HomeToday in HistoryWhat Happened on March 3

What Happened on March 3

Footage of Los Angeles police officers severely beating Rodney King causes a global outcry
A group of Los Angeles police officers were caught on camera severely beating Rodney King, a black motorist who had led them on a high-speed chase. The video of the beating was soon broadcast on television and sparked outrage around the world. The officers involved were charged with assault and excessive force, and the trial became a highly publicized and controversial event. The officers were ultimately acquitted, leading to riots in Los Angeles that lasted for six days and resulted in over 50 deaths.

All 345 people on board a Turkish Airlines jet die as it plunges to the ground near Paris, France
The crash of Turkish Airlines Flight 981, DC-10 plane, which was carrying 360 passengers and crew, was en route from Paris to London when it suddenly nose-dived into a forest near the town of Ermenonville. All passengers and crew members were killed in the crash. The investigation into the crash revealed that a cargo door had burst open in mid-air, causing the plane to break apart. This led to design changes in all DC-10 planes.

The world’s fastest steam locomotive is built
The Mallard, was built by the London and North Eastern Railway company in the United Kingdom. The Mallard could reach speeds of up to 126 miles per hour and set the world speed record for steam locomotives that still stands today. The Mallard was also the most powerful steam locomotive ever built, with 6,250 horsepower. It was a popular tourist attraction and was even featured in the film “Murder on the Orient Express.” Sadly, the Mallard was retired from service in 1963.

The last remnant of the Ottoman empire in Turkey is abolished
The Ottoman Caliphate, the last remnant of the Ottoman Empire, was abolished by the Turkish government. The Caliphate, a religious and political office that had existed for over 600 years, was officially abolished by Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

  • 1981 Julius Malema
    South African politician
  • 1977 Ronan Keating
    Irish singer-songwriter, actor
  • 1869 Henry Wood
    English conductor
  • 1847 Alexander Graham Bell
    Scottish/American engineer, invented the Telephone
  • 1845 Georg Cantor
    German mathematician
  • 1987 Danny Kaye
    American actor
  • 1983 Hergé
    Belgian illustrator
  • 1707 Aurangzeb
    Mughal Emperor
  • 1706 Johann Pachelbel
    German composer
  • 1703 Robert Hooke
    English scientist

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