On This Day in History

March 29

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2017
Politics

United Kingdom Formally Leaves the European Union

The United Kingdom triggered Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, formally beginning the process of Brexit. It marked the first time a member state initiated departure from the EU.

📍 London, United Kingdom

Politics Brexit European Union
2005
Tragedy

Earthquake Devastates Daska, Pakistan

A severe earthquake struck Daska in Punjab province, Pakistan, causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The disaster underscored the country's seismic risks.

📍 Daska, Pakistan

Tragedy Earthquake Pakistan
1979
Politics

Sweden Becomes First European Country to Ban Corporal Punishment of Children

Sweden passed landmark legislation banning all forms of corporal punishment of children, becoming the first country in the world to do so and setting a precedent for children's rights globally.

📍 Stockholm, Sweden

Politics Human Rights Sweden
1975
Science

NASA’s Mariner 10 Makes Third and Final Flyby of Mercury

NASA’s Mariner 10 spacecraft completed its third and final flyby of Mercury, becoming the first mission to explore the innermost planet and laying the groundwork for future planetary science.

📍 Mercury Orbit (NASA Mission)

Science Space NASA
1974
Culture

Terracotta Army Discovered in China

Chinese farmers near Xi’an uncovered the Terracotta Army, a vast collection of life-sized sculptures buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, sparking one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

📍 Xi’an, China

Culture Archaeology China
1972
Politics

U.S. Recognizes Independence of Bangladesh

The United States formally recognized Bangladesh as an independent nation following its liberation war from Pakistan. This recognition marked a significant diplomatic milestone in South Asian history.

📍 Dhaka, Bangladesh

Politics Recognition Bangladesh
1966
Science

First Man-Powered Flight Recognized in Japan

A team from Nihon University achieved the first officially recognized man-powered flight in Japan, contributing to global research on human-powered aviation and aerodynamics.

📍 Chiba, Japan

Science Aviation Japan
1961
Politics

Cyprus Joins the Council of Europe

Cyprus became the 13th member of the Council of Europe, affirming its commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law on the international stage.

📍 Strasbourg, France

Politics Council of Europe Cyprus
1952
Tragedy

Earthquake Hits Azores Islands

A powerful earthquake struck the Azores archipelago, causing extensive damage in the town of SĂŁo Jorge and highlighting the geological volatility of the mid-Atlantic region.

📍 Azores, Portugal

Tragedy Earthquake Portugal
1948
War

Chinese Civil War: Communist Forces Capture Strategic City of Kaifeng

During the Chinese Civil War, Communist forces captured the important city of Kaifeng from the Nationalists, marking a turning point in their campaign to control central China.

📍 Kaifeng, China

War China Civil War Communism
1945
War

German Instrument of Surrender Signed in Italy During WWII

German forces in northern Italy signed an agreement to surrender to the Allied powers, signaling a major step toward the end of World War II in Europe.

📍 Caspel, Italy

War WWII Surrender
1912
Exploration

Death of Robert Falcon Scott Confirmed During Antarctic Expedition

British explorer Robert Falcon Scott and his team perished during their return journey from the South Pole. Their diaries, found later, documented the tragic end of one of history's most famed polar expeditions.

📍 Antarctica

Exploration Antarctica Tragedy
1901
Culture

Cy Young Throws First Perfect Game in Modern Baseball Era

Legendary pitcher Cy Young threw the first perfect game in the modern era of Major League Baseball. His achievement became a historical benchmark in the sport.

📍 Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Culture Sports Baseball
1884
Politics

Voting Rights Act Enacted in the United Kingdom

The Representation of the People Act 1884 was passed by the British Parliament, expanding voting rights to rural male householders and reshaping the democratic landscape of the United Kingdom.

📍 London, United Kingdom

Politics Voting Rights United Kingdom
1879
War

War of the Pacific Begins Between Chile, Bolivia, and Peru

The War of the Pacific officially began between Chile and the allied forces of Bolivia and Peru, triggered by disputes over resource-rich territories along the Pacific coast. It reshaped South American geopolitics.

📍 Atacama Desert, South America

War South America Chile Peru Bolivia
1875
Culture

Composer Georges Bizet’s 'Carmen' Premieres in Paris

Georges Bizet’s opera 'Carmen' premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. Though initially controversial, it became one of the most frequently performed and beloved operas in the world.

📍 Paris, France

Culture Opera France
1863
War

Battle of Hoover's Gap Begins in American Civil War

Union forces under Colonel John T. Wilder launched an attack at Hoover's Gap, Tennessee, marking a pivotal early engagement that showcased the strategic value of mounted infantry and repeating rifles.

📍 Tennessee, United States

War American Civil War Military
1856
Politics

First Victoria Cross Medals Awarded for Gallantry

Queen Victoria presented the first Victoria Cross medals to British soldiers for acts of exceptional bravery during the Crimean War, establishing the UK's highest military honor.

📍 London, United Kingdom

Politics Military United Kingdom
1827
Science

First Permanent Photograph Taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce

Joseph Nicéphore Niépce captured what is considered the world’s first permanent photograph using a process called heliography, laying the foundation for modern photography.

📍 Chalon-sur-Saône, France

Science Photography Invention
1824
Culture

Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis Premieres in St. Petersburg

Ludwig van Beethoven’s monumental choral work, the Missa Solemnis, premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia. It remains one of the most profound sacred compositions in Western classical music.

📍 St. Petersburg, Russia

Culture Music Beethoven