March 19

Events - Politics & Government

1277day.year

The Byzantine–Venetian treaty of 1277 is concluded, stipulating a two-year truce and renewing Venetian commercial privileges in the Byzantine Empire.

The 1277 treaty between Byzantium and Venice set a two-year truce and restored trading rights for Venetian merchants in the empire.
The treaty negotiated in March 1277 marked a significant diplomatic achievement for both the Byzantine Empire and the Republic of Venice. It established a formal two-year truce following years of intermittent conflict across the Aegean Sea. Under the agreement, Venice regained the right to trade freely in key Byzantine ports. The treaty reaffirmed Venetian commercial privileges such as tax exemptions and access to markets throughout the empire. In return, the Byzantines received assurances of Venetian neutrality against their rivals. This renewal helped stabilize regional commerce and maritime relations. Although temporary, the accord reflected the pragmatic balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean. It set a precedent for future diplomatic engagements between the two states.
1277 Byzantine–Venetian treaty of 1277 Byzantine Empire
1284day.year

The Statute of Rhuddlan incorporates the Principality of Wales into England.

The Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284 annexed Wales to the Kingdom of England under King Edward I.
In 1284, King Edward I of England enacted the Statute of Rhuddlan to formalize his authority over the conquered Principality of Wales. The statute abolished the native Welsh legal system and introduced English administrative practices. It divided Wales into new shires, governed by royal officials known as sheriffs. English common law was extended to Welsh territories, while certain Welsh customs were tolerated in local courts. The Act followed Edward's military campaigns of 1277 and 1282–83. It marked the beginning of direct English rule and the decline of the native Welsh princes. The Statute of Rhuddlan laid the groundwork for Wales' incorporation into the English polity for centuries to come.
1284 Statute of Rhuddlan Principality of Wales
1452day.year

Frederick III of Habsburg is the last Holy Roman Emperor crowned by medieval tradition in Rome by Pope Nicholas V.

In 1452, Frederick III became the last Holy Roman Emperor crowned in Rome by Pope Nicholas V under medieval tradition.
Frederick III of Habsburg traveled to Rome in 1452 to receive his imperial crown from Pope Nicholas V under long-standing medieval tradition. His coronation was the last time a Holy Roman Emperor was crowned in Rome by a pontiff. The ceremony underscored the religious and political bond between the papacy and the imperial office. Frederick's journey reflected his desire to assert legitimacy and authority over fractious German princes. Afterward, later emperors ceased traveling to Rome, favoring elections closer to their power base. This event thus marked the end of a centuries-old ritual.
1452 Frederick III of Habsburg Holy Roman Emperor Nicholas V
1563day.year

The Edict of Amboise is signed, ending the first phase of the French Wars of Religion and granting certain freedoms to the Huguenots.

The 1563 Edict of Amboise ended the first phase of France's Wars of Religion, granting limited rights to Huguenots.
The 1563 Edict of Amboise, signed under Charles IX of France, brought an end to the first war of the French Wars of Religion. Brokered by Catherine de' Medici, the edict granted limited toleration to Huguenots in certain territories. It allowed Protestant worship in the suburbs of one town per baillage and exempted them from capital punishments. In return, Huguenot nobles pledged to keep the peace and support the crown. The compromise reflected the monarchy's struggle to balance social order with religious conflict. Although it provided temporary relief, tensions reignited in later phases of the wars. The Edict of Amboise is remembered as an early effort at religious reconciliation in France.
1563 Edict of Amboise French Wars of Religion Huguenots
1649day.year

The House of Commons of England passes an act abolishing the House of Lords, declaring it "useless and dangerous to the people of England".

In 1649, England's House of Commons passed an act to abolish the House of Lords, labeling it "useless and dangerous".
In March 1649, England's revolutionary Rump Parliament passed an act to abolish the House of Lords. The measure declared the upper chamber useless and dangerous to the people of England. It followed the execution of King Charles I and the rise of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. Parliamentarians believed unicameral government would prevent aristocratic obstruction and safeguard popular rights. The abolition stood as a radical restructuring of English governance. However, it proved short-lived when the monarchy and Lords were restored in 1660. The episode exemplifies the political experimentation of the Interregnum era.
1649 House of Commons of England act House of Lords
1808day.year

Charles IV, king of Spain, abdicates after riots and a popular revolt at the winter palace Aranjuez. His son, Ferdinand VII, takes the throne.

King Charles IV of Spain abdicated amid popular revolt during the Mutiny of Aranjuez in 1808, installing his son Ferdinand VII as king.
In March 1808, mounting public outrage over King Charles IV's governance erupted into the Mutiny of Aranjuez. Rioters stormed the royal palace at Aranjuez demanding the dismissal of the unpopular prime minister, Manuel Godoy. Facing pressure, Charles IV abdicated in favor of his son, who became Ferdinand VII of Spain. The abdication reshaped Spanish politics on the eve of the Napoleonic Wars. It weakened royal authority and invited French intervention under Napoleon. The upheaval foreshadowed the brutal Peninsular War that would engulf the nation. Ferdinand's reign began amid turmoil, setting the stage for decades of conflict.
1808 Charles IV Aranjuez Ferdinand VII
1812day.year

The Cortes of Cádiz promulgates the Spanish Constitution of 1812.

The Cortes of Cádiz adopted the liberal Spanish Constitution of 1812, known as La Pepa, marking a major step in constitutionalism.
On March 19, 1812, the Cortes of Cádiz promulgated the Spanish Constitution of 1812, widely known as La Pepa. Written during the Peninsular War against Napoleonic France, it embodied liberal ideals of the Enlightenment. The document established principles like national sovereignty, separation of powers, and universal male suffrage. It curtailed royal prerogatives and affirmed freedoms of the press and association. Though its implementation was interrupted by Ferdinand VII's return, it inspired constitutional movements across Spain and Latin America. La Pepa represented a bold experiment in constitutional monarchy. Its legacy endured in later Spanish charters and liberal reforms.
1812 Cortes of Cádiz Spanish Constitution of 1812
1918day.year

The US Congress establishes time zones and approves daylight saving time.

The U.S. Congress officially established national time zones and approved daylight saving time, bringing uniformity to American clocks.
On March 19, 1918, the United States Congress passed the Standard Time Act, creating official time zones for the first time. The legislation divided the nation into Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, and Alaska time zones. It also introduced daylight saving time as a wartime conservation measure during World War I. The new system standardized railroad schedules and commercial activities across state lines. Although daylight saving time was repealed after the war, the time zone framework remained intact. This act laid the foundation for modern timekeeping and nationwide coordination in the U.S.
1918 US Congress establishes time zones daylight saving time
1920day.year

The United States Senate rejects the Treaty of Versailles for the second time (the first time was on November 19, 1919).

The U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles for a second time, preventing American entry into the League of Nations and fueling isolationist sentiment.
On March 19, 1920, the United States Senate voted against ratifying the Treaty of Versailles for the second time. The treaty, which officially ended World War I, included the covenant of the League of Nations. Opponents argued that joining the League would entangle the U.S. in future foreign conflicts without congressional approval. President Woodrow Wilson’s health and public standing had been weakened by a stroke the previous year. Senate refusal underscored prevailing isolationist attitudes in America’s postwar politics. This decision shaped interwar diplomacy and delayed U.S. participation in global governance.
1920 United States Senate Treaty of Versailles
1931day.year

Governor Fred B. Balzar signs a bill legalizing gambling in Nevada.

Nevada Governor Fred B. Balzar signed legislation legalizing gambling, laying the foundation for Las Vegas’s gaming industry.
On March 19, 1931, Governor Fred B. Balzar of Nevada approved a bill that legalized most forms of gambling statewide. The measure aimed to stimulate the state’s economy during the Great Depression by attracting tourists and generating tax revenue. Nevada became the only U.S. state to permit licensed casinos, slot machines, and betting houses. This law paved the way for the rise of Las Vegas and Reno as premier gaming destinations. Over subsequent decades, regulated gambling grew into a cornerstone of Nevada’s culture and economy. The decision transformed a sparsely populated desert territory into an international entertainment hub.
1931 Fred B. Balzar
1945day.year

World War II: Adolf Hitler issues his "Nero Decree" ordering all industries, military installations, shops, transportation facilities, and communications facilities in Germany to be destroyed.

Adolf Hitler issues the Nero Decree, mandating the destruction of Germany’s infrastructure to hinder advancing Allied forces.
On March 19, 1945, Adolf Hitler signed the Nero Decree, ordering the systematic destruction of German industry, transportation, and communications facilities. The decree aimed to deny the Allies any logistical advantage but risked devastating Germany’s own civilian population. Hitler instructed military commanders, local administrators, and SS leaders to implement scorched earth tactics across the Reich. Many officials, including Albert Speer, covertly resisted or ignored parts of the order to preserve vital infrastructure. The decree demonstrated the regime’s fanaticism in its final days, prioritizing vengeance over the welfare of its people. Widespread sabotage could have led to a humanitarian catastrophe had resistance not limited its scope. After the war, the Nero Decree became symbolic of Nazi Germany’s destructive policies at the end of the conflict. Historians continue to study the decree’s impact on post-war reconstruction and German society.
Adolf Hitler Nero Decree Germany
1946day.year

French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion become overseas départements of France.

France reorganizes its overseas territories, elevating French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion to full départements.
On March 19, 1946, the French government passed legislation transforming four overseas colonies into overseas départements. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion were granted the same administrative status as mainland departments. This change extended French civil law, political representation, and social services to these territories. The move aimed to integrate the colonies more fully into the French Republic, counter post-war decolonization pressures, and affirm France’s global presence. Residents of the new départements gained the right to elect representatives to the National Assembly and Senate. The transformation also paved the way for investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Over time, the status shift influenced local identity and political dynamics. Today, these regions remain integral parts of metropolitan France, with unique cultural and historical legacies.
1946 French Guiana Guadeloupe Martinique Réunion overseas départements