This day in history: 12 march

1938: Anschluss – Nazi Germany Invades Austria
Adolf Hitler’s troops marched into Austria, and the next day, Austria was annexed into Nazi Germany. This event, known as the Anschluss, was a pivotal moment leading up to World War II.
1947: Truman Doctrine Announced
U.S. President Harry S. Truman declared the Truman Doctrine, committing to provide military and economic aid to Greece and Turkey to counter communist influence. This marked the beginning of the U.S. policy of containment during the Cold War.
1999: NATO Expansion
Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic officially became members of NATO, symbolizing their shift from Soviet influence to Western alliances after the Cold War.
1994: Ordination of Women in the Church of England
The Church of England ordained its first female priests, a landmark event that led to significant changes in its clergy structure.

1912: Founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA
Juliette Gordon Low organized the first meeting of 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia, establishing what would become the Girl Scouts of the USA.
1894: Coca-Cola Sold in Bottles for the First Time
Joseph A. Biedenharn, a candy store owner in Vicksburg, Mississippi, bottled Coca-Cola for the first time, transitioning it from a fountain drink to a globally recognized product.
1947: The Truman Doctrine Announced
President Harry S. Truman addressed Congress, outlining U.S. foreign policy aimed at containing communism by providing military and economic aid to Greece and Turkey.
1970: Voting Age Reduced to 18
The Twenty-Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lowered the legal voting age from 21 to 18, granting younger citizens greater political influence.
1945: Anti-Discrimination Bill Signed in New York
This legislation made it illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, religion, or creed.

1940: Assassination of Michael O’Dwyer by Udham Singh (India)
Indian revolutionary Udham Singh assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in London. This was an act of revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.
1959: Women’s Uprising Day (Tibet)
Thousands of Tibetan women participated in protests against Chinese rule during the Tibetan uprising. This marked a significant moment in the Tibetan resistance movement.
1996: India’s Cricket World Cup Loss
India lost to Sri Lanka in the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The match is remembered for crowd unrest and India’s dramatic collapse.
2004: Death of Ustad Vilayat Khan (India)
The legendary sitar maestro and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan passed away on this day. He was a towering figure in Indian classical music.

1968: Independence of Mauritius
Mauritius gained independence from Britain on March 12, marking the beginning of its journey as a sovereign nation. This day is celebrated annually as Independence Day in Mauritius.
1992: Mauritius Becomes a Republic
On the same date, Mauritius transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, further solidifying its political autonomy.
1773: Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Begins Building Chicago
Although not directly tied to Africa, Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, a Haitian-born man of African descent, began building the settlement that would become Chicago. His achievements highlight the contributions of Africans and their descendants globally.