March 19

On March 19, 1943, Frank Nitti, known as “The Enforcer” and leader of the Chicago Outfit, took his own life at the Chicago Central Railyard. He had assumed control of the mob after Al Capone’s imprisonment in 1931. Facing mounting legal pressures and potential convictions for tax evasion, Nitti reportedly saw no way forward. His death marked a turning point in Chicago’s organized crime landscape. Power struggles within the Outfit ensued, reshaping its leadership structure. Nitti’s legacy endures as a key figure in Prohibition-era bootlegging and American underworld history.

On March 19, 1964, more than 500,000 people gathered in São Paulo for the March of the Family with God for Liberty. Organized by conservative and Catholic groups, the demonstration protested the perceived communist influence of President João Goulart’s government. Participants carried religious symbols, national flags, and banners denouncing leftist policies. The massive turnout reflected widespread anxiety over political instability and economic uncertainty. The march inspired similar protests in other Brazilian cities, setting the stage for military intervention. One week later, the Brazilian military staged a coup d'état, ousting Goulart. The event is seen as a pivotal moment leading to two decades of military rule. Historians debate the march’s role in legitimizing authoritarian measures.

On March 19, 1979, the United States House of Representatives made history by launching live coverage of its floor debates on the newly formed C-SPAN network. The cable television channel provided unfiltered access to congressional deliberations for the first time. Viewers could tune in to watch lawmakers debate legislation, question witnesses, and vote in real time. The broadcast aimed to increase transparency and public engagement with the legislative process. Initially available in select markets, C-SPAN quickly expanded its reach nationwide. Its success spurred similar coverage of the Senate and other governmental proceedings. C-SPAN’s nonpartisan presentation style set a new standard for political communication. Today, it remains a vital resource for citizens, journalists, and scholars seeking insight into US governance.