What happened on March 14 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
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Xi Jinping becomes President of the People’s Republic of China
Xi Jinping was officially named President of China, marking the beginning of his leadership, which would redefine China’s domestic and global policies.
- Xi also held key roles as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, making him the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong.
- His presidency launched a massive anti-corruption crackdown, leading to the prosecution of high-ranking officials and strengthening his grip on power.
- Under Xi, China expanded its Belt and Road Initiative, increased technological advancements, and faced growing tensions with Western nations over human rights and trade policies.
Grace Kelly welcomes child
Hollywood actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly welcomed her second child, Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre, who would later become Prince Albert II of Monaco.
- The birth of Prince Albert was a major event, as he was next in line for the Monegasque throne.
- Albert eventually took over from his father, Prince Rainier III, in 2005, becoming a key figure in Monaco’s development and environmental initiatives.
- His mother, Grace Kelly, was one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses before marrying Prince Rainier, and her tragic death in 1982 only added to her legendary status.
Gerry Adams survives an assassination attempt
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams was seriously wounded in an attack in Belfast, highlighting the intense violence of the Northern Ireland conflict known as The Troubles.
- A gunman from the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) fired at Adams and his associates while they were driving in Belfast.
- Despite being shot multiple times, Adams recovered and remained a key figure in Irish republican politics, later helping to negotiate the Good Friday Agreement.
- The assassination attempt was part of the broader sectarian conflict between nationalist and unionist groups in Northern Ireland, which lasted for decades.
India’s first talking film, is released
Alam Ara made history as the first Indian film with synchronized sound, marking the birth of Bollywood as an industry centered around musical storytelling.
- Directed by Ardeshir Irani, the film revolutionized Indian cinema by introducing dialogue and songs, shifting away from the silent film era.
- Alam Ara set the stage for Bollywood’s signature style, with elaborate song-and-dance sequences becoming a defining characteristic of Indian films.
- Unfortunately, no known copies of the film exist today, making it one of the most significant lost films in cinematic history.