Today in History
1967 Suharto rises to power in Indonesia
His presidency, which lasted 31 years, was overshadowed by crass human rights violations and the occupation of East Timor.
1947 The Truman doctrine is proclaimed
President Harry S. Truman defined his foreign policy priorities in a speech to Congress, including military and economic assistance to Turkey and Greece to prevent the spread of communism.
1938 Hitler invades Austria
The occupation of Hitler’s homeland is known as Anschluss, which is the German word for annexation.
1930 Mahatma Gandhi embarks on his Salt March
The 240-mile march was an act of civil disobedience intended to protest the British salt monopoly. It was one of the pivotal moments in the Indian independence movement.
1918 Moscow becomes Russia’s capital city
Following the Revolution of 1917, which demolished the Tsarist autocracy, St. Petersburg lost its status as the Russian capital.
Births On This Day, March 12
1979 Pete Doherty
English singer-songwriter, guitarist
1947 Mitt Romney
American businessman, politician, 70th Governor of Massachusetts
1946 Liza Minnelli
American actress, singer, dancer
1922 Jack Kerouac
American author, poet
1864 W. H. R. Rivers
English anthropologist, neurologist, ethnologist, psychiatrist
Deaths On This Day, March 12
2015 Terry Pratchett
English author
1999 Yehudi Menuhin
American/Swiss violinist, conductor
1955 Charlie Parker
American saxophonist, composer
1925 Sun Yat-sen
Chinese revolutionary, politician, 1st President of the Republic of China
1914 George Westinghouse
American engineer, inventor
