March 7 holds a remarkable array of historical events that span centuries and disciplines. From pivotal moments in medieval crusades to groundbreaking inventions like the telephone, this date has shaped human progress in profound ways. Significant births and deaths, alongside cultural and political milestones, paint a vivid picture of its importance. What specific events stand out on this day? Uncover the stories that define March 7’s legacy.
History
Major Historical Events
1229 – Sixth Crusade Ends: The Sixth Crusade, led by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, concludes with a peace treaty that restores Jerusalem to Christian control without a major battle.
This diplomatic achievement, though temporary, marks one of the few crusades to succeed through negotiation rather than warfare.
1876 – Alexander Graham Bell Patents the Telephone: On this day, Alexander Graham Bell is granted a patent for the telephone, a groundbreaking invention that revolutionizes communication.
Just days later, he makes the first successful call to his assistant, Thomas Watson, ushering in a new era of connectivity.
1912 – Roald Amundsen Announces South Pole Discovery: Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen announces that his team reached the South Pole on December 14, 1911, becoming the first humans to achieve this feat.
His announcement on March 7, 1912, confirms his victory over rival Robert Falcon Scott in the race to the pole.
1965 – Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama: During the American Civil Rights Movement, state troopers violently attack peaceful marchers crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.
This brutal event, broadcast on national television, galvanizes public support for voting rights and leads to the passage of the Voting Rights Act later that year.
1986 – Diver Confirms Titanic Wreckage: Diver Robert Ballard announces the confirmation of the Titanic wreckage site, discovered the previous year, with detailed imagery released on this date.
This marks a significant moment in maritime history, reigniting public fascination with the doomed ocean liner.
Famous Birthdays
1792 – John Herschel: British mathematician, astronomer, and chemist John Herschel is born in Slough, England.
Known for his contributions to celestial photography and for naming seven moons of Saturn, Herschel also played a key role in advancing scientific thought during the 19th century.
1875 – Maurice Ravel: French composer Maurice Ravel, renowned for his impressionist music, is born in Ciboure, France.
His works, including the iconic “Boléro,” remain celebrated for their intricate orchestration and emotional depth.
1960 – Ivan Lendl: Czech-American tennis player Ivan Lendl is born in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia.
A dominant force in the 1980s, Lendl won eight Grand Slam titles and held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 270 weeks.
1971 – Rachel Weisz: British actress Rachel Weisz is born in London, England.
Known for her roles in films like “The Mummy” and “The Constant Gardener,” for which she won an Academy Award, Weisz has established herself as a versatile and acclaimed performer.
Notable Deaths
322 BC – Aristotle: The Greek philosopher Aristotle, one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy, dies in Euboea, Greece.
His works on logic, ethics, and natural sciences shaped intellectual thought for centuries.
1274 – Thomas Aquinas: Italian theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas passes away in Fossanova, Italy.
Canonized as a saint, his writings, particularly the “Summa Theologica,” remain foundational in Catholic theology and philosophy.
1950 – Norman Bethune: Canadian physician and humanitarian Norman Bethune dies in China while serving as a battlefield surgeon during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
His dedication to medical care in conflict zones leaves a lasting legacy.
Today in Music History
1824 – Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Premieres in Vienna (Initial Rehearsals Begin): While the official premiere occurs later, on March 7, 1824, Ludwig van Beethoven begins final preparations and rehearsals for his Symphony No. 9, a masterpiece that includes the famous “Ode to Joy” and stands as a pinnacle of classical music.
1965 – The Beatles’ “Eight Days a Week” Hits No. 1: The Beatles’ single “Eight Days a Week” tops the Billboard Hot 100 chart on this day, marking another milestone in their unprecedented run of chart-topping hits during the height of Beatlemania.
1983 – New Order Releases “Blue Monday”: British band New Order releases their iconic single “Blue Monday,” which becomes one of the best-selling 12-inch singles of all time.
Its innovative electronic sound influences the dance and synth-pop genres for decades.
Today in Sports History
1921 – Cy Denneny Scores Six Goals in One Game: Ottawa Senators forward Cy Denneny scores six goals in a single NHL game against the Hamilton Tigers, setting a league record at the time and cementing his status as one of hockey’s early stars.
2009 – Michael Phelps Wins Five Gold Medals at Nationals: Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps dominates the U.S. Swimming National Championships, winning five gold medals on this day.
His performance further solidifies his reputation as one of the greatest athletes in history.
Today in Military and Naval History
1799 – Napoleon Captures Jaffa: During his campaign in the Middle East, Napoleon Bonaparte captures the city of Jaffa in present-day Israel.
The victory, though marred by subsequent atrocities, is a key moment in his attempt to disrupt British influence in the region.
1945 – U.S. Forces Cross the Rhine River at Remagen: In a pivotal moment of World War II, American troops capture the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, Germany, becoming the first Allied forces to cross the Rhine River.
This breach accelerates the collapse of Nazi defenses in Western Europe.
1989 – Iran-Contra Affair Indictments Announced: On this day, a federal grand jury indicts key figures in the Iran-Contra Affair, including Oliver North, for their roles in the covert operation to fund Nicaraguan rebels with proceeds from arms sales to Iran during the 1980s.
Today in Tech and Science History
1876 – Telephone Patent Granted to Bell: As noted earlier, Alexander Graham Bell receives the patent for the telephone on March 7, 1876, a defining moment in technological history that transforms global communication.
1926 – First Transatlantic Telephone Call: The first successful transatlantic telephone call is made between New York and London, marking a significant advancement in international communication technology just 50 years after Bell’s invention.
2007 – Apple Announces iPhone Development Milestones: Apple shares key updates on the development of the first iPhone, building anticipation for its revolutionary release later in the year.
This moment signals a shift in mobile technology and consumer electronics.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1933 – Monopoly Board Game Patented: Charles Darrow files for a patent for the board game Monopoly on this day, though its origins trace back earlier.
The game becomes a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing capitalism and family entertainment worldwide.
1965 – “Bloody Sunday” Broadcast Shocks Nation: The violent attack on civil rights marchers in Selma, Alabama, is televised across the United States, profoundly impacting public opinion and becoming a cultural turning point in the fight for racial equality.
1999 – Stanley Kubrick Dies Shortly After Completing “Eyes Wide Shut”: Legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick passes away on March 7, just days after finishing his final film, “Eyes Wide Shut.”
His death marks the end of an era for visionary cinema.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1857 – Baseball Decides on Nine Innings: On this day, a baseball convention in New York formalizes the rule that a game should consist of nine innings, a quirky but enduring decision that shapes the sport’s structure to this day.
1908 – Cincinnati Mayor Proclaims “No Kissing” Rule: Cincinnati Mayor Mark Breith issues a bizarre proclamation discouraging public kissing to prevent the spread of disease, a short-lived and widely mocked edict that reflects the era’s health concerns.
Today in History for Kids
1876 – Invention of the Telephone: Imagine a world without phones!
On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell got the patent for the first telephone, which let people talk to each other even if they were far apart.
This invention changed how we stay connected forever.
1912 – South Pole Discovery Announced: Explorer Roald Amundsen told the world on this day that he and his team were the first to reach the South Pole, the coldest, windiest place on Earth.
It was like winning a super tough race against nature!
1965 – Brave Marchers in Selma: In Alabama, brave people marched for the right to vote on March 7, 1965, even though they were attacked.
Their courage helped make sure everyone could have a say in their country’s future.
1933 – Monopoly Game Gets Started: A fun game called Monopoly, where you buy pretend houses and hotels, got its patent idea on this day.
It’s a game kids and families still love to play together!
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1876 – First Telephone Words: When Alexander Graham Bell made his first phone call just days after getting the patent on March 7, 1876, he said, “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.”
Those were the first words ever spoken over a phone!
1965 – Selma Marchers’ Impact: The Bloody Sunday event in Selma on this day didn’t just shock people watching on TV; it led to a huge march later that month and a new law to protect voting rights for all Americans.
1986 – Titanic Artifacts Revealed: When the Titanic wreckage was confirmed with photos on March 7, 1986, explorers found things like dishes and personal items, giving us a sad but amazing look at life on the ship before it sank.
1926 – Transatlantic Call Cost: The first phone call across the Atlantic Ocean on this day cost about $75 for just three minutes, which would be over $1,000 in today’s money—imagine paying that much to chat!