1190day.year
Massacre of Jews at Clifford's Tower, York.
On March 16, 1190, a mob besieged York’s Jewish community in Clifford’s Tower, resulting in a tragic massacre.
Rising anti-Semitic sentiment swept medieval England after rumors spread that Jews had kidnapped Christian children. Over a hundred Jewish men, women, and children took refuge in the tower, only to be slaughtered or forced to commit suicide upon surrender. They were promised safe conduct but instead met a brutal fate at the hands of the crowd. Witnesses described horrific scenes as the mob broke in and fire consumed the tower. The massacre left a lasting scar on English history and stands as one of the darkest episodes of medieval anti-Semitism. Modern archaeological excavations have since uncovered human remains beneath the site, confirming the scale of the tragedy.
1190
Clifford's Tower
York
1244day.year
Over 200 Cathars who refuse to recant are burnt to death after the Fall of Montségur.
Following the Fall of Montségur in 1244, over two hundred Cathar faithful were executed by burning for refusing to renounce their beliefs.
The siege of the Cathar stronghold at Montségur by Crusader forces culminated in a tragic mass execution. More than two hundred Cathars chose death over recantation, bound at the base of the hill and set ablaze. This event marked the brutal suppression of the Cathar movement in southern France. Contemporary chroniclers recorded the victims singing hymns as flames rose around them. Montségur became a symbol of martyrdom and religious persecution. The episode remains a stark reminder of the lengths to which religious conflict can escalate.
1244
Cathars
Fall of Montségur
1355day.year
Amidst the Red Turban Rebellions, Han Lin'er, a claimed descendant of Emperor Huizong of Song, is proclaimed emperor of the restored Song dynasty in Bozhou.
In 1355, rebel leader Han Lin’er was proclaimed emperor of a revived Song dynasty in Bozhou during the Red Turban Rebellions.
As the Yuan dynasty weakened under widespread unrest, Han Lin’er emerged as a figurehead claiming descent from the Song imperial family. On March 16, 1355, his supporters in Bozhou declared him emperor, seeking to restore native rule. The ceremony energized rebel factions and challenged Mongol authority. Real power, however, remained with military commanders such as Zhu Yuanzhang, who used the symbol of the restored Song to rally forces. The so-called restoration was short-lived and largely ceremonial, but it marked a key moment in the decline of Yuan rule. Historians view this proclamation as a prelude to the establishment of the Ming dynasty.
1355
Red Turban Rebellions
Han Lin'er
Emperor Huizong of Song
Song dynasty
Bozhou
1621day.year
Samoset, an Abenaki, visits the settlers of Plymouth Colony and greets them, "Welcome, Englishmen! My name is Samoset."
On March 16, 1621, Samoset of the Abenaki surprised Plymouth settlers by walking in and greeting them in English, ushering in a new era of communication.
Wandering into the fledgling settlement, Samoset startled the Pilgrims by speaking broken English he had learned from fishermen along the coast. He introduced himself and offered to broker peace between the English and local Wampanoag tribes. His timely visit laid the groundwork for the first formal alliance in New England under Chief Massasoit. The Pilgrims benefited from Samoset’s knowledge of the land and resources, crucial for their survival. This encounter is remembered as one of the earliest peaceful interactions between Native Americans and European colonists. Historians praise Samoset’s courageous initiative in bridging two cultures.
1621
Samoset
Abenaki
Plymouth Colony
1660day.year
The Long Parliament of England is dissolved so as to prepare for the new Convention Parliament.
On March 16, 1660, England’s Long Parliament was formally dissolved to pave the way for the Convention Parliament and the eventual Restoration of the monarchy.
After years of republican rule under the Commonwealth and Protectorate, General George Monck orchestrated the dissolution of the Long Parliament. This decisive move cleared the path for the Convention Parliament, which convened without royal writ. Debates in the new assembly quickly turned toward inviting Charles II back from exile, signaling support for monarchy. The dissolution marked the effective end of the Interregnum and restored the balance between military and civil authority. Monck’s intervention was a turning point in bringing stability to England. The events of 1660 laid the groundwork for the modern constitutional monarchy.
1660
Long Parliament
Convention Parliament
1696day.year
The Dutch bombard Givet during the Nine Years' War.
During the Nine Years’ War on March 16, 1696, Dutch forces bombarded the strategic French fortress town of Givet on the Meuse River.
As part of the Grand Alliance’s efforts against Louis XIV, Dutch artillery and naval units targeted Givet to disrupt French border defenses. The bombardment aimed to weaken the fortress walls and cut supply routes along the Meuse. Despite intense shelling, the garrison held firm behind its fortifications. The raid demonstrated the reach of Dutch military power into inland waterways. Although the town was not captured, the attack forced the French to allocate additional troops for its defense. The action exemplified siege warfare tactics of the late 17th century and the importance of river strongholds. It provided a morale boost for Allied forces in a protracted conflict.
1696
bombard Givet
Nine Years' War
1792day.year
King Gustav III of Sweden is shot; he dies on March 29.
On March 16, 1792, King Gustav III of Sweden was shot at a masked ball in Stockholm, an assassination attempt that proved fatal days later.
The king, an advocate of enlightened absolutism, attended a masquerade at the Royal Opera House when conspirator Jacob Johan Anckarström fired a pistol at close range. Gustav was struck in the torso and carried away in shock, refusing to believe he had been attacked. He endured agonizing pain for thirteen days before succumbing to his wounds on March 29. His death ended a reign noted for cultural patronage and legal reform, plunging Sweden into political uncertainty. The dramatic assassination inspired artistic works, most famously Verdi’s opera Un ballo in maschera. Historians view the event as a turning point in Swedish constitutional development and a cautionary tale of court intrigue.
1792
Gustav III of Sweden
March 29
1802day.year
The Army Corps of Engineers is established to found and operate the United States Military Academy at West Point.
On March 16, 1802, the United States Army Corps of Engineers was officially established, tasked with administering the new Military Academy at West Point.
President Thomas Jefferson signed legislation creating the Corps as the nation’s first organized engineering branch, with its initial mission to manage West Point. Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Williams was appointed the first Chief Engineer, overseeing curriculum and fortification design. The Corps introduced rigorous instruction in mathematics, engineering, and military science, setting a standard for officer education. Their expertise extended to civil works projects, including roads, canals, and harbor defenses. West Point graduates became leaders in both military and public infrastructure development. The dual military and civic role of the Corps shaped America’s engineering tradition. Today, the Corps remains critical to national defense and large-scale engineering projects.
1802
Army Corps of Engineers
United States Military Academy at West Point
1815day.year
Prince Willem proclaims himself King of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, the first constitutional monarch in the Netherlands.
On March 16, 1815, Prince William of Orange proclaimed himself King of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, inaugurating a constitutional monarchy.
In the wake of Napoleon’s defeat, the Congress of Vienna unified the Low Countries under William’s rule as a buffer against French aggression. He adopted a constitutional charter that balanced royal authority with legislative oversight, reflecting Enlightenment ideals. His reign fostered national integration, economic modernization, and infrastructure improvements such as canals and roads. Tensions between Protestant north and Catholic south simmered during his accession, foreshadowing Belgian independence in 1830. William’s policies laid institutional foundations for the modern Dutch state. His declaration marked a new era of constitutional governance in Europe. The Dutch monarchy established then continues to this day under his descendants.
1815
Prince Willem
United Kingdom of the Netherlands
constitutional monarch
1872day.year
The Wanderers F.C. win the first FA Cup, the oldest football competition in the world, beating Royal Engineers A.F.C. 1–0 at The Oval in Kennington, London.
On March 16, 1872, the Wanderers F.C. defeated the Royal Engineers 1–0 at The Oval to claim the inaugural FA Cup.
The Football Association’s first knockout tournament concluded before a crowd of spectators in Kennington, marking a landmark in organized sport. Morton Betts scored the decisive goal, earning the Wanderers the distinction of first FA Cup champions. The competition’s successful debut illustrated football’s potential to captivate audiences and foster club rivalries. At the time, rules still allowed physical charging, and the crossbar had recently replaced tape. The event set traditions for future finals, including match scheduling and trophy presentation. Clubs across England embraced the knockout format, leading to the rapid spread of competitive football. Today, the FA Cup remains one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport worldwide.
1872
Wanderers F.C.
FA Cup
football
Royal Engineers A.F.C.
The Oval
Kennington
1898day.year
In Melbourne, the representatives of five colonies adopt a constitution, which would become the basis of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Delegates from five Australian colonies adopt a unifying constitution in Melbourne, laying the groundwork for the Commonwealth of Australia.
In March 1898, representatives from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia met in Melbourne.
They debated and finalized a constitution that proposed a federal system of government combining the colonies.
The pact included provisions for a federal parliament, judiciary, and defense arrangements.
This agreement formed the constitutional basis for the Commonwealth of Australia, established in 1901.
The federation united the colonies under a single national government while preserving regional powers.
1898
Melbourne
constitution
Commonwealth of Australia
1916day.year
The 7th and 10th US cavalry regiments under John J. Pershing cross the US–Mexico border to join the hunt for Pancho Villa.
Under General John J. Pershing, the US 7th and 10th Cavalry cross into Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa, intensifying the Mexican Expedition.
In March 1916, President Woodrow Wilson authorized a punitive expedition into Mexico following Pancho Villa's raid on Columbus, New Mexico.
General John J. Pershing led the 7th and 10th Cavalry regiments across the US–Mexico border to hunt the revolutionary leader.
The operation aimed to capture Villa and deter further raids along the frontier.
The incursion strained US-Mexico relations and sparked debates over sovereignty.
Despite extensive patrols, Villa evaded capture and the expedition withdrew by early 1917.
The Mexican Expedition highlighted challenges of cross-border military action and influenced future US border policy.
1916
John J. Pershing
US–Mexico border
Pancho Villa