307day.year
After divorcing his wife Minervina, Constantine marries Fausta, daughter of the retired Roman emperor Maximian.
In 307 AD, Constantine the Great ends his marriage to Minervina and weds Fausta, daughter of former emperor Maximian, to strengthen his dynastic ties.
Constantine the Great, emerging as a dominant figure in the Tetrarchic Roman Empire, dissolves his union with Minervina. He marries Fausta, thereby allying himself with the retired Emperor Maximian. This marriage serves both political and personal ambitions, helping to legitimize Constantine’s claim to power. It highlights the importance of imperial marriages in securing support among rival factions. While Minervina’s later life remains obscure, Fausta’s elevated status shapes Constantine’s domestic and foreign policies. The alliance foreshadows Constantine’s eventual ascendancy to sole emperor and his pivotal role in Christianizing the empire.
307
Minervina
Constantine
Fausta
Roman emperor
Maximian
1492day.year
Queen Isabella of Castile issues the Alhambra Decree, ordering her 150,000 Jewish and Muslim subjects to convert to Christianity or face expulsion.
On March 31, 1492, Queen Isabella issues the Alhambra Decree, forcing Spain’s Jews and Muslims to convert or be expelled.
Isabella I of Castile proclaims the Alhambra Decree, demanding that 150,000 Jewish and Muslim residents adopt Christianity or leave her kingdoms by midsummer. The edict follows the completion of the Reconquista and aims to forge religious homogeneity. Those who stay face baptism, while others embark on arduous exiles across the Mediterranean. The decree devastates communities, scattering scholars, artisans, and merchants. Economies and cultures suffer as centuries-old traditions vanish. The Alhambra Decree stands as a stark example of early modern religious intolerance and centralized state power.
1492
Isabella of Castile
Alhambra Decree
Jewish
Muslim
Christianity
1657day.year
The Long Parliament presents the Humble Petition and Advice offering Oliver Cromwell the British throne, which he eventually declines.
In 1657, England’s Long Parliament proposes the Humble Petition and Advice to make Oliver Cromwell king, a title he ultimately refuses.
During the Interregnum, the republican-dominated Long Parliament seeks stability by restoring a form of monarchy. They draft the Humble Petition and Advice, offering Oliver Cromwell the hereditary crown while preserving certain republican principles. Presented at Hampton Court, the proposal sparks intense debate among political factions. Royalists hope for monarchical revival, while die-hard republicans resist any kingly restoration. Cromwell, wary of alienating supporters yet aware of governance challenges, delays and ultimately rejects the crown in May 1657. His decision sustains the Protectorate until his death, highlighting the era’s constitutional experiments.
1657
Long Parliament
Humble Petition and Advice
Oliver Cromwell
1706day.year
The last session of history of the Catalan Courts, the parliamentary body of the Principality of Catalonia, ends. Catalonia's constitutional modernisation passed by the Courts aims to improve the guarantee of individual, political and economic rights (among them, the secrecy of correspondence).
On March 31, 1706, the Catalan Courts meet for the final time, approving reforms to strengthen civil and economic rights.
The Corts Catalanes convene their last session under the Habsburg rule, seeking to modernize Catalonia’s constitutional framework. Members enact measures to guarantee individual liberties such as the secrecy of correspondence and municipal self-governance. The reforms reflect Enlightenment influences and local demands for fairer legal processes. However, the ongoing War of the Spanish Succession soon undermines regional institutions. Bourbon forces suppress the Courts, centralizing authority in Madrid. Despite their short-lived impact, the 1706 statutes symbolize Catalonia’s enduring quest for political and economic autonomy.
1706
Catalan Courts
Principality of Catalonia
Catalonia
constitutional
secrecy of correspondence
1854day.year
Commodore Matthew Perry signs the Convention of Kanagawa with the Tokugawa Shogunate, opening the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American trade.
Commodore Perry negotiated the Convention of Kanagawa, opening Japanese ports Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships.
In March 1854, US Commodore Matthew Perry secured a landmark treaty with the Tokugawa Shogunate. The Convention of Kanagawa ended over two centuries of Japanese isolation (sakoku). Under its terms, Shimoda and Hakodate were opened to US vessels for refueling and provisioning. It also granted better treatment to shipwrecked American sailors. This treaty paved the way for increased Western influence and further trade agreements. The Convention marked the beginning of Japan's rapid modernization and eventual emergence as a global power. It remains a crucial moment in US-Japan diplomatic history.
1854
Commodore
Matthew Perry
Convention of Kanagawa
Tokugawa Shogunate
Shimoda
Hakodate
1885day.year
The United Kingdom establishes the Bechuanaland Protectorate.
Britain proclaimed the Bechuanaland Protectorate, asserting control over present-day Botswana to thwart German and Boer expansion.
On March 31, 1885, the United Kingdom declared the Bechuanaland Protectorate in southern Africa. This move aimed to secure the region between British territories and prevent German or Boer encroachment. The protectorate encompassed lands of the Tswana peoples, including principalities like the Bechuanaland native reserves. British commissioners were appointed to oversee administration and maintain order. Though not a colony in the full sense, protectorate status brought the territory under British legal and military protection. This arrangement laid the groundwork for the modern nation of Botswana, which gained independence in 1966. The Bechuanaland Protectorate's creation was part of the wider
1885
United Kingdom
Bechuanaland Protectorate
1905day.year
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany declares his support for Moroccan independence in Tangier, beginning the First Moroccan Crisis.
Kaiser Wilhelm II publicly supported Moroccan independence in Tangier, igniting the First Moroccan Crisis.
On March 31, 1905, German Emperor Wilhelm II arrived in Tangier and declared his support for Moroccan sovereignty. His speech challenged French interests in North Africa and asserted the principle of Moroccan independence under Sultan Abdelaziz. By urging an international conference to discuss Morocco's fate, Wilhelm II aimed to weaken Franco-British ties and elevate Germany's diplomatic standing. This intervention triggered the First Moroccan Crisis, heightening tensions among European powers on the eve of World War I. France and Britain defended their colonial ambitions, while Germany sought to exploit divisions for strategic gain. The crisis ultimately led to the Algeciras Conference in 1906. Wilhelm's actions marked a significant moment in pre-war geopolitics, illustrating the fragility of the balance of power.
1905
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany
Tangier
First Moroccan Crisis
1909day.year
Serbia formally withdraws its opposition to Austro-Hungarian actions in the Bosnian Crisis.
Serbia dropped its objections to Austro-Hungarian actions in Bosnia, defusing the Bosnian Crisis of 1908-1909.
In the aftermath of Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908, regional tensions ran high. On March 31, 1909, Serbia formally withdrew its protests against the annexation, under pressure from the Great Powers. Diplomatic agreements compelled Belgrade to accept the new status quo in exchange for promises of territory and economic concessions elsewhere. This withdrawal effectively ended the Bosnian Crisis, which had threatened to trigger a larger conflict in the Balkans. The resolution demonstrated the influence of international arbitration and the precarious nature of alliances. While Serbia's concessions appeased Austria-Hungary temporarily, resentment persisted among Serbs and elsewhere in the Balkans. The Bosnian Crisis foreshadowed the nationalist and diplomatic conflicts that would lead to World War I.
1909
Bosnian Crisis
1917day.year
According to the terms of the Treaty of the Danish West Indies, the islands become American possessions.
In 1917, the United States acquired the Danish West Indies, creating what is now the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In 1917, Denmark transferred control of the Danish West Indies to the United States for $25 million. The islands were renamed the United States Virgin Islands and remain a U.S. territory today. The transfer was motivated by strategic concerns during World War I and the desire to strengthen American defense in the Caribbean. Over two centuries of Danish colonial rule came to an end on this date. Presently, the U.S. Virgin Islands are known for their vibrant culture, tourism, and historical legacy.
1917
Treaty of the Danish West Indies
1921day.year
The Royal Australian Air Force is formed.
In 1921, the Royal Australian Air Force was formed as the world’s second independent air arm.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was established as an independent military service on March 31, 1921. It evolved from the Australian Air Corps, which had served in World War I. The creation of the RAAF marked Australia’s commitment to developing a modern air power capability. Over the following decades, the RAAF played key roles in regional conflicts and world wars. Today it stands as one of the oldest independent air forces and continues to defend Australia’s skies.
1921
Royal Australian Air Force
1949day.year
The Dominion of Newfoundland joins the Canadian Confederation and becomes the 10th Province of Canada.
Newfoundland becomes Canada's tenth province as it joins the Canadian Confederation in 1949.
In 1949, after decades of debate and economic challenges, the British Dominion of Newfoundland formally joined the Canadian Confederation.
Referendums in 1948 had narrowed the choice between continued British governance or union with Canada.
On March 31, 1949, Newfoundland officially became Canada's tenth province.
The decision reshaped the island's political landscape and gave its residents representation in the Canadian Parliament.
Economically, Confederation promised federal support for Newfoundland's fisheries and infrastructure.
This historic union marked the end of Newfoundland's status as a separate dominion and began a new chapter in its relationship with Canada.
1949
Dominion of Newfoundland
Canadian Confederation
Province of Canada
1957day.year
Elections to the Territorial Assembly of the French colony Upper Volta are held. After the elections PDU and MDV form a government.
Upper Volta holds Territorial Assembly elections in 1957, leading to a coalition government by PDU and MDV.
In 1957, the French colony Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) conducted elections for its Territorial Assembly as part of France's decolonization reforms.
On March 31, voters elected representatives who would share legislative power under the French Union.
The two dominant parties, the Union Démocratique Voltaique (PDU) and Mouvement Démocratique Voltaique (MDV), emerged with the largest seats.
Following negotiations, the PDU and MDV formed a coalition government, marking the first autonomous administration in the territory.
This political development laid groundwork for Upper Volta's eventual independence in 1960.
The elections reflected growing African demands for self-governance and shaped the region's path toward nationhood.
1957
Elections to the Territorial Assembly
Upper Volta
PDU
MDV