Europa
- 1616: The Catholic Church banned Nicolaus Copernicus’ revolutionary book De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, which proposed that the Earth revolves around the Sun. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of astronomy.
- 1770: The Boston Massacre occurred, a key event leading to the American Revolution, though it involved British troops stationed in the colonies.
- 1793: Austrian troops crushed French forces and recaptured Liège during the French Revolutionary Wars.
- 1933: Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party won 43.9% of the vote in German parliamentary elections, enabling them to consolidate power and later pass the Enabling Act, establishing a dictatorship.
- 1936: The British Spitfire fighter plane made its first test flight in Southampton. This aircraft would later play a crucial role in World War II.
- 1940: Soviet leaders, including Stalin, signed an order for the execution of thousands of Polish prisoners of war and intelligentsia, later known as the Katyn Massacre.
- 1944: The Red Army launched the Uman–Botoșani Offensive during World War II, advancing into Ukraine.
- 1945: American forces entered Cologne during World War II, marking a significant step in the Allied advance into Germany. On the same day, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service as an officer driver.
- 1970: The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty came into force, aiming to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
- 1981: The ZX81 home computer was launched in Britain, becoming one of the first affordable personal computers for households.
America
- 1770: The Boston Massacre
British soldiers fired on a crowd of colonists in Boston, killing five people, including Crispus Attucks, an African American sailor who became a symbol of the abolitionist movement. This event intensified tensions between Britain and its American colonies, contributing to the revolutionary sentiment that led to the American Revolution. - 1821: James Monroe’s Inauguration
James Monroe was inaugurated as the fifth President of the United States, continuing his leadership during the “Era of Good Feelings”. - 1933: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Inauguration
Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd President of the United States during the Great Depression. On this day, he proclaimed a four-day “Bank Holiday” to stabilize the banking system. - 1946: Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” Speech
Winston Churchill delivered his famous speech at Westminster College in Missouri, marking the beginning of Cold War rhetoric by highlighting Soviet control over Eastern Europe.
Asia
- 1869: Return of Land Holdings in Japan
The regional daimyō (feudal lords) returned their land holdings to the emperor, marking an important step in the centralization of power during Japan’s Meiji Restoration. - 1906: First Battle of Bud Dajo
During the Moro Rebellion in the Philippines, U.S. Army forces launched an overwhelming attack on the native Moros at Bud Dajo, leaving only six survivors. - 1942: Japanese Capture Batavia
Japanese forces captured Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), the capital of the Dutch East Indies, during World War II. This marked a significant moment in Japan’s expansion in Southeast Asia. - 1953: Death of Joseph Stalin
Although Stalin’s death primarily impacted the Soviet Union, it had significant repercussions in Asia, particularly in China and North Korea, where his policies and alliances shaped political developments. - 1966: Mount Fuji Plane Crash
A British BOAC Flight 911 crashed near Mount Fuji due to clear-air turbulence, killing all 124 people on board. This tragedy highlighted aviation safety challenges in Asia. - 1979: Sino-Vietnamese War
On this date, tensions between China and Vietnam escalated into conflict following China’s invasion of northern Vietnam. The war was brief but had lasting implications for regional geopolitics. - 2021: Pope Francis Visits Iraq
Pope Francis became the first pope to visit Iraq, promoting interfaith dialogue and peace in a region marked by decades of conflict.
Africa
- 1916: South African Troops Invade East Africa
During World War I, South African forces confronted German troops in East Africa, marking a significant military engagement on the continent. - 1921: Durban Land Alienation Ordinance
The Durban City Council passed legislation excluding Indians from owning or occupying property in white areas, reflecting the racial segregation policies of the time. - 2014: Taxi Operator Strike in Kenya
Taxi and matatu drivers in Nairobi protested against increased parking fees implemented by Governor Evans Kidero. This strike highlighted broader issues of urban governance and economic pressures on essential workers. - 2009: Assassination of John Paul Oulo
The Kenyan human rights activist was assassinated on this day, underscoring the risks faced by activists in Africa.
This day in history: 5 march