Merrilee Maynard

Written by Merrilee Maynard

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

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Source: Facts.net

In the vast tapestry of history, every day holds its own significance, with March 11th being no exception. This date has been marked by a multitude of fascinating facts and remarkable events that have shaped the course of our world. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to political milestones and cultural achievements, March 11th has witnessed a diverse range of happenings throughout the centuries.

By delving into the events that occurred on this day, we gain a deeper understanding of how our past has influenced our present. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the remarkable facts and events that took place on March 11th throughout history.

Key Takeaways:

  • March 11th has seen significant events like Napoleon’s marriage and Lithuania’s independence. It’s a day of triumph and tragedy, shaping human history with scientific breakthroughs and cultural milestones.
  • On March 11th, the world witnessed the birth of notable figures like mathematician Urbain Le Verrier and author Douglas Adams, as well as the sad passing of historical figures like Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and Pope Julius II.
Table of Contents

HISTORICAL EVENTS

  • 1810: Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte marries Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria.
  • 1851: The first performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Rigoletto” takes place in Venice, Italy.
  • 1918: The first confirmed case of Spanish flu is reported in the United States, marking the beginning of a global pandemic.
  • 1977: The Hanafi Siege takes place in Washington, D.C., as armed Islamic radicals take over three buildings, resulting in a hostage situation.
  • 1990: Lithuania declares its independence from the Soviet Union.

SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS

  • 1808: Joseph Fourier, French mathematician and physicist, presents his concept of the greenhouse effect to the French Academy of Sciences.
  • 1869: The periodic table of elements is first published by Russian chemist Dmitry Mendeleev.
  • 1935: Physicist Erwin Schrödinger publishes his famous thought experiment, “Schrödinger’s cat,” in which a cat can be simultaneously alive and dead.
  • 1952: The Curies’ papers on radioactivity are opened for public access after being sealed for 49 years.
  • 1997: The Mars Pathfinder spacecraft is launched, successfully landing a rover, Sojourner, on Mars in July of the same year.

POLITICAL MILESTONES

  • 222: Roman Emperor Elagabalus is assassinated, leading to the rise of Severus Alexander as the new emperor.
  • 1861: The Confederate Constitution is adopted, establishing the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.
  • 1927: The richest man in the world, oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, becomes the first billionaire.
  • 1977: Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India resigns after being found guilty of electoral malpractice.
  • 2004: Madrid train bombings: A series of coordinated terrorist attacks on commuter trains in Madrid, Spain, kills 191 people and injures thousands.

CULTURAL EVENTS

  • 1818: English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley is expelled from the University of Oxford for publishing “The Necessity of Atheism.
  • 1930: The first photocopier, produced by the Haloid Photographic Company (later Xerox Corporation), is demonstrated in New York City.
  • 1967: The musical “Hair” premieres off-Broadway at the Public Theater in New York City.
  • 1989: Disney’s Hollywood Studios (originally known as Disney-MGM Studios) opens in Bay Lake, Florida.
  • 2011: The musical “The Book of Mormon” opens on Broadway, receiving critical acclaim and multiple Tony Awards.

BIRTHS

  • 1811: Urbain Le Verrier, French mathematician and astronomer who predicted the existence and position of Neptune.
  • 1947: Mitt Romney, American businessman and politician who served as the Governor of Massachusetts and ran for President of the United States.
  • 1952: Douglas Adams, English author best known for his science fiction series “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
  • 1969: Terrence Howard, American actor known for his roles in films such as “Hustle & Flow” and “Iron Man.”
  • 1983: Becky Hammon, American-Russian former professional basketball player and current assistant coach in the NBA.

NOTABLE DEATHS

  • 1513: Pope Julius II, Italian pope known for commissioning Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
  • 1810: Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, French military and political leader who conquered much of Europe in the early 19th century.
  • 1917: Clara Barton, American nurse and humanitarian who founded the American Red Cross.
  • 1965: Lorraine Hansberry, American playwright and author known for her play “A Raisin in the Sun.
  • 1997: Brian Connolly, Scottish singer and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the band Sweet.

Conclusion

March 11th is a significant date in history, marked by various events and milestones. From political upheavals to scientific breakthroughs, this day has witnessed remarkable occurrences that have shaped the course of human civilization. Cultural events and notable births have also taken place on this day, adding to its significance. The events that unfolded on March 11th serve as reminders of the complexity of our world and the continuous progress we make as a society. This date will forever be etched in history as a day of both triumph and tragedy, capturing the highs and lows of the human experience.

FAQs

Q: What are some significant historical events that happened on March 11th?

A: Some significant historical events that happened on March 11th include Napoleon Bonaparte’s marriage to Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria in 1810, Lithuania declaring its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, and the Madrid train bombings in 2004.

Q: Are there any notable scientific breakthroughs associated with March 11th?

A: Yes, March 11th has witnessed significant scientific breakthroughs such as the publication of the periodic table of elements by Dmitry Mendeleev in 1869 and the launch of the Mars Pathfinder spacecraft in 1997.

Q: What are some political milestones that have occurred on March 11th?

A: Political milestones on March 11th include the adoption of the Confederate Constitution in 1861 during the American Civil War and former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s resignation in 1977.

Q: Are there any notable cultural events associated with March 11th?

A: Yes, cultural events such as the premiere of the musical “Hair” off-Broadway in 1967 and the opening of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1989 have taken place on March 11th.

Q: Who are some notable individuals born on March 11th?

A: Some notable individuals born on March 11th include French mathematician and astronomer Urbain Le Verrier, American politician Mitt Romney, and English author Douglas Adams.

Q: Who are some notable figures who have passed away on March 11th?

A: Notable figures who have passed away on March 11th include Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, Pope Julius II, and American Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

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