What Happened On This Day – March 31
1999 The film The Matrix is released
The science fiction story about the adventures of computer programmer, Neo, was not only a commercial success but also left a lasting impression on action film-making through its creative use of slow-motion and spinning cameras.
1985 The first edition of WrestleMania is held in New York
The annual event is the world's most important wrestling meet. It is the biggest event organized by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
1964 Following a coup d'etat, a military dictatorship takes charge in Brazil
The regime under Humberto Castelo Branco suppressed the left-wing opposition, leading to widespread social unrest and strike action, especially in 1968.
1918 The United States switch to DST for the first time
Most areas in the U.S. change the clocks twice a year. Exceptions include Hawaii and most of Arizona. The first country to ever use DST was Germany in 1916.
1889 The Eiffel Tower is opened
French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel unfurled a French flag from the top of the tower, which has since become the most iconic landmark of Paris.
Births On This Day – March 31
1948 Al Gore
American politician, 45th Vice President of the United States, Nobel Prize laureate
1927 Cesar Chavez
American activist
1732 Joseph Haydn
Austrian composer
1685 Johann Sebastian Bach
German organist, composer
1596 René Descartes
French philosopher, mathematician
Deaths On This Day – March 31
2014 Charles Keating
American lawyer, businessman
1980 Jesse Owens
American sprinter
1972 Meena Kumari
Indian actress
1850 John C. Calhoun
American politician, 7th Vice President of the United States
1621 Philip III of Spain