1190

The Crusaders begin the massacre of Jews in Clifford's Tower, York. AI analysis

On March 16, 1190, during the Third Crusade, a group of crusaders attacked and massacred a large number of Jews who had taken refuge in Clifford's Tower in York, England. This event was part of a wave of anti-Semitic violence that swept across England during this time. --AI analysis

1521

Ferdinand Magellan reaches the Philippines. AI analysis

On March 16, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, arrived in the Philippines, marking the first recorded European visit to the islands. Magellan's voyage aimed to find a new route to the Spice Islands, but it led to the discovery of many other lands and peoples. --AI analysis

1621

Samoset, a Mohegan, visits the settlers of Plymouth Colony and greets them, "Hello Englishmen!" AI analysis

On March 16, 1621, Samoset, a Mohegan Native American, visited the settlers of Plymouth Colony and greeted them in English. This encounter marked the beginning of relations between the colonists and the local Native American tribes, which would have significant implications for the future of the colony. --AI analysis

1660

The Long Parliament of England is dissolved so as to prepare for the new Convention Parliament. AI analysis

On March 16, 1660, the Long Parliament of England was dissolved to make way for the new Convention Parliament. The Long Parliament had been in session since 1640 and played a crucial role in the English Civil War and the execution of King Charles I. --AI analysis

1802

The United States Military Academy at West Point is established. AI analysis

On March 16, 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point was established. The academy has since become one of the most prestigious military academies in the world, producing many notable alumni who have shaped American history. --AI analysis

1827

Freedom's Journal is published for the first time. It becomes the first African-American owned and published newspaper in the US. AI analysis

On March 16, 1827, Freedom's Journal, the first African-American owned and published newspaper in the US, was published for the first time. This newspaper played a crucial role in advocating for the rights and dignity of African-Americans during a time of great racial tension. --AI analysis

1850

Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is published. AI analysis

On March 16, 1850, Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter" was published. Set in the 17th century, the novel explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption in a Puritan community, and has since become a classic of American literature. --AI analysis

1861

Edward Clark becomes Governor of Texas, replacing Sam Houston, who has been evicted from the office for refusing to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy. AI analysis

On March 16, 1861, Edward Clark became the governor of Texas, replacing Sam Houston, who refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy. This event marked a significant moment in the lead-up to the American Civil War. --AI analysis

1926

Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket in Worcester, Massachusetts. AI analysis

On March 16, 1926, Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket in Worcester, Massachusetts. This pioneering achievement in rocketry paved the way for future space exploration and technological advancements. --AI analysis

1935

Adolf Hitler orders Germany to rearm itself in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. Conscription is reintroduced to form the Wehrmacht. AI analysis

On March 16, 1935, Adolf Hitler ordered Germany to rearm itself in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, which had imposed strict limitations on the German military following World War I. This move marked a significant step towards the aggressive expansion of Nazi Germany. --AI analysis

1945

The Battle of Iwo Jima ends; Japanese forces are constantly defeated. AI analysis

On March 16, 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima came to an end as Japanese forces were constantly defeated. This battle was a pivotal moment in World War II, as it provided the Allies with a crucial airbase for launching attacks on mainland Japan. --AI analysis

1968

Vietnam War: My Lai Massacre occurs; between 347 and 504 Vietnamese villagers (men, women and children) are killed by American troops. AI analysis

On March 16, 1968, the My Lai Massacre occurred during the Vietnam War, resulting in the deaths of between 347 and 504 Vietnamese villagers, including men, women, and children, at the hands of American troops. This event remains one of the most notorious atrocities committed by US forces during the war. --AI analysis

1978

The first UNIFIL troops arrived in Lebanon for the 12 May agreement between Israel and Lebanon. AI analysis

On March 16, 1978, the first UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) troops arrived in Lebanon as part of an agreement reached on May 12 between Israel and Lebanon. This marked the beginning of a long-term international peacekeeping mission aimed at maintaining peace and security in the region. --AI analysis

1984

William Buckley, the CIA station chief in Beirut, Lebanon, is kidnapped by Islamic militants and later dies in captivity. AI analysis

On March 16, 1984, William Buckley, the CIA station chief in Beirut, Lebanon, was kidnapped by Islamic militants. He later died in captivity, becoming one of the many victims of the wave of kidnappings and hostage-takings that plagued the region during this time. --AI analysis

1988

Iran-Contra Affair: Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North and Vice Admiral John Poindexter are indicted on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States. AI analysis

On March 16, 1988, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North and Vice Admiral John Poindexter were indicted on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with the Iran-Contra Affair. This scandal involved the secret sale of weapons to Iran and the diversion of funds to support anti-Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua. --AI analysis

1995

Mississippi ratifies the Thirteenth Amendment, becoming the last state to approve the abolition of slavery. The amendment was ratified 130 years earlier. AI analysis

On March 16, 1995, Mississippi became the last state to approve the abolition of slavery by ratifying the Thirteenth Amendment, which was originally ratified 130 years earlier. This event highlighted the ongoing struggle for civil rights and racial equality in the United States. --AI analysis

2005

Israel officially hands over Jericho to Palestinian control. AI analysis

On March 16, 2005, Israel officially handed over Jericho to Palestinian control, marking a significant step in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Jericho is one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the world and holds great historical and cultural significance. --AI analysis

2014

Crimea votes in a referendum to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. AI analysis

On March 16, 2014, Crimea held a referendum in which the majority of voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. This event sparked international condemnation and led to economic sanctions against Russia. --AI analysis