What Happened on March 31?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON MARCH 31
Explore the most important historical events that happened on March 31, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Modernism (music)
Year:
1913
The Vienna Concert Society rioted during a performance of modernist music by Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, Alexander von Zemlinsky, and Anton von Webern, causing a premature end to the concert due to violence; this concert became known as the Skandalkonzert.
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Treaty of the Danish West Indies
Year:
1917
According to the terms of the Treaty of the Danish West Indies, the islands become American possessions.
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Bosnian Crisis
Year:
1909
Serbia formally withdraws its opposition to Austro-Hungarian actions in the Bosnian Crisis.
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National Collegiate Athletic Association
Year:
1906
The Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (later the National Collegiate Athletic Association) is established to set rules for college sports in the United States.
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Wilhelm II
Year:
1905
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany declares his support for Moroccan independence in Tangier, beginning the First Moroccan Crisis.
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Daylight saving time
Year:
1918
Daylight saving time goes into effect in the United States for the first time.
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March Days
Year:
1918
Massacre of ethnic Azerbaijanis is committed by allied armed groups of Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Bolsheviks. Nearly 12,000 Azerbaijani Muslims are killed.
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1931 Nicaragua earthquake
Year:
1931
An earthquake in Nicaragua destroys Managua; killing 2,000.
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BIRTHS ON MARCH 31
Discover famous people and historical figures born on March 31, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Walter E. Williams
Year of birth:
1936
Walter E. Williams, American economist and academic (died 2020)
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David Steel
Year of birth:
1938
David Steel, Scottish academic and politician
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Jimmy Johnson (cornerback)
Year of birth:
1938
Jimmy Johnson, American football player (died 2024)
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Herb Alpert
Year of birth:
1935
Herb Alpert, American singer-songwriter, trumpet player, and producer
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Judith Rossner
Year of birth:
1935
Judith Rossner, American author (died 2005)
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Shirley Jones
Year of birth:
1934
Shirley Jones, American actress and singer
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Richard Chamberlain
Year of birth:
1934
Richard Chamberlain, American actor (died 2025)
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Antje Gleichfeld
Year of birth:
1938
Antje Gleichfeld, German runner
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DEATHS ON MARCH 31
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on March 31, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Charles Best (medical scientist)
Year of death:
1978
Charles Best, American-Canadian physiologist and biochemist, co-discovered Insulin (born 1899)
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Paul Strand
Year of death:
1976
Paul Strand, American photographer and director (born 1890)
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Astrid Allwyn
Year of death:
1978
Astrid Allwyn, American actress (born 1905)
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Jesse Owens
Year of death:
1980
Jesse Owens, American sprinter and long jumper (born 1913)
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Enid Bagnold
Year of death:
1981
Enid Bagnold, English author and playwright (born 1889)
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Vladimír Holan
Year of death:
1980
Vladimír Holan, Czech poet and author (born 1905)
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Percy Alliss
Year of death:
1975
Percy Alliss, English golfer (born 1897)
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Semyon Timoshenko
Year of death:
1970
Semyon Timoshenko, Soviet Commander during the Winter War and the Eastern Front of World War II (born 1894)
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HOLIDAYS ON MARCH 31
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on March 31 around the world.
International Transgender Day of Visibility
International Transgender Day of Visibility
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Freedom Day (Malta)
Freedom Day (Malta)
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Thomas Mundy Peterson
Thomas Mundy Peterson Day (New Jersey, United States)
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Transfer Day
Transfer Day (US Virgin Islands)
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World Backup Day
World Backup Day
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March 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day March 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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John Donne
Christian feast day John Donne (Anglican Communion, Lutheran)
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Abdas of Susa
Christian feast day Abdas of Susa
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