Today In History: March 8 stands as the 67th day of the year (or 68th in leap years) according to the Gregorian calendar, leaving us with 298 days until the year’s conclusion. This day is not only recognized globally as International Women’s Day, a celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender equality, but also as Proofreading Day, emphasizing the importance of clear and error-free communication. As we mark this significant day, we’ve reached the 68th milestone of the year. Let’s delve into the past and uncover some Major Historical Events on March 8.
Major Historical Events on March 8- Today in History
1531 – Henry VIII’s Church Supremacy
Henry VIII was recognized as the supreme head of the Church in England by the Convocation of Canterbury. This marked a pivotal moment in the English Reformation. It signified the king’s break from the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England, under the king’s control.
1702 – Queen Anne’s Ascension
Anne Stuart became the Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland following William III’s death. Her reign was marked by the unification of England and Scotland into Great Britain in 1707. She was the last monarch of the Stuart dynasty.
1775 – Anti-Slavery Article
An anonymous writer, believed by some to be Thomas Paine, published “African Slavery in America.” It was the first article in the American colonies to call for the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery.
1782 – Gnadenhutten Massacre
Ninety-six Native Americans in Gnadenhutten, Ohio, converted to Christianity, were killed by Pennsylvania militiamen. This act of violence was in retaliation for raids by other Indian groups.
1799 – Napoleon Captures Jaffa
Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces captured the city of Jaffa from the Ottoman Empire in Palestine. This victory was part of his military campaign in Egypt and Syria, showcasing Napoleon’s strategic military prowess and ambition.
1929 – Slavery Report in Liberia
The US worker union commission reported the existence of slavery in Liberia. This report brought international attention to the issue, highlighting the continued existence of slavery in the 20th century and sparking demands for change.
1934 – Hubble’s Galaxy Revelation
Edwin Hubble’s photo showed as many galaxies as there are stars in the Milky Way. This discovery expanded our understanding of the universe, revealing the vastness and complexity beyond our galaxy.
1942 – Rangoon Captured by Japan
Japanese forces captured Rangoon, Burma, during World War II. This strategic victory allowed Japan to control Burma, disrupting Allied supply lines and demonstrating Japan’s military reach in Southeast Asia.
1958 – Maryland Wins ACC
Maryland defeated North Carolina in the 5th ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament. This victory underscored the competitive nature of college basketball and Maryland’s prowess in the sport during that period.
1966 – Nelson’s Pillar Bombing
Nelson’s Pillar in Dublin, Ireland, was destroyed by a bomb. This act was symbolic, targeting a monument associated with British imperialism, and reflected the ongoing tensions between Ireland and Britain.
1973 – Nuclear Test in Nevada
The US performed a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site. This test was part of a series of nuclear tests conducted during the Cold War, demonstrating the ongoing arms race and nuclear proliferation.
1979 – Compact Disc Demonstration
Philips demonstrated the compact disc publicly for the first time. This technological innovation revolutionized the music industry, offering a new format for storing and playing music with superior sound quality.
1979 – Volcanoes on Io
Images taken by Voyager I proved the existence of volcanoes on Io, a moon of Jupiter. This discovery was significant for planetary science, providing evidence of volcanic activity beyond Earth.
1981 – Walter Cronkite Signs Off
Walter Cronkite signed off as anchorman of “CBS Evening News.” Cronkite was known as “the most trusted man in America,” and his retirement marked the end of an era in broadcast journalism.
1983 – “Evil Empire” Speech
U.S. President Ronald Reagan labeled the Soviet Union an “evil empire” while addressing a convention of Evangelicals. This phrase became emblematic of Reagan’s hardline stance against communism and the Cold War rhetoric.
1985 – Beirut Bombing Attempt
A supposed failed assassination attempt on Islamic cleric Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah in Beirut, Lebanon, killed 80 and injured 200 others. The attack highlighted the volatility and sectarian violence in Lebanon during that period.
1986 – Navratilova’s Earnings Milestone
Navratilova’s Earnings Milestone: Martina Navratilova became the first tennis player to earn $10 million. This achievement highlighted her dominance in women’s tennis and her role in elevating the sport’s profile and financial viability for female athletes.
1988 – Aeroflot Flight Hijacked
Aeroflot Flight Hijacked: Aeroflot Flight 3379 was hijacked by the Ovechkin family and diverted to Veshchevo in the Soviet Union. This event was a rare instance of hijacking within the Soviet Union, showcasing the desperation of some individuals to escape the Soviet regime.
2004 – Iraq’s New Constitution
A new constitution was signed by Iraq’s Governing Council. This event was a key step in Iraq’s post-Saddam Hussein reconstruction, aiming to establish a democratic framework and governance structure amidst ongoing conflict and instability.
2010 – “Transformers” Wins Razzies
Revenge of the Fallen” won three Golden Raspberry Awards at the 30th Golden Raspberry Awards. These awards humorously recognize the worst in film, highlighting the movie’s critical reception despite its commercial success.
2014 – Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Disappearance
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, carrying 239 people, disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The flight’s fate remains one of aviation’s greatest mysteries, prompting widespread search efforts and investigations.
2017 – Azure Window Collapse
The Azure Window, a natural arch on the Maltese island of Gozo, collapsed in stormy weather. This event marked the loss of a beloved natural landmark and tourist attraction, highlighting the impact of natural erosion and environmental factors.
2018 – US Tariffs on Metals
US President Donald Trump authorized tariffs on steel and aluminum, excluding Canada and Mexico. This decision was part of a broader trade policy aimed at protecting domestic industries.
2018 – Aurat March in Pakistan
The first Aurat March was held on International Women’s Day in Karachi, Pakistan. This social/political demonstration called for women’s rights to bodily autonomy and against gender-based violence, becoming an annual event across Pakistan.
2020 – Australia Wins Cricket World Cup
Australia defeated India by 85 runs at the ICC Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup. This victory showcased Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket and highlighted the growing popularity and competitiveness of the sport.
2021 – Violence at Women’s Day Marches
International Women’s Day marches in Mexico became violent, with 62 police officers and 19 civilians injured in Mexico City alone. The violence underscored the tensions and challenges in the fight for women’s rights and social justice.
2021 – National Unity Consultative Council in Myanmar
Twenty-eight political institutions in Myanmar established the National Unity Consultative Council. This historic alliance of ethnic armed organizations and democratically elected leaders was a response to the 2021 Myanmar coup d’état.
2022 – US-UK Ban on Russian Oil
US President Joe Biden announced a ban on Russian oil imports with the UK. This decision was a response to Russia’s actions and part of broader sanctions aimed at exerting economic pressure and signaling international disapproval.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on March 5- Today in History
