On this day: March 24
March 24 has been a significant day in history, with various events shaping the world as we know it today. From political milestones to scientific breakthroughs, this day has seen it all. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable events that occurred on March 24 throughout history.
March 24, 1603: Queen Elizabeth I Dies
On March 24, 1603, Queen Elizabeth I of England passed away at the age of 69. Her death marked the end of the Tudor dynasty and the beginning of the Stuart era, as her cousin James VI of Scotland ascended to the English throne as James I. Elizabeth’s reign was known as the Elizabethan era, a time of cultural flourishing and economic prosperity in England.
March 24, 1882: Robert Koch Discovers Tuberculosis Bacterium
German scientist Robert Koch made a groundbreaking discovery on March 24, 1882, when he identified the bacterium responsible for causing tuberculosis. His discovery laid the foundation for the field of bacteriology and revolutionized the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases.
March 24, 1976: Military Coup in Argentina
On March 24, 1976, a military junta led by General Jorge Rafael Videla seized power in Argentina in a coup d’état. The junta established a brutal dictatorship that lasted until 1983 and was responsible for human rights abuses, including disappearances, torture, and killings of political dissidents.
March 24, 1999: NATO Begins Bombing Campaign in Kosovo
On March 24, 1999, NATO launched a bombing campaign against Yugoslavia in response to the ongoing conflict in Kosovo. The bombing campaign lasted for 78 days and eventually led to the withdrawal of Serbian forces from Kosovo and the establishment of a United Nations-administered protectorate in the region.
March 24, 2001: The Mir Space Station Reenters Earth’s Atmosphere
On March 24, 2001, the Russian space station Mir reentered Earth’s atmosphere and disintegrated over the Pacific Ocean. Mir had been in orbit for over 15 years and was one of the largest and longest-serving space stations in history, hosting numerous scientific experiments and international crews.
March 24, 2015: Germanwings Flight 9525 Crashes in the French Alps
Tragedy struck on March 24, 2015, when Germanwings Flight 9525 crashed in the French Alps, killing all 150 people on board. The crash was later determined to be a deliberate act by the co-pilot, who had locked the captain out of the cockpit and intentionally crashed the plane into the mountains.
March 24, 2018: March for Our Lives Rally Against Gun Violence
In response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, students organized the March for Our Lives rally on March 24, 2018, to demand stricter gun control laws and an end to gun violence in the United States. The rally drew hundreds of thousands of participants in cities across the country and sparked a national conversation on gun reform.
March 24 has been a day filled with both triumph and tragedy, with events that have left a lasting impact on the world. From scientific discoveries to political movements, the events of March 24 continue to shape our understanding of history and the world around us.
