From Protest Marches to Girl Scout S’mores!
March 12th has been a day for big movements! We've seen world leaders rise to power, important documents get signed, and even the start of one of the world's most famous clubs for girls. Get ready to see how people stood up, spoke out, and organized on this very day!
Think history is just about kings and queens? Nope! On this day, we celebrate the start of the Girl Scouts, a movement for girls to become strong and capable, and we remember when Mahatma Gandhi started a famous march that challenged an entire empire. Talk about making your mark!
What Happened on This Day
Gandhi Starts His Epic Salt March
Imagine protesting a rule by walking 240 miles! That’s what Mahatma Gandhi did on March 12, 1930. He led thousands of people on the famous Salt March to the sea to protest the unfair British tax on salt in India. It was a powerful act of non-violence that showed the world how ordinary people can stand up to unfair rules. When he finally reached the ocean, he picked up a lump of natural salt, breaking the law and inspiring a massive movement for Indian independence.
The Girl Scouts Are Founded in Savannah
Girl Power alert! On March 12, 1912, Juliet Gordon Low gathered a small group of girls in Savannah, Georgia, to start something new: the Girl Guides, which we now know as the Girl Scouts! Low wanted girls to have adventures, learn practical skills like camping and first aid, and be independent thinkers. Just 15 years later, there were thousands of Girl Scouts across the US! It shows that a great idea, started by one person, can quickly grow into a huge, supportive community.
Hitler's Troops Marched into Austria
This day marked a huge, scary moment in world history. German troops crossed the border into Austria without firing a single shot. This event, called the *Anschluss* (which means 'union' in German), was an annexation where Nazi Germany took control of Austria. It showed the world that Hitler was serious about expanding his power and taking over other countries. It was a major step that led Europe closer to the massive conflict of World War II.
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Grover Cleveland's First White House Start
Meet the president who was so popular he got kicked out and then came back! Grover Cleveland began his first term as the 22nd U.S. President on March 4th, but this date is linked to his unique record. He is the ONLY U.S. president ever to serve two non-consecutive terms (22nd and 24th). He was known as a reformer who often said 'no' to special favors. Can you imagine a president refusing to give out free government seeds because he thought people should be self-reliant? That was Cleveland!
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Coca-Cola is First Sold in Bottles
Before this date, if you wanted that fizzy, sweet taste of Coca-Cola, you had to buy it at a soda fountain where they mixed it for you. That changed in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on March 12, 1894! Two lawyers bought the rights to bottle the drink and started selling it in glass bottles at a candy store. This was a huge change because now people could take the drink anywhere! It was the beginning of one of the biggest branding stories ever.
Learn moreFun Facts About March 12
- In 1959, Hawaii was approved by the U.S. Congress to become the 50th state!
- In 1884, Mississippi established the very first state-supported college for women in the US!
- In 1994, the Church of England ordained its very first women priests.
- In 1923, Dr. Lee DeForest showed off 'phonofilm,' a way to put sound onto movie film!
A Look Back in Time
March often feels like a bridge between winter and spring, and in history, March 12th has often been a day of transition or powerful beginnings. In the 1930s, it marked a shift towards war with Hitler’s move into Austria and a huge non-violent push for freedom with Gandhi’s Salt March. While big political and social movements were happening globally, in the U.S., we were seeing the start of modern convenience (bottled Coke) and the foundation of strong female leadership through the Girl Scouts. It’s a great example of how history is made by both quiet organization and loud defiance.
Born on This Day
Liza Minnelli
Born in 1946, Liza Minnelli is a superstar singer and actress known for her huge energy on stage! She won a Tony Award when she was super young and starred in the famous movie *Cabaret*. She's famous for her incredible performances and being the daughter of legendary stars Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli.
James Taylor
James Taylor is a super famous singer-songwriter whose gentle guitar music has been loved for decades. He wrote big hits like 'Fire and Rain' and 'You've Got a Friend.' His thoughtful lyrics often feel like a cozy chat, making him one of the most beloved musicians of his time.
Aaron Eckhart
You might recognize Aaron Eckhart from many movies, but he first got noticed for his role in the movie *In the Company of Men*. He's played heroes and villains, showing he’s a really versatile actor in Hollywood.
Marlon Jackson
Marlon Jackson is a famous singer and one of the talented brothers from The Jackson 5! He sang and danced alongside his brothers Michael, Jermaine, Tito, and Jackie, bringing tons of energy to their hit songs back in the day.