On this day: March 28
March 28, 1979 – Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident
On March 28, 1979, the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania. A combination of equipment malfunctions, human errors, and design flaws led to a partial meltdown of one of the reactors, releasing radioactive gases into the environment. The incident sparked widespread fear and panic among the public, and raised concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants.
March 28, 1854 – Crimean War Begins
The Crimean War, a conflict between Russia and an alliance of British, French, and Ottoman forces, began on March 28, 1854. The war was fought primarily in the Crimean Peninsula, and was sparked by Russia’s attempts to expand its influence in the region. The war lasted for over two years and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians.
March 28, 1969 – Dwight D. Eisenhower Dies
On March 28, 1969, former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower passed away at the age of 78. Eisenhower, a five-star general in the U.S. Army during World War II, served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. He is remembered for his leadership during the war, as well as his efforts to promote peace and prosperity during his presidency.
March 28, 1979 – Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty
On March 28, 1979, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin signed a historic peace treaty in Washington, D.C. The treaty, known as the Camp David Accords, marked the first time an Arab country officially recognized Israel’s right to exist. The treaty also led to the normalization of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Israel, and paved the way for future peace negotiations in the Middle East.
March 28, 1963 – Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” Released
On March 28, 1963, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic horror film “The Birds” was released in theaters. The film, which tells the story of a small town under attack by flocks of birds, is considered one of Hitchcock’s finest works and has become a cult classic. “The Birds” is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, innovative special effects, and memorable performances by its cast.
March 28, 1970 – Earthquake Strikes Peru
On March 28, 1970, a massive earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Peru, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake, which was centered in the Andes Mountains, triggered landslides, avalanches, and tsunamis that devastated the region. Over 70,000 people were killed in the disaster, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in South American history.
March 28, 1797 – Nathaniel Briggs Patents Washing Machine
On March 28, 1797, Nathaniel Briggs of New Hampshire was granted a patent for the first washing machine in the United States. Briggs’ invention revolutionized the way clothes were cleaned, making the process faster, more efficient, and less labor-intensive. The washing machine became a staple in households around the world, and paved the way for future innovations in laundry technology.
