March 12 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

March 12 holds an important place in world history with many remarkable events. On this day in 1930, Mahatma Gandhi began his famous Salt March, a key act of civil disobedience in India’s independence movement. In 1912, the Girl Guides organization was founded in the United States, which later became the Girl Scouts of America. The day also marks the signing of the Truman Doctrine in 1947, shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. Many notable individuals were born or passed away on this date, leaving lasting legacies in science, politics, and the arts. March 12 continues to be remembered for its historical and cultural significance across the world.

Famous People Born on March 12

1685 George Berkeley, Irish philosopher and founder of subjective idealism.

1824 Gustav Kirchhoff, German physicist known for his circuit laws.

1832 Charles Boycott, British land agent whose name inspired the term "boycott".

1864 William Henry Pickering, American astronomer who discovered Phoebe, a moon of Saturn.

1881 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first president of modern Turkey.

1918 Elaine de Kooning, American painter and art critic associated with Abstract Expressionism.

1922 Jack Kerouac, American novelist and poet, author of On the Road.

1946 Liza Minnelli, American actress and singer, daughter of Judy Garland.

1956 Steve Harris, English musician and songwriter, founding member of Iron Maiden.

1960 Courtney B. Vance, American actor known for The People v. O. J. Simpson.

1968 Aaron Eckhart, American actor known for The Dark Knight and Thank You for Smoking.

1971 Pete Doherty, English musician and poet, member of The Libertines.

1975 Dominique Swain, American actress known for Lolita and Face/Off.

1981 Ryuhei Matsuda, Japanese actor recognized for Taboo and The Great Passage.

1987 Jaimie Alexander, American actress known for Blindspot and Thor films.

Famous Events on March 12

1622 Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier were canonized by Pope Gregory XV.

1664 New Jersey was founded when King Charles II granted the land to his brother, the Duke of York.

1894 Coca-Cola was bottled and sold for the first time in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

1912 Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Guides, later known as the Girl Scouts of the USA.

1930 Mahatma Gandhi began his historic Salt March against British colonial rule in India.

1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first fireside chat to the American people during the Great Depression.

1947 U.S. President Harry S. Truman announced the Truman Doctrine to contain the spread of communism.

1951 Dennis the Menace comic strip was published for the first time in American newspapers.

1968 Mauritius gained independence from British colonial rule.

1989 Tim Berners-Lee proposed the concept of the World Wide Web while working at CERN.

1993 North Korea announced its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

1994 The Church of England ordained its first female priests.

1999 The Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland joined NATO.

2011 A powerful earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, triggering the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

2020 The World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

Famous People Who Died on March 12

604 Pope Gregory I, also known as Gregory the Great, influential leader of the early Catholic Church.

1607 Giovanni Battista Guarini, Italian poet and diplomat known for Il Pastor Fido.

1723 Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, Austrian architect and sculptor who designed Schönbrunn Palace.

1807 Thomas Telford, Scottish civil engineer known for his bridges and road designs.

1894 Augusta Holmès, French composer and poet noted for her symphonic poems.

1914 George Westinghouse, American engineer and entrepreneur who pioneered the use of alternating current.

1946 Gustav Krklec, Croatian poet and writer celebrated for his lyrical style.

1955 Charlie Parker, American jazz saxophonist and composer, a leading figure in the development of bebop.

1960 Eric Linklater, Scottish novelist and historian known for The Wind on the Moon.

1966 Alfred Sauvy, French demographer and anthropologist who coined the term "Third World."

1970 Jan Mertens, Dutch football player who represented the Netherlands in international matches.

1983 Louison Bobet, French cyclist and three-time winner of the Tour de France.

1999 Yehudi Menuhin, American-born violinist and conductor, one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.

2019 Birch Bayh, American politician who helped pass the 25th and 26th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

2022 William Hurt, American actor and Academy Award winner known for Kiss of the Spider Woman.

March 12 stands as a remarkable date in history, marked by groundbreaking events, inspiring achievements, and the enduring influence of notable individuals. From movements that shaped nations to discoveries that advanced human knowledge, the day reflects the spirit of resilience and innovation. It reminds us that progress is driven by courage, vision, and the continuous pursuit of a better future.