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Top Ten Events on March 31 – Foundational Changes & Farewell to Icons |
Tracker brings you Today
in History – Explore top historical events, famous birthdays, notable deaths,
and FAQs from this day........
1889 – Eiffel Tower Officially Inaugurated in Paris
On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was officially opened to the public in Paris. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the 1,083-foot structure was completed as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair. Although initially criticized, it later became one of the most iconic monuments in the world. This historic invention symbolizes French engineering and innovation. The Eiffel Tower represents a revolutionary moment in architecture and tourism. The 31 March day is remembered as a pivotal date in modern history. It appears frequently in world history timelines and historical archives as a monument of great cultural importance.
1966 – Soviet Luna 10 Becomes First Spacecraft to Orbit the Moon
March 31, 1966, witnessed a milestone in space exploration when Luna 10, a Soviet spacecraft, entered lunar orbit. It became the first human-made object to orbit the Moon, marking a historic discovery during the intense Cold War-era space race. This achievement showcased the Soviet Union's advancement in space science and remains a celebrated feat in scientific history. Luna 10 transmitted important data about the Moon's surface. March 31 is deeply etched in modern history and space archives as a symbol of technological breakthrough. This Day in History celebrates Luna 10 as a giant leap in the Past to Present journey.
1492 – Alhambra Decree Expels Jews from Spain
On March 31, 1492, the Alhambra Decree was issued by Spain’s Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. This edict ordered the expulsion of Jews who refused to convert to Christianity. It marked a tragic event in ancient history and sparked mass migration and religious turmoil. The decree drastically impacted Spanish culture and Jewish history. March 31 religious holiday archives often note this as a turning point in European religious history. This historic moment stands as a reminder of forced conversions, intolerance, and the consequences of state-imposed religion. The History Matters community continues to study this decree's long-term effects.
1918 – Daylight Saving Time First Implemented in the U.S.
March 31, 1918, marks the first implementation of Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the United States. Introduced during World War I to conserve fuel, the move adjusted clocks forward by one hour. This modern history event influenced how societies measure time and manage energy. The Historical Timeline includes this event as a unique societal adaptation. Though still debated, DST is practiced in many countries. The March 31 calendar thus includes a notable change in timekeeping. Forgotten History and History Uncovered highlight this as a clever yet controversial idea adopted globally over the decades.
1854 – Treaty of Kanagawa Opens Japan to U.S. Trade
On March 31, 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry of the U.S. Navy signed the Treaty of Kanagawa with Japan. This agreement ended Japan's 220-year-old policy of national seclusion and opened ports to American trade. It marked a revolutionary moment in East Asian and world history. The treaty began Japan's transformation into a modern global power. As a major diplomatic achievement, it appears in both Past Events and War and Peace timelines. March 31, 1854, is a significant entry in historical archives, marking the start of new international relations between East and West.
1931 – Earthquake in Nicaragua Kills Thousands
On March 31, 1931, a powerful earthquake devastated Managua, Nicaragua, killing over 2,000 people and destroying much of the city. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Central American history. The tragedy highlighted the vulnerability of cities to natural calamities and led to a reevaluation of building safety standards. History Chronicle and War and Peace records include this as a major disaster in the 20th century. The 31 March day remains a solemn occasion in Nicaraguan historical remembrance. History Unfolded notes it as a day of loss, survival, and urban reconstruction.
1965 – U.S. Orders First Ground Troops into Vietnam War
On March 31, 1965, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson authorized the first deployment of American ground troops to Vietnam, escalating the conflict dramatically. This decision turned the Vietnam conflict into a full-scale war involving hundreds of thousands of American soldiers. This historic moment remains central in U.S. and world history discussions on war strategy, foreign policy, and resistance. It is heavily studied in Wars and Conflicts archives and Revolutionary Moments literature. March 31 Calendar events recall this date as a turning point in one of the most controversial wars of the 20th century.
1991 – Warsaw Pact Formally Dissolved
March 31, 1991, marked the formal dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, a military alliance of Soviet-aligned nations during the Cold War. The pact’s end signaled the collapse of the Eastern Bloc and the easing of global tensions between East and West. This marked a monumental shift in modern history and international relations. PastTracker and Legacy Today note this day as crucial to the end of Cold War geopolitics. The event ushered in a new era of diplomacy and freedom in Central and Eastern Europe. March 31 remains symbolic of peace after decades of ideological division.
2005 – Terri Schiavo Passes Away After Legal Battle
On March 31, 2005, Terri Schiavo died after a prolonged legal and ethical battle over end-of-life decisions in the U.S. Her case sparked nationwide debates about the right to die, healthcare laws, and guardianship. It was one of the most emotionally charged cases in modern American legal history. The History Matters community recalls this date for highlighting the complexity of bioethics and family rights. This Day in History notes March 31 as a critical date in the evolution of patient care legislation and public awareness. History Uncovered continues to explore the impact of this legal battle.
2020 – Global Recognition of Trans Day of Visibility
March 31, 2020, saw widespread recognition of the International Transgender Day of Visibility. Celebrated since 2009, the day honors the resilience and achievements of the transgender community while raising awareness about ongoing discrimination. By 2020, the day gained broader support from governments, organizations, and media worldwide. This modern history event is now listed among March 31 religious holidays and social milestones. Historic Moments Daily celebrates this day for its message of inclusion and empowerment. March 31 events now include a celebration of identity, dignity, and visibility in a diverse world.
Famous Birthdays on March 31 – 31 March Birthday
Rene Descartes (1596): French philosopher and mathematician, known for "I think, therefore I am."
Gordie Howe (1928): Canadian ice hockey legend.
Christopher Walken (1943): Award-winning American actor.
Ewan McGregor (1971): Scottish actor known for "Trainspotting" and "Star Wars."
Notable Deaths on March 31 – 31 March Deaths
Terri Schiavo (2005): Central figure in U.S. right-to-die legal case.
Charlotte Brontë (1855): Renowned English novelist and poet.
March 31 Zodiac, Calendar, Holidays & Fun Facts
31 March Zodiac: Aries – Bold, energetic, and independent.
Are there 31 days in March? Yes, March has 31 days.
What day is March 31st on in 2025? Monday.
What special day is March 31st? International Trans Day of Visibility.
March 31 religious holiday: In 2025, Eid may fall on or around this date depending on the lunar calendar.
What is celebrated on 31 March? Visibility, identity, historic transitions, and cultural remembrance.
Fun facts: Eiffel Tower opened, Luna 10 orbited the moon, Daylight Saving Time began.
