What happened on March 15 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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The Syrian civil war begins
The Syrian Civil War erupted following peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, eventually escalating into a brutal conflict involving multiple factions and foreign powers.
- Inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, Syrian protesters demanded democratic reforms, but the government responded with violent crackdowns.
- Various opposition forces, including the Free Syrian Army and Islamist factions, took up arms, leading to a devastating war that drew in international players like Russia, the U.S., and Iran.
- Over half a million people have died, and millions have been displaced, making it one of the worst humanitarian disasters of the 21st century.
Julius Caesar is stabbed to death
Roman dictator Julius Caesar was assassinated in a conspiracy led by senators, including Brutus and Cassius, dramatically altering the course of Roman history.
- A group of senators ambushed Caesar at a Senate meeting, stabbing him 23 times, fearing he aimed to become king.
- According to Shakespeare, he uttered “Et tu, Brute?” (“You too, Brutus?”), though historians debate if he said anything at all.
- His murder led to power struggles, the rise of his heir Octavian (Augustus), and the eventual end of the Roman Republic, giving birth to the Roman Empire.
Somalia and Ethiopia sign a truce
Somalia and Ethiopia agreed to a truce after a bloody conflict over the Ogaden region, marking the end of one of Africa’s Cold War-era proxy wars.
- The war began in 1977 when Somalia invaded Ethiopia to claim the Ogaden region, a Somali-majority area controlled by Ethiopia.
- The Soviet Union and Cuba backed Ethiopia, while the U.S. initially supported Somalia before shifting alliances. Ethiopian forces, with Cuban military aid, pushed Somali troops back.
- The failed invasion weakened Somali leader Siad Barre, contributing to internal instability and Somalia’s eventual collapse into civil war.
“The Godfather” premieres in New York
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, one of the greatest films ever made, debuted in New York City, redefining cinema and mafia storytelling.
- Based on Mario Puzo’s novel, the film starred Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone and Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, telling a gripping tale of power, family, and crime.
- The film won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and influenced countless movies and TV shows, including The Sopranos.