1088day.year
Election of Urban II as the 159th Pope of the Catholic Church. He is best known for initiating the Crusades.
In 1088, Urban II is elected the 159th Pope, later inspiring the First Crusade that would reshape medieval Christendom.
On March 12, 1088, Cardinal Odo of Châtillon ascends as Pope Urban II, taking the helm of the Catholic Church. His papacy quickly becomes defined by his call to Western Christendom for a crusade to reclaim the Holy Land. Urban II’s impassioned sermon at the Council of Clermont in 1095 rallies thousands under the banner of faith and papal authority. His election reflects the Church’s growing influence over European monarchs and society. The crusading movement he launched leaves a profound legacy on medieval politics, culture, and interfaith relations.
1088
Election of
Urban II
159th
Pope
Catholic Church
Crusades
1158day.year
German city Munich (München) is first mentioned as forum apud Munichen in the Augsburg arbitration by Holy Roman Emperor Friedrich I.
The German city of Munich receives its earliest known mention in an imperial document from 1158, recorded as forum apud Munichen.
In 1158, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa arbitrates a dispute in Augsburg, referring to a settlement known as forum apud Munichen. This document provides the first written record of Munich’s existence. The name likely denotes its origin as a market ('forum') settled by monks near the Isar River. This early mention marks the beginning of Munich’s transformation from a modest trading post to a major medieval city. Over the following centuries, Munich would grow into a political and cultural center in Bavaria.
1158
Augsburg arbitration
Friedrich I
1913day.year
The future capital of Australia is officially named Canberra.
Australia’s future capital is officially named Canberra in 1913, resolving a long-standing rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne.
Under the Seat of Government Act of 1908, a compromise site between Sydney and Melbourne is selected, and on March 12, 1913, it is officially named Canberra. The name, derived from an Indigenous word meaning 'meeting place,' reflects the site’s intended role as a unifying seat of government. Designed through an international competition won by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, Canberra’s planned layout emphasizes grand avenues and expansive green spaces. The new capital city is formally opened in 1927, symbolizing Australia’s national identity and federal unity.
1913
Australia
Canberra
1918day.year
Moscow becomes the capital of Russia again after Saint Petersburg held this status for most of the period since 1713.
Moscow is reinstated as Russia’s capital in 1918, replacing Saint Petersburg amid the upheaval of revolution.
In the wake of the Russian Revolution, the Bolshevik government transfers the capital from Petrograd (formerly Saint Petersburg) back to Moscow on March 12, 1918. The move responds to Petrograd’s vulnerability to foreign intervention and its geographical proximity to the Western front. Moscow’s central location offers greater security and control for the new Soviet regime. The shift also marks a break from imperial traditions associated with the old capital. Moscow remains the political and administrative heart of Russia through the Soviet era and into the present day.
1918
Moscow
Russia
Saint Petersburg
1920day.year
The Kapp Putsch begins when the Marinebrigade Ehrhardt is ordered to march on Berlin.
A right-wing coup attempt in post-WWI Germany led by the Marinebrigade Ehrhardt marching on Berlin.
In March 1920, disaffected officers and conservative nationalists staged an attempted coup to overthrow Germany's fledgling Weimar Republic.
Led by Wolfgang Kapp and the Freikorps unit Marinebrigade Ehrhardt, troops marched on Berlin and seized key government buildings.
Facing a political crisis, President Ebert fled the capital, and a counter-government briefly installed.
Workers across the country launched a massive general strike, shutting down transportation, communications, and essential services.
The lack of public and military support forced the putschists to abandon their coup after just four days.
Although unsuccessful, the Kapp Putsch underscored the deep divisions in postwar Germany and the fragility of its democracy.
1920
Kapp Putsch
Marinebrigade Ehrhardt
1933day.year
Great Depression: Franklin D. Roosevelt addresses the nation for the first time as President of the United States. This is also the first of his "fireside chats".
Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers his first 'fireside chat,' speaking directly to Americans during the Great Depression.
On March 12, 1933, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation via radio in his inaugural 'fireside chat.'
He explained the banking crisis and assured listeners that deposits were safe following federal bank closures.
Speaking in a conversational tone, FDR aimed to restore public confidence and calm widespread panic.
More than 60 million Americans tuned in, making it one of the most impactful broadcasts in U.S. history.
The success of this address established the fireside chat as a key communication tool throughout Roosevelt's presidency.
These informal radio talks helped sustain public support for New Deal policies and wartime efforts.
1933
Great Depression
Franklin D. Roosevelt
President of the United States
fireside chats
1947day.year
Cold War: The Truman Doctrine is proclaimed to help stem the spread of Communism.
President Truman announces the Truman Doctrine, pledging U.S. support to countries resisting communism.
On March 12, 1947, President Harry S. Truman delivered a pivotal address to Congress outlining the Truman Doctrine.
He requested aid for Greece and Turkey to prevent them from falling under Soviet-influenced communist regimes.
The policy established the principle of U.S. containment of Soviet expansion during the early Cold War.
By pledging political, military, and economic assistance, the doctrine signaled America's global leadership role.
It marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward active intervention in international conflicts.
The Truman Doctrine laid the groundwork for subsequent initiatives like the Marshall Plan and NATO.
1947
Cold War
Truman Doctrine
Communism
1967day.year
Suharto takes power from Sukarno when the People's Consultative Assembly inaugurate him as Acting President of Indonesia.
General Suharto is appointed Acting President of Indonesia, displacing Sukarno.
On March 12, 1967, the People's Consultative Assembly in Jakarta formally installed General Suharto as Acting President of Indonesia, effectively removing President Sukarno from power. This transition followed years of political unrest and the failed coup attempt of 1965. Suharto's ascent marked the beginning of the New Order era, characterized by a strong anti-communist stance and a focus on economic development. Under his leadership, Indonesia pursued foreign investment and infrastructure growth, while cracking down on dissent. The change reshaped Indonesia's political landscape and had lasting impact on Southeast Asian geopolitics.
1967
Suharto
Sukarno
People's Consultative Assembly
Indonesia
1968day.year
Mauritius gains independence from the United Kingdom.
Mauritius declares its independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign nation.
On March 12, 1968, the island nation of Mauritius officially gained independence from the United Kingdom, ending over a century of colonial rule. The ceremony in Port Louis witnessed the lowering of the Union Flag and the raising of the new Mauritian flag. Seewoosagur Ramgoolam became the country's first Prime Minister, leading a diverse population of Creole, Indian, African, and European heritage. Independence ushered in a period of nation-building, economic diversification, and the establishment of democratic institutions. Mauritius would go on to achieve remarkable economic growth and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
1968
Mauritius
United Kingdom
1971day.year
The 1971 Turkish military memorandum is sent to the Süleyman Demirel government of Turkey and the government resigns.
The Turkish military issues a memorandum that forces Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel to resign.
On March 12, 1971, the Turkish Armed Forces delivered a memorandum to Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel's government, demanding the restoration of order amid political violence and economic turmoil. Although not a direct coup, the ultimatum led to Demirel's resignation and the formation of a technocratic government backed by the military. This event, known as the 'Coup by Memorandum,' intensified political polarization between secularists and Islamists in Turkey. The military's intervention underscored its self-appointed role as guardian of Turkish secularism and the 1923 constitution. The memorandum set a precedent for future military involvement in Turkish politics and influenced the country's democratic development.
1971
1971 Turkish military memorandum
Süleyman Demirel
Turkey
1992day.year
Mauritius becomes a republic while remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Mauritius transitions from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, remaining within the Commonwealth.
On March 12, 1992, Mauritius officially became a republic, replacing the British monarch as head of state with a locally appointed president. The nation retained its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations, reflecting its continued ties to the international community. Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo was sworn in as the first President of Mauritius, symbolizing full political autonomy. The change cemented Mauritius's identity as a self-governing nation and allowed for greater constitutional flexibility. This milestone built on the island's democratic traditions and set the stage for its modern governance and economic success.
1992
Mauritius
republic
Commonwealth of Nations
1993day.year
North Korea announces that it will withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and refuses to allow inspectors access to its nuclear sites.
North Korea announces its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, blocking inspectors from its sites.
On March 12, 1993, North Korea shocked the international community by announcing its intent to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The regime refused to allow UN inspectors access to its nuclear facilities, raising fears of an emerging nuclear arsenal. Diplomatic efforts, including talks with the United States and South Korea, were launched to defuse the crisis. The standoff marked one of the first major nuclear disputes of the post-Cold War era. It underscored the challenges of enforcing non-proliferation norms and shaped future negotiations on the Korean Peninsula’s security.
North Korea
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons