In 1496, King Henry VII of England issued a royal commission to John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto), giving him authority to discover and claim new territories on behalf of the English Crown. This was a pivotal moment in the Age of Exploration, as Cabot’s voyages later contributed to England’s early claims to the New World.
In 1558, Spanish physician Francisco Fernández introduced tobacco smoking to Europe after observing its use in the New World, marking the beginning of its widespread influence.
On this day in 1743, the United States’ first religious journal, The Christian History, was published in Boston, shaping early American religious discourse.
On 5 March 1803, Australia’s first newspaper, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, was published by government printer and former convict George Howe.
In 1841, the first consecutive filibuster in the U.S. Senate began when the Democratic minority tried to stop a bill establishing a national bank, which lasted until March 11.
In 1856, Georgia became the first American state to impose regulation on railroads, setting a precedent for transportation oversight.
In 1872 American engineer George Westinghouse patented the triple air brake, which revolutionised train safety and efficiency.
In 1899, Edward MacDowell’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor was performed for the first time, showcasing his brilliance in American classical music.
In 1907 the first radio broadcast of a musical composition was made, marking a milestone in the history of music and broadcasting.
In 1931, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and the British Viceroy Lord Irwin signed an agreement in London, ending the Civil Disobedience Movement in India.
In 1935, Chicago enacted the first US law focused on the health and care of premature infants, setting a precedent for newborn health care.
In 1949, legendary cricketer Donald Bradman played his last first-class innings, scoring 30 runs and ending his iconic career.
In 1956, the classic film King Kong was broadcast on television for the first time, bringing the legendary monster to home audiences.
In 1962, the United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site, continuing its Cold War-era weapons program.
In 2016, during the US Super Saturday primary elections, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz won two states each for the Republicans, while Bernie Sanders won two and Hillary Clinton won one for the Democrats.
