On this day: March 29
1788: Charles Wesley, English hymn writer, dies
Charles Wesley, the English hymn writer and poet, passed away on March 29, 1788. He is best known for his contributions to hymnody, with over 6,000 hymns to his name. Wesley was a key figure in the Methodist movement, alongside his brother John Wesley. His hymns, such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” continue to be sung in churches around the world.
1849: The United Kingdom formally annexes the Punjab region of India
On March 29, 1849, the United Kingdom formally annexed the Punjab region of India following the Second Anglo-Sikh War. The annexation marked the end of Sikh rule in the region and brought it under British control. The Punjab became a key part of British India and played a significant role in the country’s colonial history.
1974: The Terracotta Army is discovered in China
On March 29, 1974, a group of farmers in Xi’an, China unearthed the Terracotta Army, a collection of thousands of life-sized terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The discovery was a major archaeological find and has since become one of the most famous attractions in China, drawing millions of visitors each year.
2004: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia join NATO
On March 29, 2004, seven countries – Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia – officially became members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The expansion of the alliance was seen as a significant step in promoting stability and security in Europe, particularly in the aftermath of the Cold War.
2017: The United Kingdom triggers Article 50, beginning the process of leaving the European Union
On March 29, 2017, the United Kingdom formally triggered Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, initiating the process of Brexit and beginning the country’s withdrawal from the European Union. The decision to leave the EU followed a referendum in which a majority of British voters chose to exit the bloc. The process of Brexit has been complex and controversial, with significant implications for the UK and its relationship with the EU.
Conclusion
March 29 has been a significant day in history, with important events ranging from the discovery of the Terracotta Army in China to the formal annexation of the Punjab region of India by the United Kingdom. These events have shaped the course of history and continue to have lasting impacts on our world today.
