March 12 stands as one of history’s most eventful days, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, groundbreaking discoveries, and moments that shaped our modern world across centuries of human achievement.
Politics and Government Events on March 12
1920 – Kapp Putsch Begins in Germany
The Marinebrigade Ehrhardt received orders to march on Berlin, launching the infamous Kapp Putsch. This right-wing coup attempt challenged the legitimacy of the Weimar Republic.
The putsch would ultimately fail within days due to widespread strikes and resistance. However, it exposed the fragility of Germany’s democratic institutions during the turbulent post-war period.
1938 – Anschluss: German Forces Annex Austria
German troops crossed the Austrian border and occupied the entire country in a single day. Adolf Hitler’s forces encountered no military resistance as they implemented the long-planned union.
The annexation eliminated Austria’s independence and incorporated eight million people into Nazi Germany. This aggressive expansion marked a crucial step toward World War II.
1947 – Truman Doctrine Proclaimed
President Harry Truman announced his doctrine to Congress, pledging American support for nations threatened by communist expansion. This policy fundamentally shifted American foreign relations toward global intervention.
The doctrine specifically targeted Soviet influence in Greece and Turkey. It established the ideological framework for Cold War confrontations across multiple continents.
1968 – Mauritius Gains Independence
The island nation of Mauritius achieved independence from British colonial rule after centuries of foreign domination. Prime Minister Seewoosagur Ramgoolam led the new nation’s first government.
The transition proceeded peacefully despite complex ethnic and religious divisions within the population. Mauritius maintained Commonwealth membership while establishing its sovereign political institutions.
1999 – NATO Expands Eastward
The Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland officially joined NATO as full members. These former Warsaw Pact nations completed their remarkable transformation from Soviet satellites to Western allies.
The expansion doubled NATO’s membership and extended the alliance’s borders directly to Russia’s sphere of influence. This historic shift fundamentally altered European security arrangements.
2003 – Serbian Prime Minister Assassinated
Zoran Đinđić, Serbia’s reform-minded Prime Minister, was shot and killed by snipers in Belgrade. The assassination shocked the nation and derailed democratic reforms.
Đinđić had been leading efforts to modernize Serbia and cooperate with international war crimes tribunals. His death represented a major setback for post-Yugoslav reconciliation efforts.
2004 – South Korean President Impeached
The National Assembly impeached President Roh Moo-hyun in an unprecedented action in South Korean history. Opposition parties accused him of election law violations and economic mismanagement.
The impeachment created a constitutional crisis and triggered massive public demonstrations. The Constitutional Court would later overturn the impeachment and restore Roh to office.
Military and Naval History on March 12
1940 – Finland Signs Moscow Peace Treaty
Finland concluded the devastating Winter War by signing a peace treaty with the Soviet Union. The agreement forced Finland to cede almost all of Finnish Karelia to Stalin’s regime.
Despite losing territory, Finland maintained its independence unlike other Baltic nations. The treaty represented a pyrrhic victory for the Soviet Union after months of fierce resistance.
1942 – Battle of Java Ends
Allied forces in the Dutch East Indies surrendered to Japanese forces in Bandung, West Java. The American-British-Dutch-Australian Command collapsed after weeks of desperate fighting.
This surrender completed Japan’s conquest of the resource-rich Indonesian archipelago. The defeat eliminated the last major Allied stronghold in Southeast Asia.
1920 – Kapp Putsch Military Action
Right-wing German military units launched an armed rebellion against the Weimar government. The Marinebrigade Ehrhardt spearheaded this attempt to overthrow democratic rule.
The putsch failed when civil servants and workers launched a general strike. Military commanders ultimately refused to fire on German citizens, dooming the coup attempt.
1971 – Turkish Military Memorandum
The Turkish military issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel’s government demanding immediate reforms. This intervention demonstrated the military’s continuing political influence.
The memorandum forced the government’s resignation and triggered a period of military-supervised governance. Turkey’s democratic institutions faced another serious challenge to civilian authority.
Science and Discovery Milestones on March 12
1989 – World Wide Web Proposal Submitted
Tim Berners-Lee submitted his revolutionary proposal for an information management system to CERN. His vision described a global network of interconnected documents and resources.
The proposal outlined hypertext links, universal resource identifiers, and network protocols. This foundational document launched the development of the World Wide Web.
2011 – Fukushima Nuclear Reactor Explodes
A reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant exploded following the devastating Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Radioactive materials escaped into the atmosphere, creating an international crisis.
The disaster prompted global reassessment of nuclear power safety protocols. Japan faced its worst nuclear emergency and massive environmental contamination challenges.
2003 – SARS Global Warning Issued
The World Health Organization officially released a worldwide alert about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreaks. Health officials warned of a potentially pandemic respiratory disease.
The warning coordinated international surveillance and containment efforts across multiple countries. SARS would eventually infect thousands and kill hundreds before being controlled.
Cultural and Arts Events on March 12
1912 – Girl Guides Founded in America
Juliette Gordon Low established the Girl Guides organization in the United States, later renamed Girl Scouts. The first meeting took place in Savannah, Georgia with eighteen girls.
The organization promoted outdoor activities, practical skills, and character development for young women. Girl Scouts would become America’s largest leadership development organization for girls.
1913 – Canberra Named Australia’s Capital
The future capital of Australia received its official name of Canberra after years of political debate. The Aboriginal word meant “meeting place” in the local indigenous language.
The naming resolved the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne for capital status. Canberra would be designed as a planned city specifically for governmental functions.
1933 – Roosevelt’s First Fireside Chat
President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the American people via radio for the first time as president. His informal speaking style created an intimate connection with millions of listeners.
The fireside chat explained the banking crisis in simple terms and restored public confidence. Roosevelt’s radio addresses became a powerful tool for presidential communication.
Religious and Social Events on March 12
1930 – Gandhi Begins Salt March
Mahatma Gandhi launched his famous Salt March, a 200-mile journey to the Arabian Sea to protest British salt monopoly laws. The march began with 78 followers from his ashram.
The nonviolent protest challenged British colonial authority through civil disobedience. Gandhi’s march inspired millions of Indians to join the independence movement.
1993 – Mumbai Bombings
A series of coordinated bomb explosions rocked Mumbai, India, killing approximately 300 people and injuring hundreds more. The attacks targeted financial and cultural landmarks.
The bombings represented one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Indian history. The coordinated nature revealed sophisticated planning and execution by criminal networks.
1918 – Moscow Becomes Russian Capital Again
The Russian government officially moved the capital from Saint Petersburg back to Moscow. This decision reversed Peter the Great’s 1703 relocation to his new Baltic city.
The move reflected practical concerns about proximity to German forces during World War I. Moscow’s central location also suited the Bolsheviks’ vision of socialist governance.
Business and Economic Events on March 12
2009 – Bernie Madoff Pleads Guilty
Financier Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty to operating one of the largest Ponzi schemes in Wall Street history. His fraud defrauded investors of billions of dollars over decades.
The scheme collapsed during the 2008 financial crisis when investors demanded withdrawals. Madoff’s confession sent shockwaves through the financial industry and wealthy communities.
1928 – St. Francis Dam Failure
The St. Francis Dam in California catastrophically failed, releasing 12 billion gallons of water. The resulting floods killed 431 people and devastated the Santa Clara Valley.
The disaster highlighted serious flaws in dam construction and safety oversight. Economic losses totaled millions of dollars in destroyed property and infrastructure.
2020 – US Suspends European Travel
The United States government suspended most travel from Europe due to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions affected millions of travelers and multiple industries.
The travel ban disrupted international commerce and tourism revenues. Airlines, hotels, and related businesses faced immediate financial challenges from reduced demand.
Transportation and Infrastructure on March 12
1950 – Llandow Air Disaster
An aircraft crashed near Sigingstone, Wales, killing 80 people in what was then the world’s deadliest air disaster. The rugby charter flight was returning from Ireland.
The tragedy prompted significant improvements in aircraft safety regulations and emergency procedures. Investigation revealed multiple factors contributing to the crash.
1940 – Turenki Train Accident
Finland’s most destructive train accident occurred in Turenki, Janakkala, killing 39 people and injuring 69 others. The collision involved passenger trains during wartime conditions.
The accident highlighted transportation safety challenges during the Winter War period. Limited resources and wartime pressures contributed to the tragic circumstances.
2018 – US-Bangla Airlines Flight 211 Crashes
The aircraft crashed during landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, killing 51 and injuring 20. The flight originated from Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The crash occurred during the final approach phase amid challenging weather conditions. International aviation authorities launched comprehensive investigations into the accident causes.
Sports and Recreation on March 12
1923 – Wally Schirra Born
American astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra entered the world in Hackensack, New Jersey. His father was a barnstorming pilot who inspired his aviation interests.
Schirra became the only astronaut to fly in Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. His precision flying and technical expertise made him invaluable to the space program.
1987 – Dale Murphy Born
American baseball player Dale Murphy was born in Portland, Oregon. His athletic talents emerged early during his high school career.
Murphy became a two-time National League MVP and seven-time All-Star with the Atlanta Braves. His powerful hitting and exceptional fielding defined 1980s baseball excellence.
1962 – Darryl Strawberry Born
American baseball player Darryl Strawberry was born in Los Angeles, California. His towering frame and swing mechanics showed exceptional power potential.
Strawberry became one of baseball’s most feared sluggers with the New York Mets and Yankees. His career included four World Series championships and eight All-Star selections.
Notable Births on March 12
1922 – Jack Kerouac Born
American author Jean-Louis “Jack” Kerouac was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, to French-Canadian parents. His childhood experiences in industrial New England shaped his literary perspective.
Kerouac became the defining voice of the Beat Generation with his novel “On the Road.” His spontaneous prose style revolutionized American literature and influenced countless writers.
1946 – Liza Minnelli Born
American entertainer Liza Minnelli was born in Hollywood, California, to legendary performers Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli. Show business surrounded her from birth.
Minnelli achieved unprecedented success in film, television, and stage performances. Her role in “Cabaret” earned an Academy Award and cemented her entertainment legacy.
1948 – James Taylor Born
American singer-songwriter James Taylor was born in Boston, Massachusetts, into a musical family. His early exposure to various musical styles influenced his artistic development.
Taylor became one of America’s most beloved folk-rock artists with hits like “Fire and Rain.” His introspective songwriting and distinctive voice defined the singer-songwriter movement.
1970 – Mitt Romney Born
American businessman and politician Willard “Mitt” Romney was born in Detroit, Michigan. His father served as governor of Michigan and inspired his public service interests.
Romney became governor of Massachusetts and the Republican presidential nominee in 2012. His business background and political experience made him a prominent national figure.
1962 – Darryl Strawberry Born
American baseball player Darryl Strawberry was born in Los Angeles, California. His towering frame and natural swing mechanics showed exceptional power potential from an early age.
Strawberry became one of baseball’s most feared sluggers with the New York Mets and Yankees. His career included four World Series championships and eight All-Star game selections.
1922 – Jack Kerouac Born
American author Jean-Louis “Jack” Kerouac was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, to French-Canadian immigrant parents. His childhood experiences in industrial New England profoundly shaped his literary perspective.
Kerouac became the defining voice of the Beat Generation with his groundbreaking novel “On the Road.” His spontaneous prose style revolutionized American literature and influenced countless subsequent writers.
1965 – Steve Finley Born
American baseball player Steve Finley was born in Union City, Tennessee. His athletic versatility and speed made him an exceptional center fielder throughout his career.
Finley played for multiple teams over 19 seasons, winning five Gold Glove Awards. His clutch hitting and defensive excellence helped several teams reach the playoffs.
1958 – Courtney B. Vance Born
American actor Courtney Bernard Vance was born in Detroit, Michigan. His early interest in theater led him to pursue formal dramatic training.
Vance became a respected stage and screen actor, winning a Tony Award for “Lucky Guy.” His powerful performances in television and film earned critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Notable Deaths on March 12
1955 – Charlie Parker Dies
American jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker died in New York City at age 34. His revolutionary bebop style transformed jazz music and influenced generations of musicians.
Parker’s innovative harmonic concepts and lightning-fast improvisation redefined saxophone technique. Despite his brief life, his musical genius established him as one of jazz’s greatest artists.
1925 – Sun Yat-sen Dies
Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen died in Beijing at age 58. His political philosophy and democratic ideals shaped modern Chinese nationalism.
Sun Yat-sen led the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and served as the first President of the Republic of China. Both Communist and Nationalist parties honor his legacy today.
1999 – Yehudi Menuhin Dies
American-Swiss violinist Yehudi Menuhin died in Berlin at age 82. His prodigious talent emerged in childhood and continued throughout his distinguished career.
Menuhin performed with the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors for over seven decades. His humanitarian work and musical education efforts extended his influence beyond performance.
2015 – Terry Pratchett Dies
English author Terry Pratchett died from Alzheimer’s disease at age 66. His Discworld series of fantasy novels entertained millions of readers worldwide.
Pratchett’s satirical wit and imaginative storytelling made him one of Britain’s most beloved authors. His 41 Discworld books sold over 85 million copies internationally.
1985 – Eugene Ormandy Dies
Hungarian-American conductor Eugene Ormandy died in Philadelphia at age 85. His 44-year tenure with the Philadelphia Orchestra created the ensemble’s distinctive sound.
Ormandy recorded extensively and toured internationally, establishing the orchestra’s global reputation. His interpretations of Romantic and contemporary works remained influential for decades.
1991 – Ragnar Granit Dies
Finnish-Swedish neuroscientist Ragnar Granit died in Stockholm at age 90. His groundbreaking research on vision earned him the 1967 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Granit’s work on retinal physiology revolutionized understanding of how the eye processes visual information. His discoveries laid the foundation for modern vision science.
2001 – Robert Ludlum Dies
American author Robert Ludlum died in Naples, Florida, at age 73. His espionage thrillers captivated readers with complex plots and memorable characters.
Ludlum’s novels, including “The Bourne Identity,” sold over 300 million copies worldwide. His work established the template for modern international thriller fiction.
Holidays and Observances on March 12
National Day (Mauritius)
Mauritius celebrates its National Day commemorating independence from British colonial rule in 1968. The holiday features parades, cultural performances, and patriotic ceremonies across the island nation.
Citizens participate in flag-raising ceremonies and cultural festivals showcasing the country’s diverse heritage. The celebration emphasizes national unity among Mauritius’s multi-ethnic population.
World Day Against Cyber Censorship
International organizations promote digital freedom and oppose internet censorship on this awareness day. Activists highlight threats to online expression and information access worldwide.
The observance encourages support for journalists, bloggers, and citizens facing digital repression. Technology companies and civil liberties groups coordinate campaigns promoting internet freedom.
Arbor Day (China)
China observes Arbor Day with nationwide tree-planting activities and environmental education programs. The holiday promotes forest conservation and ecological awareness among citizens.
Schools, businesses, and government agencies organize community tree-planting events. The observance emphasizes China’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Youth Day (Zambia)
Zambia celebrates Youth Day recognizing young people’s contributions to national development. The holiday features youth-focused programs, sports competitions, and educational activities.
Government officials address youth employment, education, and leadership development issues. The observance encourages young Zambians to participate actively in their country’s progress.