What happened on March 30 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 Alaska purchase: “Seward’s Folly”
Secretary of State William H. Seward finalized an agreement with Russia to purchase Alaska for .2 million, a deal that was initially mocked as “Seward’s Folly” but later recognized as a strategic acquisition.
• The purchase added 586,412 square miles to U.S. territory, rich in natural resources such as gold, oil, and fisheries.
• Critics ridiculed the deal, viewing Alaska as a frozen wasteland with no apparent value.
• Decades later, the discovery of gold and oil proved the acquisition to be an economic and strategic success.
Attempted assassination of president Reagan
President Ronald Reagan was shot and seriously injured outside a Washington, D.C., hotel by John W. Hinckley Jr., an assailant seeking to impress actress Jodie Foster. The attack led to swift medical intervention and a nationwide conversation about security and mental health.
• Reagan was struck by a ricocheted bullet that lodged in his lung, but he survived after emergency surgery.
• White House Press Secretary James Brady was critically wounded, leading to advocacy for gun control measures, including the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.
• Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was institutionalized for decades before his eventual release under strict conditions.
Death of queen Elizabeth, the queen mother
Britain’s Queen Mother Elizabeth, mother of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away at the age of 101, marking the end of an era for the British royal family.
• She was a beloved figure in British society, known for her resilience during World War II and her support for King George VI.
• Despite her advanced age, she remained active in public life, attending numerous royal engagements.
• Her death was followed by a national period of mourning, with millions paying their respects.
Eric Clapton: A Legendary Guitarist
Eric Clapton, an influential English musician, has shaped rock and blues with his exceptional guitar skills and songwriting across multiple bands and solo projects.
• Clapton was a member of iconic bands such as The Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek and the Dominos.
• His song “Tears in Heaven,” written after the tragic loss of his son, remains one of his most emotional and well-known works.
• He is the only musician inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times: as a solo artist and as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream.