This day in history: 25 march

1306: Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scotland at Scone Palace. His reign led to Scotland’s independence from English rule after the decisive Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and the Treaty of Northampton in 1328.
1807: The British Parliament abolished the slave trade, a milestone in the fight against slavery led by Quakers and other activists.
1821: Traditional date for the start of the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation.
1957: Six European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) signed the Treaties of Rome, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC), a precursor to the European Union.
1949: The Soviet Union began deporting approximately 90,000 Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians during Operation Priboi to weaken Baltic nationalist movements.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911): A devastating fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, killing 146 workers, most of them young female immigrants. This tragedy highlighted unsafe working conditions and led to significant labor reforms, including improved workplace safety regulations.
Scottsboro Boys Incident (1931): Nine African American teenagers were falsely accused of raping two white women in Alabama. The case became a symbol of racial injustice in the U.S., with years of trials and eventual exoneration.
Selma to Montgomery March (1965): Led by Martin Luther King Jr., 25,000 civil rights activists completed a five-day march to the Alabama state capitol, advocating for voting rights for African Americans. This march was pivotal in the passage of the Voting Rights Act later that year.
Maryland Day (1634): The first group of settlers landed in Maryland, commemorating the establishment of one of the original colonies in America.
Montana Freemen Standoff (1996): A confrontation began between federal agents and members of the Montana Freemen, a militia group that refused to recognize government authority. The standoff lasted for 81 days.

Operation Searchlight (1971): On March 25, 1971, the Pakistan Army launched a brutal crackdown on Dhaka, initiating “Operation Searchlight.” This genocidal campaign targeted civilians in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), killing thousands in one night and leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War. Over nine months, an estimated three million people were killed, and 200,000 women suffered sexual violence. This event ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
Death of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia (1975): King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was assassinated on this day by his nephew during a majlis session. Faisal was a modernist ruler known for his reform policies that helped Saudi Arabia’s financial struggles.
Hue International Festival (Vietnam): March 25 marks the Hue International Festival, showcasing traditional crafts, photography exhibitions, and Vietnamese cuisine to preserve cultural heritage.

Assassination of Alphonse Massamba-Débat (1977): The former President of the Republic of the Congo was executed on this day for his alleged involvement in the assassination of his successor, President Marien Ngouabi.
Mau Mau Uprising (1953): By this date in 1953, the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule in Kenya was gaining momentum. This movement played a critical role in Kenya’s eventual independence.
International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade: March 25 is observed annually to honor the millions who suffered under slavery and to raise awareness about its lasting impact. This UN-designated day also seeks to educate future generations about the dangers of racism and prejudice.