As the calendar turns to March 24, we find ourselves standing at the crossroads of time, where the echoes of the past meet the silence of the present. This day holds within it stories of human endeavor, tales of sacrifice and discovery, moments that have irrevocably altered the fabric of our reality. It is a time for reflection, for pausing to consider the weight of our history and the lessons it offers us. Here is list of some Major Historical Events that happened on March 24.
Major Historical Events on March 24- Today in History
1387: Battle of Margate Victory
In 1387, an English fleet triumphed over a combined Franco-Castilian-Flemish force in the Battle of Margate. This victory off the coast of Margate bolstered English naval dominance during a period marked by frequent maritime conflicts.
1603: Tokugawa Shogunate Established
In 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu received the title of shōgun, establishing the Tokugawa shogunate. This event marked the beginning of a period of stability and isolation in Japan, with Edo (modern Tokyo) as its heart.
1720: King of Sweden Elected
In 1720, Count Frederick of Hesse-Kassel was elected King of Sweden. His election came after Ulrika Eleonora abdicated, highlighting the era’s complex dynastic and political maneuverings within European monarchies.
1765: Quartering Act Passed
The Quartering Act was passed by Great Britain in 1765. It mandated housing British troops in the Thirteen Colonies, exacerbating tensions that would eventually lead to the American Revolution.
1829: Catholic Relief Act
In 1829, the Roman Catholic Relief Act was passed, allowing Catholics to serve in the UK Parliament. This was a significant step towards religious equality, reducing the discrimination Catholics faced.
1860: Sakuradamon Incident
The Sakuradamon Incident in 1860 saw the assassination of Japanese Chief Minister Ii Naosuke. This event underscored the internal conflicts during Japan’s transition towards the Meiji Restoration.
1870: Caracoles Silver Discovery
In 1870, a Chilean prospecting party discovered silver ores in Caracoles. This discovery led to a silver rush and a diplomatic dispute over taxation between Chile and Bolivia, highlighting the region’s geopolitical complexities.
1900: NYC Subway Groundbreaking
New York City Mayor Robert Anderson Van Wyck broke ground for a new underground “Rapid Transit Railroad” in 1900. This project would eventually link Manhattan and Brooklyn, revolutionizing urban transport in New York.
1927: Nanking Incident
The 1927 Nanking Incident involved foreign warships bombarding Nanjing to protect foreign citizens. This event highlighted the volatile relations between China and foreign powers during a turbulent period in Chinese history.
1934: Tydings–McDuffie Act
The Tydings–McDuffie Act was passed in 1934, paving the way for the Philippines to become a self-governing commonwealth. This legislation marked a significant step towards Philippine independence from American colonial rule.
1944: Rome Civilian Massacre
In 1944, German troops massacred 335 Italian civilians in Rome. This atrocity reflected the brutal nature of World War II’s impact on civilian populations.
1944: The Great Escape
Also in 1944, the famous escape from Stalag Luft III occurred, later dramatized as “The Great Escape.” This daring breakout by Allied prisoners of war became a symbol of resistance against Nazi imprisonment.
1946: British Cabinet Mission to India
A British Cabinet Mission arrived in India in 1946 to discuss the transfer of power. This mission was crucial in the eventual granting of independence to India, marking the end of British colonial rule.
1949: Hanns Albin Rauter Executed
In 1949, Hanns Albin Rauter was executed for crimes against humanity. His conviction underscored the post-war efforts to bring Nazi war criminals to justice.
1961: French Language Board Established
The Quebec Board of the French Language was established in 1961, emphasizing the importance of the French language in Quebec and efforts to preserve its status within the province.
1972: Direct Rule in Northern Ireland
Direct rule was imposed on Northern Ireland in 1972 by the UK government. This move came amid escalating violence and political deadlock, marking a significant shift in the British government’s approach to the Northern Ireland conflict.
1976: Argentina’s Military Coup
In 1976, Argentina’s armed forces overthrew President Isabel Perón. This coup began a dictatorial period known as the National Reorganization Process, characterized by widespread human rights abuses.
1977: Morarji Desai Prime Minister
Morarji Desai became Prime Minister of India in 1977, the first not from the Indian National Congress. His election marked a significant moment in Indian politics, indicating a shift in political power.
1980: Archbishop Romero Assassinated
Archbishop Óscar Romero was assassinated in 1980 while celebrating Mass. His death became a symbol of the struggle for human rights and justice in El Salvador.
1982: Bangladeshi President Deposed
In 1982, Bangladeshi President Abdus Sattar was deposed in a coup. This event led to the suspension of the Constitution and imposition of martial law, illustrating the country’s political instability.
1986: Loscoe Gas Explosion
The Loscoe gas explosion in 1986 prompted new UK laws on landfill gas migration. This event underscored the importance of environmental safety regulations.
1993: Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 Discovered
Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 was discovered in 1993. This discovery at the Palomar Observatory by Carolyn and Eugene Shoemaker and David Levy contributed significantly to our understanding of comets.
1998: Dantan Tornado Disaster
In 1998, a tornado swept through Dantan in India. It caused extensive destruction, killing 250 people and injuring 3,000, highlighting the devastating impact of natural disasters.
1999: Mont Blanc Tunnel Inferno
A lorry fire in the Mont Blanc Tunnel in 1999 killed 38 people. The inferno, caused by a vehicle carrying margarine and flour, underscored the dangers of transporting goods through such infrastructure.
2008: Bhutan Becomes Democracy
Bhutan became a democracy in 2008, holding its first general election. This transition marked a significant shift in the nation’s governance, moving from a monarchy to a democratic system.
2018: March for Our Lives
Students across the United States staged the March for Our Lives. This nationwide movement demanded stricter gun control laws. It was in response to a tragic school shooting. The event highlighted the power of youth activism in addressing gun violence.
2019: Jakarta MRT Operational
The Jakarta MRT began operation, marking a significant advancement in Indonesia’s public transportation system. This event signified Jakarta’s efforts to alleviate traffic congestion.
2020: India’s COVID-19 Lockdown
The Prime Minister of India announced a 21-day national lockdown to combat COVID-19. This unprecedented measure aimed to slow the spread of the virus in the world’s second-most populous country.
2023: Africa’s First Biobank Opens
Africa’s first centralized biobank, Biodiversity Biobanks South Africa, opened in Pretoria. This facility began collecting over a million biodiversity samples. It represented a significant step in conserving Africa’s rich biodiversity.
2023: Mississippi Delta Tornado
A supercell storm produced a powerful EF-4 tornado in the Mississippi Delta. This tornado remained on the ground for more than an hour, traveling over 170 miles. It resulted in the deaths of 26 people, highlighting the devastating power of natural disasters.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on March 22- Today in History
