Fact 1: A Day Marking Unexpected Events
The RMS Queen Elizabeth, one of the largest ocean liners of its time, was set ablaze and sunk in Hong Kong's Victoria harbour on March 18, 1972. This unexpected incident caused a significant disruption in the shipping industry and was widely reported for years.
Fact 2: An Iconic Opera's Premiere
March 18 is a special day in the history of Italian opera, as Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata" had its first-ever performance on this day in 1853 at La Fenice opera house in Venice. This masterpiece is now one of the most performed operas worldwide.
Fact 3: Vernal Equinox Day
In Japan, March 18 is considered to be Vernal Equinox Day - a public holiday to celebrate the arrival of spring. The day is known for its unique Japanese customs, one of which involves visiting family graveyards.
Fact 4: An Architectural Marvel
The Eiffel Tower was completed on March 18, 1889. The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and still remains a significant symbol of France.
Fact 5: Birth of an American Empire
The state of California, with its current borders, officially entered the Union on March 18, 1850. It went on to become America's most populous state and a hub of innovation and diversity.
Fact 6: A Significant Royal Coronation
In 1229, Emperor Frederick II was crowned King of Jerusalem in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on March 18, a significant event that affected the course of Middle Eastern history.
Fact 7: The End of Russian Autocracy
Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia, abdicated on March 18, 1917, which ended more than three centuries of Romanov rule, paving the way for the formation of the Soviet Union.
Fact 8: Birth of a Musical Genius
The well-regarded composer and pianist, Sergei Rachmaninoff, was born on March 18, 1873. His works remain vital to the repertoire of pianists and symphony orchestras all around the world.
Fact 9: Van Gogh's Move for Inspiration
Painter Vincent van Gogh moved to Paris to live with his brother Theo on March 18, 1886. This move inspired him to create some of his most vibrant and innovative artworks.
Fact 10: The Establishment of Euro Disneyland
On March 18, 1987, french officials approved the plans for Euro Disneyland, now known as Disneyland Paris. This amusement park brought the magic of Disney to Europe and remains a must-visit vacation destination.
Fact 11: The Trieste Treaty
On March 18, 1946, Italy and Yugoslavia signed the Trieste treaty, which brought an end to their boundary disputes and secured peace in the region.
Fact 12: Sale of Alaska Settled
The United States agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million on March 18, 1867. This deal expanded American territory and offered vast resources.
Fact 13: A Noteworthy Astronomical Discovery
The astronomers Jean-Pierre Christophe and Jacques Babinet discovered the comet C/1852 E1 on March 18, 1852. This event marked a significant triumph in the field of astronomy.
Fact 14: An International Agreement
The Evian Accords, an agreement marking the end of the Algerian War, was signed on March 18, 1962. This historical pact led to the independence of Algeria from France.
Fact 15: The Day a Peace Prize Laureate was Born
John Updike, a famous American writer and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, was born on March 18, 1932. The day is honored by fans who celebrate his extensive literature work that covered myriad topics ranging from religion to middle-class American life.
Fact 16: A Landmark Ballet Debut
The New York City Ballet debuted Igor Stravinsky’s "Agon," a particularly influential piece, on March 18, 1957. This ballet was considered a breakthrough in modern ballet.
Fact 17: The Birth of American Presidency
On March 18, 1782, John C. Calhoun was born, who went on to become America's 7th vice president under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.
Fact 18: A Milestone in Baseball
The first recorded professional baseball game took place on March 18, 1869 when the Cincinnati Red Stockings, which later became the Cincinnati Reds, took to the field.
Fact 19: March 18 – A Day for Recycling
March 18 is known globally as 'Global Recycling Day,' which aims to create awareness about the importance of recycling and reducing waste. It was first instituted by the Bureau of International Recycling in 2018.
Fact 20: Emergence of A Social Media Giant
On March 18, 2014, Facebook acquired Oculus VR, a company that specializes in virtual reality technology, for around $2 billion. This acquisition played an important role in the emergence of social VR platforms and the growth of virtual reality.