March 12: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
In 1989, Tim Berners-Lee submitted a proposal to CERN that would eventually change human connection forever by creating the World Wide Web.
Quick Facts for March 12
- Zodiac sign: Pisces
- Day of year: 71
About March 12
March 12 marks a profound intersection of technological revolution and social activism. While many modern lives are shaped by the digital framework proposed by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN in 1989, the day also carries the weight of historical struggles for sovereignty and civil rights. Decades before the internet, Mahatma Gandhi began his legendary 200-mile journey to the sea in 1930, a pivotal moment in India's fight against British salt monopolies.
The date also serves as a window into the shifting tides of global politics. From the formal naming of Australia's capital, Canberra, in 1913, to the complex political transitions in Mauritius and the emergence of the Cold War through the Truman Doctrine in 1947, March 12 has consistently been a cornerstone for moments that redefine national identities and global power structures.
Holidays & Observances on March 12
- Arbor Day (China)
- Arbor Day (Taiwan)
- Aztec New Year
- National Day (Mauritius)
- World Day Against Cyber Censorship
- Youth Day (Zambia)
Fun & National Days on March 12
- Popcorn Lovers Day — Grab a big bowl and enjoy your favorite buttery snack today!
- National Milky Way Day — Celebrate the wonders of the cosmos or enjoy a chocolate bar!
- National Baked Scallops Day — Treat yourself to a delicious seafood feast in the kitchen today.
- National Plant a Flower Day — Add some color to your garden by planting a beautiful new bloom.
- Girl Scout Day
- National Alfred Hitchcock Day
- National Working Moms Day
- World Kidney Day
On This Day in History
- 538 — The Ostrogoth King Vitiges ended his siege of Rome and retreated to Ravenna, yielding the city to Byzantine General Belisarius.
- 1088 — Urban II was elected as the 159th Pope, a leader who would later become famous for initiating the Crusades.
- 1158 — The city of Munich was officially first documented in historical records during an arbitration process held in Augsburg.
- 1622 — The Roman Catholic Church canonized the founders of the Society of Jesus, Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier.
- 1912 — The Girl Guides were officially established in the United States, an organization that later became known as the Girl Scouts.
- 1913 — The future capital city of Australia was officially designated with the name Canberra.
- 1918 — Moscow reclaimed its status as the capital of Russia, taking the role back from Saint Petersburg.
- 1930 — Mahatma Gandhi launched his historic Salt March, walking 200 miles to protest British control over salt production in India.
- 1933 — President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his very first fireside chat to the American public during his presidency.
- 1947 — The Truman Doctrine was officially proclaimed as a strategic effort to prevent the expansion of Communism during the Cold War.
- 1968 — Mauritius achieved its independence from the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone in its history.
- 1989 — Tim Berners-Lee submitted his groundbreaking proposal for an information management system at CERN, laying the foundation for the World Wide Web.
Famous Birthdays on March 12
- 1905 — Takashi Shimura, A highly respected Japanese actor recognized for his many important film roles.
- 1913 — Agathe von Trapp, A talented Hungarian-American singer and author known to many through musical history.
- 1922 — Jack Kerouac, A celebrated American poet and author who became a central figure of the Beat Generation.
- 1923 — Wally Schirra, A distinguished American astronaut and pilot who flew in several early space missions.
- 1946 — Liza Minnelli, An iconic American actress and singer known for her legendary performances on stage and screen.
- 1947 — Mitt Romney, A prominent American businessman and politician who served as the Governor of Massachusetts.