Napoleon's Big Return & a Universe-Changing Theory!
Welcome to March 20th, History Explorers! Today is a day packed with drama, big ideas, and even a little bit of literary lightning! From emperors making spectacular comebacks to scientists reshaping how we see space and time, this date is anything but boring. Get ready to jump into some epic moments!
Did you know that on this day, a scientific theory was presented that completely changed our view of gravity and the universe, almost like learning the secret rules of a giant cosmic game? Plus, a book published today became so famous it helped change the laws of a whole country! Talk about making an impact!
What Happened on This Day
Napoleon's Grand Return to Paris
After being sent away to a tiny island called Elba, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte staged one of history's most incredible escape acts! On March 20, 1815, he marched right back into Paris. The French army and cheering crowds welcomed him like a rock star returning to the stage. This kicked off what we now call the 'Hundred Days,' a quick, dramatic final act before his final defeat.
Uncle Tom's Cabin Hits the Bookstores
Imagine a book being so powerful it helps change the laws of a country! That's what happened when *Uncle Tom's Cabin* by Harriet Beecher Stowe was published on March 20, 1852. This emotional story about the lives of enslaved people in America became a huge bestseller and helped fuel the arguments leading up to the American Civil War.
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Einstein Reveals His Theory of Everything
Albert Einstein, the brilliant scientist with the wild hair, finally presented his General Theory of Relativity on March 20, 1916! Think of gravity not as a pull, but as a dent in the fabric of space and time caused by heavy objects, like a bowling ball making a dip in a trampoline. This idea completely flipped physics upside down and is still a cornerstone of science today!
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John Lennon and Yoko Ono Tie the Knot
Musician John Lennon, famous from The Beatles, married artist Yoko Ono on March 20, 1969. Instead of a huge, flashy wedding, they had a small ceremony in Gibraltar. They then used their honeymoon to stage a famous 'Bed-In for Peace' to spread messages of love and calm across the world during a time of global unrest. Talk about a unique honeymoon!
First Woman Wins the Iditarod Race
Brace yourself for an epic dog sled race adventure! On March 20, 1985, Libby Riddles became the very first woman to win the grueling Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across Alaska. This race is thousands of miles long, in freezing cold, and pushes humans and dogs to their absolute limit. Riddles proved that grit and teamwork can conquer any icy challenge!
Learn moreFun Facts About March 20
- The first telephone service in Newfoundland was set up on March 20, 1878!
- In 1899, Martha M. Place became the first woman executed in an electric chair.
- US scientists returned from Antarctica in 1982 with the first land mammal fossils found there!
- In 1760, the Great Fire of Boston destroyed 349 buildings in one day.
A Look Back in Time
March 20 often falls right near the Spring Equinox, making it a time of transition! In 1815, Europe was buzzing with Napoleon’s return, leading to a quick final clash. In the 1850s, America was deeply divided over slavery, and a powerful book published today threw fuel on the fire, setting the stage for the Civil War. Meanwhile, the early 20th century saw huge leaps in science, with Einstein delivering his game-changing ideas about the universe, showing that history is a constant mix of politics, protest, and pure genius.
Born on This Day
Ovid
Ovid was a famous Roman poet whose writing was often witty and sometimes a bit cheeky, just like our website! He wrote about myths and love stories that are still popular today.
Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton was a superstar scientist who figured out gravity (yes, the apple thing!) and created the laws of motion that still run our world. He was also super interested in light and invented a special type of telescope!
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Fred Rogers
You might know him as Mr. Rogers! He was the kind and gentle host of *Mister Rogers' Neighborhood*. He taught generations of kids about kindness, feelings, and being a good neighbor with his calm voice and cardigan sweaters.
Spike Lee
Spike Lee is a super influential American movie director, producer, and writer. He's made tons of famous and thought-provoking films that often tell important stories about American history and culture.