This day in history: 31 march

1889: Inauguration of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel, was officially inaugurated in Paris. At 984 feet (300 meters), it became a symbol of technological innovation and commemorated the centenary of the French Revolution.
1856: End of the Crimean War
The Treaty of Paris was signed, marking the conclusion of the Crimean War between Russia and a coalition that included Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire.
1855: Death of Charlotte Brontë
Charlotte Brontë, the renowned English novelist and author of Jane Eyre, passed away on this day.
1939: British Guarantee to Poland
Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced Britain’s commitment to defend Poland against aggression. This pledge marked a shift in British foreign policy and set the stage for World War II later that year.

1931: Death of Knute Rockne
Legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne died in a plane crash near Bazaar, Kansas, along with seven others. His death led to significant advancements in airline safety.
1933: Establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the CCC to provide jobs for unemployed Americans while focusing on environmental conservation projects.
1945: German Jet Fighter Captured
A defecting German pilot delivered the Messerschmitt Me 262A-1, the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft, to American forces during World War II.
1949: Newfoundland Joins Canada
Newfoundland officially became the 10th province of Canada, marking a significant expansion of the Canadian Confederation.
1964: Introduction of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.
The United States implemented Daylight Saving Time for the first time, following Germany’s earlier adoption during World War I.

1854: Convention of Kanagawa Signed
Japan signed the Convention of Kanagawa with the United States, marking the end of its over 200 years of seclusion. This treaty opened Japanese ports to American ships and established diplomatic relations between the two nations.
1959: Dalai Lama Granted Asylum in India
Following his exile from Tibet, the Dalai Lama was granted asylum in India, marking a significant moment in Tibetan history and international relations.
1906: Railway Nationalization Act Passed in Japan
Japan enacted the Railway Nationalization Act, consolidating private railways under government control to modernize transportation infrastructure.
2000: Mount Usu Eruption in Japan
Mount Usu in Hokkaido erupted for the first time in 23 years, causing significant local disruption.
1988: Train Accident in Shanghai
A tragic train accident occurred during a graduation trip, killing 27 students and teachers.

1960: South African Government Declares State of Emergency
Following the Sharpeville massacre, where over 50 protestors were killed during demonstrations against apartheid laws, the South African government declared a state of emergency. This marked a turning point in the anti-apartheid struggle.
1905: Kaiser Wilhelm II Supports Moroccan Independence
German Emperor Wilhelm II visited Tangier and expressed support for Morocco’s independence, challenging French colonial influence and igniting the First Moroccan Crisis.
2025: Zimbabwe March 31 Uprising
Zimbabwean political activist Blessed Geza called for protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, citing economic mismanagement and corruption. This event has stirred political tensions in the country.
2000: Uganda Cult Tragedy
Officials confirmed over 900 deaths linked to the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments cult. The tragedy included a church fire and mass graves discovered across Uganda.