What Happened on March 15 in History?
March 15 is most famously known as the Ides of March, the date in 44 B.C. when the Roman dictator Julius Caesar was assassinated. Beyond this ancient turning point, the day has seen the birth of several U.S. presidents, the end of long-standing dynasties, and modern milestones in technology and civil rights.
Key Historical Events
44 B.C. – Assassination of Julius Caesar: Caesar was stabbed to death by a group of senators, including Brutus and Cassius, at the Theatre of Pompey in Rome.
1783 – The Newburgh Conspiracy: George Washington delivered an emotional speech to his officers in Newburgh, New York, successfully ending a potential military coup against the Continental Congress.
1820 – Maine Statehood: Maine was admitted as the 23rd U.S. state as part of the Missouri Compromise.
1917 – Abdication of Tsar Nicholas II: During the Russian Revolution, the last Russian emperor abdicated the throne, effectively ending the 304-year Romanov dynasty.
1965 – LBJ’s "We Shall Overcome" Speech: U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson addressed Congress to advocate for the Voting Rights Act, famously adopting the civil rights anthem's title.
1972 – The Godfather Premieres: Francis Ford Coppola's legendary crime drama, starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, premiered in New York City.
1985 – First Internet Domain: The world's first .com domain, symbolics.com, was registered by Symbolics Computer Corporation.
1990 – Mikhail Gorbachev Elected President: Gorbachev was elected as the first (and only) President of the Soviet Union.
2019 – Christchurch Mosque Shootings: A gunman attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 51 people in a tragedy that led to major national gun law reforms.
Notable Birthdays
1751 – James Madison: 4th U.S. President and "Father of the Constitution".
1767 – Andrew Jackson: 7th U.S. President.
1933 – Ruth Bader Ginsburg : Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
1943 – David Cronenberg : Canadian film director known for his "body horror" style.
1975 – Eva Longoria : American actress and producer.
Global Observances
Hungary: National Day, commemorating the Hungarian Revolution of 1848.
Belarus: Constitution Day.
