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On this day in history - March 31

What Happened On This Day – March 31

  • 1999 The film The Matrix is released

    The science fiction story about the adventures of computer programmer, Neo, was not only a commercial success but also left a lasting impression on action film-making through its creative use of slow-motion and spinning cameras.

  • 1985 The first edition of WrestleMania is held in New York

    The annual event is the world's most important wrestling meet. It is the biggest event organized by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

  • 1964 Following a coup d'etat, a military dictatorship takes charge in Brazil

    The regime under Humberto Castelo Branco suppressed the left-wing opposition, leading to widespread social unrest and strike action, especially in 1968.

  • 1918 The United States switch to DST for the first time

    Most areas in the U.S. change the clocks twice a year. Exceptions include Hawaii and most of Arizona. The first country to ever use DST was Germany in 1916.

  • 1889 The Eiffel Tower is opened

    French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel unfurled a French flag from the top of the tower, which has since become the most iconic landmark of Paris.

Illustration of stork, signifying birth

Births On This Day,
March 31

  • 1948 Al Gore

    American politician, 45th Vice President of the United States, Nobel Prize laureate

  • 1927 Cesar Chavez

    American activist

  • 1732 Joseph Haydn

    Austrian composer

  • 1685 Johann Sebastian Bach

    German organist, composer

  • 1596 René Descartes

    French philosopher, mathematician

Illustration of tombstone, signifying death

Deaths On This Day,
March 31

  • 2014 Charles Keating

    American lawyer, businessman

  • 1980 Jesse Owens

    American sprinter

  • 1972 Meena Kumari

    Indian actress

  • 1850 John C. Calhoun

    American politician, 7th Vice President of the United States

  • 1621 Philip III of Spain