March 12 holds a significant place in history with events spanning centuries and continents. From pivotal military campaigns to transformative social movements, this date has witnessed moments that shaped nations and cultures. Key figures were born and passed away, leaving lasting legacies, while cultural milestones emerged to influence generations. What specific events mark this day as remarkable? Uncover the layers of history that define March 12.
History
Major Historical Events
1864 – Red River Campaign Begins: During the American Civil War, Union forces under Major General Nathaniel P. Banks launched the Red River Campaign in Louisiana, aiming to capture Shreveport and disrupt Confederate supply lines.
This campaign, which lasted until May, ultimately failed due to logistical issues and Confederate resistance.
1912 – Girl Guides (Later Girl Scouts) Founded in the US: Juliette Gordon Low founded the first American troop of the Girl Guides in Savannah, Georgia, which later evolved into the Girl Scouts of the USA.
This organization became a cornerstone for empowering young women through leadership and outdoor activities.
1930 – Mahatma Gandhi Begins the Salt March: In a powerful act of nonviolent resistance, Mahatma Gandhi started the 240-mile Salt March to the Arabian Sea in India to protest British salt taxes.
This event galvanized the Indian independence movement and drew global attention to the cause.
1938 – Anschluss of Austria: Nazi Germany annexed Austria in what is known as the Anschluss, a significant step in Adolf Hitler’s expansionist policies.
Austrian citizens were forced into a union with Germany, marking a critical escalation toward World War II.
1999 – Former Warsaw Pact Nations Join NATO: Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic became the first former Warsaw Pact countries to join NATO, marking a historic shift in European alliances after the Cold War.
This expansion strengthened NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.
Famous Birthdays
1922 – Jack Kerouac: The influential American novelist and poet, known for his role in the Beat Generation, was born in Lowell, Massachusetts.
His seminal work, *On the Road*, became a defining text of counterculture literature.
1946 – Liza Minnelli: The acclaimed actress, singer, and dancer was born in Hollywood, California.
Daughter of Judy Garland, Minnelli rose to fame with her Oscar-winning role in *Cabaret* and remains a celebrated figure in entertainment.
1947 – Mitt Romney: The American politician and businessman, who served as the Governor of Massachusetts and later as a U.S. Senator from Utah, was born in Detroit, Michigan.
Romney also ran as the Republican nominee for president in 2012.
1962 – Darryl Strawberry: The former Major League Baseball outfielder, known for his powerful hitting with the New York Mets and Yankees, was born in Los Angeles, California.
Strawberry’s career was marked by both incredible talent and personal challenges.
1979 – Pete Doherty: The English musician, songwriter, and frontman of The Libertines was born in Hexham, Northumberland.
Known for his raw talent and tumultuous personal life, Doherty became an icon of the early 2000s indie rock scene.
Notable Deaths
1914 – George Westinghouse: The American engineer and inventor, who pioneered the use of alternating current (AC) electricity, passed away in New York City.
His innovations revolutionized power distribution and shaped modern industry.
1955 – Charlie Parker: The legendary jazz saxophonist, often credited as a founder of bebop, died in New York City at the age of 34.
Parker’s virtuosic playing and innovative compositions left an indelible mark on music.
2001 – Robert Ludlum: The bestselling American author of espionage thrillers, including the Jason Bourne series, passed away in Naples, Florida.
His gripping novels redefined the genre and inspired countless adaptations.
Today in Music History
1955 – Charlie Parker’s Final Performance: Just days before his death, jazz icon Charlie Parker gave his last public performance at Birdland in New York City.
Despite his failing health, his influence on jazz remained unparalleled.
1969 – Paul McCartney Marries Linda Eastman: Beatles member Paul McCartney married American photographer Linda Eastman in a civil ceremony in London.
Their partnership became a cornerstone of his personal life and musical career.
1974 – John Lennon’s “Lost Weekend” Incident: During his separation from Yoko Ono, John Lennon was ejected from the Troubadour club in Los Angeles for heckling the Smothers Brothers.
This event marked a chaotic period in Lennon’s life often referred to as his “Lost Weekend.”
Today in Sports History
1894 – First Professional Hockey Game: The first recorded professional hockey game took place in the United States, marking an early milestone in the sport’s history.
Teams competed for pay, setting the stage for organized leagues like the NHL.
1966 – Bobby Hull Scores 51st Goal: Chicago Blackhawks star Bobby Hull became the first NHL player to score more than 50 goals in a single season, breaking the record with his 51st goal.
This achievement cemented his legacy as one of hockey’s greatest.
1985 – Larry Bird’s Historic Performance: Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird scored a career-high 60 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing his incredible scoring ability and clutch performance.
1994 – Church of England Ordains First Female Priests: While not directly sports-related, this historic event coincided with a significant day in sports history as it inspired discussions on breaking barriers, paralleling women’s growing roles in athletics during the era.
Today in Military and Naval History
1864 – Red River Campaign Launch: As part of the American Civil War, Union naval and ground forces began the Red River Campaign to control key Confederate territories in Louisiana.
The operation faced significant challenges and ultimately failed.
1918 – Moscow Becomes Soviet Capital: During World War I and amidst the Russian Civil War, the Bolshevik government moved the capital of Soviet Russia from Petrograd to Moscow, a strategic decision to protect the government from external threats.
1945 – RAF Bombing of Swinemünde: During World War II, the Royal Air Force conducted a devastating bombing raid on the German-held port of Swinemünde (now Świnoujście, Poland), targeting naval facilities and resulting in significant civilian casualties.
Today in Tech and Science History
1894 – Coca-Cola Sold in Bottles for the First Time: In Vicksburg, Mississippi, Coca-Cola was sold in bottles for the first time, revolutionizing the way the iconic beverage was distributed and consumed across the world.
1923 – Lee de Forest Demonstrates Sound-on-Film: Inventor Lee de Forest showcased his Phonofilm process, an early technology for synchronizing sound with motion pictures.
This breakthrough paved the way for the “talkies” era in cinema.
2003 – WHO Issues SARS Warning: The World Health Organization issued a global alert about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), marking the start of coordinated international efforts to combat the emerging epidemic.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1913 – Canberra Named Capital of Australia: On this day, the city of Canberra was officially named the capital of Australia during a ceremony, symbolizing a new cultural and political center for the nation.
1928 – St. Francis Dam Disaster Inspires Art: The catastrophic collapse of the St. Francis Dam in California, one of the worst civil engineering disasters in U.S. history, later inspired numerous works of art, literature, and film reflecting on human error and tragedy.
1967 – Velvet Underground’s Debut Album Released: The Velvet Underground & Nico, the groundbreaking debut album by The Velvet Underground, was released, becoming a cultural touchstone for alternative music and art.
1993 – Janet Reno Becomes First Female U.S. Attorney General: Janet Reno was sworn in as the first woman to serve as U.S. Attorney General, a cultural milestone that influenced discussions on gender roles in leadership and inspired media portrayals.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1888 – The Great Blizzard of 1888 Begins: While not funny in itself, this massive snowstorm that buried the northeastern U.S. led to absurd situations, like people tunneling through snowdrifts to reach their destinations.
Creating bizarre urban landscapes overnight.
1933 – FDR’s First Fireside Chat: President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first “fireside chat” radio address, and while the content was serious, the intimate style confused some listeners who thought he was literally speaking from their fireplace.
1994 – Church of England’s Unusual Timing: On the same day the Church of England ordained its first female priests, some quirky local headlines jokingly suggested the heavens approved with unexpected spring weather, blending faith and humor in public discourse.
Today in History for Kids
1912 – Girl Scouts Are Born: A lady named Juliette Gordon Low started the Girl Scouts in Georgia, USA, to help girls learn new skills, make friends, and explore the outdoors.
Today, millions of girls around the world join in the fun and adventure.
1930 – Gandhi’s Salt March: A brave man named Mahatma Gandhi walked over 200 miles in India to protest unfair rules about salt.
He showed the world how to stand up for what’s right without fighting.
1999 – New Friends Join NATO: Three countries—Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic—joined a big group called NATO, which helps countries work together to keep everyone safe.
It was like making new friends on a global playground.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1864 – Ulysses S. Grant’s Promotion: On this day, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Ulysses S. Grant as General-in-Chief of all Union armies, a pivotal moment in the Civil War that shifted the tide toward Union victory.
1917 – Russian Revolution Prelude: The first stage of the Russian Revolution gained momentum as Tsar Nicholas II faced increasing unrest, with events on this day foreshadowing his abdication just days later.
1939 – Pope Pius XII Coronated: Eugenio Pacelli was crowned Pope Pius XII in a grand ceremony at the Vatican, taking leadership of the Catholic Church on the eve of World War II, a challenging time for global faith communities.
2006 – South Dakota Abortion Ban: South Dakota’s governor signed a controversial bill banning most abortions, sparking national debate and legal challenges, reflecting ongoing cultural and political divides in the United States.