This Day in History – March 31

History is a subject that is considered tough and boring but when taught properly, it can be interesting and lays the foundation for understanding our present and the future that will unfold. Looking back at the page of history gives us the perspective to observe and understand how societies and people behaved earlier. It gives us the chance to reminisce the past events. Let us look back at the event that took place today on March 31, this day in history. 

Historical Events that Happened in India on March 31

1504: Guru Angad Dev Ji  
The second Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Angad Dev Ji, was born on March 31, 1504. He was born in Mukatsar, district of Ferozpur. 
1774: Postal services in India
The first post office was opened in India in Calcutta. With this, postal services started in India.
1921: Draft design of Indian flag 
Mahatma Gandhi was given the draft design of the Indian Flag in the AICC session that took place in Vijayawada on this day in history. 
1964: Electric tram 
The electric tram which used to run in Bombay was shut down on March 31, 1964. 
1980: Last ICS officer 
The last ICS officer, Nirmal Mukherjee, retired from the Punjab cadre as Cabinet Secretary. 
1990: Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar 
Bharat Ratna, which is the highest civilian award, was given to Dr Bhimrao AMbedkar posthumously. 

What Happened Around the World on March 31? 

1146: Bernard of Clairvaux
The famous sermon by Bernard of Clairvaux was preached by him in a field at Vezelay. He urged the necessity of the Second Crusade on March 31, 1146. 
1492: Alhambra Decree
The Alhambra Decree was issued by Queen Isabella of Castille. The decree ordered 150,000 Muslims and Jews to convert to Christianity. 
1854: Convention of Kanagawa
The Convention of Kanagawa was signed by Commodore Matthew Perry on this day in history.
1885: Bechuanaland Protectorate 
The United Kingdom established the famous Bechuanaland Protectorate. 
1889: Eiffel Tower 
The Eifel Tower was finally opened for everyone.
1899: First Philippine Republic
The First Philippine Republic, Malolos, was captured by the American forces on March 31, 1899. 
1901: Rusalka premiered
Written by Antonin Dvorak was premiered at the National Opera House in Prague. 
1909: Serbia withdrew opposition 
During the Bosnian Crises, Serbia withdrew its opposition to the Austro-Hungarian actions. 
1917: Treaty of the Danish West Indies 
The Treaty of the Danish West Indies laid down terms according to which the islands became American possessions. 
1918: Daylight Saving 
The concept of Daylight Saving went into effect in the United States of America for the first time ever.
1930: Motion Picture Production Code 
Imposing extremely strict guidelines on the treatment of crime, sex, violence and religion in film, in the United States of America, the Motion Picture Production Code was instituted on March 31, 1930. 
1931: Earthquake in Nicaragua 
There was an earthquake in Nicaragua that killed almost 2,000 people and destroyed Managua. 
1933: Civilian Conservation Corps 
With the mission of eradicating the rampant unemployment in the United States of America, the Civilian Conservation Corps was established. 
1942: Invasion of Japanese forces 
During World War II, the Japanese forces invaded Christmas island, which was then a British possession. 
1949: Dominion of Newfoundland 
The Canadian Confederation was joined by the Dominion of Newfoundland. It became the 10th province of Canada. 
1957: Elections in French Colony 
Elections to the territorial assembly were held in the French colony of Upper Volta on March 31, 1957. PDU and MDV formed the government after the elections. 
1964: Rio de Janeiro
Olimpio Mourao Filho, the Brazilian General, ordered his troops to move forward towards Rio de Janeiro, which was the beginning of the coup de etat. 
1968: Steps to Limit the War in Vietnam 
Lyndon B Johnson, the American President, spoke to the nation through a television address and mentioned the Steps to Limit the war in Vietnam. 
1990: Protestors in London 
Almost 2 lakh protestors took the streets of London to protest against the Poll Tax which was newly introduced. 
1992: Treaty of Federation 
The Treaty of Federation was signed in Moscow on this day in history.
1995: Crash of Airbus A310-300
Airbus A310-300, TAROM flight 371 crashed near Balotesti, Romania on March 31, 1995. All 60 people on board were killed. 
2004: Iraq War in Anbar Province
Four American private military contractors, in Fallujah, Iraq, were killed after being ambushed during the Iraq war in Anbar Province. They were working for Blackwater, USA. 
2018: Armenian Revolution 
The 2018 Armenian Revolution started on this day in history. 

Famous Birthdays 

1938: Sheila Dixit
One of the longest-serving chief ministers of Delhi, Sheila Dixit was born on March 31, 1938. She was one of the most influential politicians ever. 
1943: Christopher Walken 
American actor, Christopher Walken, who has appeared in more than 100 films was born on this day.
1971: Ewan McGregor
Popular for his role in the BBC series, Lipstick on Your Collar, this British actor was born on March 31, 1971.

This was all about the fascinating and intriguing events on March 31, this day in history. We hope you enjoyed going through this blog just as much as we enjoyed writing it for you. For more such entertaining and informative content, keep following us on Leverage Edu. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.