deaths
193 – Pertinax: The Roman Emperor, who ruled briefly for three months, is assassinated by the Praetorian Guard in Rome.
After attempting to impose strict reforms, ending a short and tumultuous reign.
1941 – Virginia Woolf: The celebrated English author and modernist writer, known for works like “Mrs. Dalloway,” drowns herself in the River Ouse near her home in Sussex, England.
Leaving behind a profound literary legacy.
1969 – Dwight D. Eisenhower: The 34th President of the United States and a key World War II general, passes away in Washington, D.C.
Remembered for his leadership during the war and his presidency during the Cold War era.
Today in Music History
1964 – Radio Caroline Begins Broadcasting: The first British pirate radio station, Radio Caroline, starts broadcasting from a ship off the coast of England.
Challenging government control over radio and popularizing rock and pop music.
1976 – Genesis Starts First Tour Without Peter Gabriel: The English rock band Genesis begins their first tour with Phil Collins as lead singer after Peter Gabriel’s departure.
Marking a new era for the band with albums like “A Trick of the Tail.”
1982 – David Crosby Arrested: The American musician and member of Crosby, Stills & Nash is arrested in Dallas, Texas, on drug and weapons charges.
Reflecting personal struggles amid his influential career in folk rock.
Today in Sports History
1939 – NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Established: The first NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game is played, with Oregon defeating Ohio State 46-33.
Laying the foundation for what would become known as “March Madness.”
1972 – Wilt Chamberlain’s Jersey Retired: Basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain has his jersey number 13 retired by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Honoring his extraordinary career, including scoring 100 points in a single game.
1984 – Baltimore Colts Move to Indianapolis: The Baltimore Colts football team relocates to Indianapolis in a controversial overnight move.
Marking a significant shift in NFL franchise history and leaving Baltimore fans devastated.
2013 – Kevin Ware’s Gruesome Injury: During an NCAA basketball game, Louisville Cardinals player Kevin Ware suffers a horrific leg injury against Duke.
An event that shocks viewers but also highlights his inspiring recovery story.
Today in Military and Naval History
1814 – Royal Navy Victory at Valparaiso: During the War of 1812, the British Royal Navy captures the American frigate USS Essex off the coast of Valparaiso, Chile.
In a significant naval engagement in the Pacific.
1942 – St Nazaire Raid: British Commandos execute Operation Chariot, a daring raid on the German-occupied port of St Nazaire in France.
Destroying a key dry dock and earning multiple Victoria Crosses for bravery despite heavy casualties.
1969 – U.S. Withdraws Troops from Vietnam: President Richard Nixon announces plans to withdraw 150,000 U.S. troops from Vietnam over the next year.
Signaling a shift toward “Vietnamization” of the conflict.
Today in Tech and Science History
1776 – Juan Bautista de Anza Founds San Francisco: Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza establishes the Presidio of San Francisco, a military outpost that becomes a cornerstone of the future city.
Marking an early step in the region’s development.
1979 – Three Mile Island Crisis Unfolds: The nuclear accident at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania becomes a turning point for nuclear energy policy in the United States.
Leading to stricter regulations and public skepticism about nuclear power.
2005 – First YouTube Video Uploaded: Although the platform officially launched later, the domain youtube.com was activated on this date.
Setting the stage for a revolutionary platform that would transform online media and content creation.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1920 – Actors’ Equity Strike Ends: The Actors’ Equity Association reaches an agreement with theater producers, ending a strike that began in 1919.
Establishing better working conditions for performers in the United States.
1930 – Constantinople Renamed Istanbul: The Turkish government officially changes the name of Constantinople to Istanbul.
Reflecting a broader push for modernization and national identity under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
1955 – Premiere of “On the Waterfront”: Although the film was released earlier, on this date in 1955, “On the Waterfront” wins eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Cementing its status as a cinematic classic about labor struggles and morality.
1984 – First Performance of “Sunday in the Park with George”: Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Sunday in the Park with George” opens at the Booth Theatre in New York.
Inspired by Georges Seurat’s painting and later winning a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1854 – Crimean War’s Odd Alliance: During the Crimean War, Britain and France, traditional rivals, ally with the Ottoman Empire against Russia.
An unusual coalition that surprises many and reshapes European diplomacy.
1933 – Beer Returns to Cincinnati: Cincinnati becomes one of the first U.S. cities to legally sell beer again after the repeal of Prohibition is signed into law.
With locals celebrating the return of 3.2% alcohol beer in a quirky rush to taverns.
1974 – Terracotta Army Discovered: Farmers in Xi’an, China, stumble upon the Terracotta Army while digging a well.
Uncovering one of the most bizarre and awe-inspiring archaeological finds—thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Today in History for Kids
1797 – First U.S. Patent for a Washing Machine: Nathaniel Briggs of New Hampshire receives the first U.S. patent for a washing machine.
A super early version of something we use every day to clean clothes without scrubbing by hand.
1836 – First Mormon Temple Dedicated: The first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is dedicated in Kirtland, Ohio.
A special place for early Mormons to gather and pray, kind of like a big community center.
1910 – First Seaplane Flight: French inventor Henri Fabre makes history by flying the first seaplane.
A plane that can take off and land on water, showing kids how people kept inventing cool new ways to travel.
1979 – Nuclear Scare at Three Mile Island: A big accident happens at a nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania.
Teaching everyone, even kids, how important it is to be careful with powerful energy sources like nuclear power.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1881 – Greatest Show on Earth Formed: P.T. Barnum and James A. Bailey merge their circuses to create the Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Later known as “The Greatest Show on Earth,” fascinating audiences with acrobats, animals, and clowns.
1918 – Daylight Saving Time Introduced in the U.S.: The United States adopts Daylight Saving Time for the first time as a wartime measure to save energy during World War I.
A practice that continues to spark debate even today.
1936 – First Stock Car Race: Though not widely documented at the time, some sources credit this date as hosting one of the earliest organized stock car races in Daytona Beach, Florida.
A precursor to the formation of NASCAR.
2003 – Invasion of Iraq Continues: On this date, coalition forces led by the United States advance further into Iraq during the early stages of the Iraq War.
A conflict that would shape global politics for years to come.
2016 – Easter Rising Centennial: Ireland commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, a pivotal rebellion against British rule in 1916.
With ceremonies and events reflecting on the nation’s path to independence.