Alaska, Anesthesia, and Amazing Game Shows!
Welcome to March 30th on History's Not Boring! This day is packed with moments that changed how we live, from massive land deals to tiny medical miracles. We've got everything from a 'folly' that turned into a treasure chest of resources to the debut of a super-smart TV show. Get ready to dig into some seriously cool history!
Did you know that on this day the United States acquired a massive chunk of icy land for just two cents an acre? That land is now the huge state of Alaska! Also, look out for a game show that became a legend and a moment when doctors first made surgery less scary for everyone.
What Happened on This Day
The First Real Surgery with Anesthesia!
Imagine having surgery before you could be put to sleep—ouch! On March 30, 1842, American surgeon Dr. Crawford Long used ether to make a patient completely numb for an operation for the very first time. Before this, doctors had to rely on speed or make patients hold their breath! This was a huge step forward for the [History of Medicine for Kids], making big operations possible without all the screaming. Talk about a pain-free breakthrough!
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The US Buys Alaska: Seward's Big Land Deal
Back in 1867, the United States bought a gigantic piece of land from Russia—Alaska! Secretary of State William H. Seward made the deal for about $7.2 million. People at the time called it 'Seward's Folly' because they thought it was just a frozen wasteland. Spoiler alert: they were wrong! It turned out to be full of gold, oil, and amazing nature. It was like getting a giant box of surprises for the price of a few video games!
The Treaty of Paris Ends the Crimean War
The long and tough Crimean War, fought between Russia and an alliance including the United Kingdom and France, finally wrapped up on March 30, 1856, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. This was a really big deal for European power balance! Think of it like two rival sports teams finally agreeing to stop playing after a super long, intense season. It changed who was the boss in certain areas, especially around the Black Sea.
The Fastest Plane in the World Takes Flight!
Zoom! On this day, a German airplane called the Heinkel He 100 set a brand new world airspeed record, rocketing to a blistering 463 miles per hour! Imagine driving that fast on a highway—you’d be a blur! This amazing feat showed just how fast planes *could* go right before World War II, pushing the limits of engineering and flight technology for years to come. It was a high-speed science show!
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Jeopardy! Debuts on Television Screens
It’s the answer! On March 30, 1964, a game show changed TV forever: *Jeopardy!* aired its very first episode, hosted by Art Fleming. Instead of just answering questions, contestants had to provide the *answer* first and wait for the host to give them the question! This clever format made people feel super smart just by watching. It's still one of the longest-running and most famous quiz shows today, proving that thinking hard can be fun!
Fun Facts About March 30
- Alaska, bought on this day, is so big it's more than twice the size of Texas!
- March 30th is also National Pencil Day—perfect for sketching out your own history discoveries!
- The first anesthesia surgery on this day was done by a doctor who never publicly billed for the service!
- *Jeopardy!* first aired just a few months after The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show!
A Look Back in Time
March 30th often brings moments that are either huge in scale or super specific and impactful. In the mid-1800s, the world was seeing major shifts in war and medicine, as shown by the end of the Crimean War and the first use of anesthesia. Then, in the 20th century, this date saw the US land a massive territory deal with the purchase of Alaska, and later, a shift in how people entertained themselves with the debut of *Jeopardy!*. It shows history isn't just battles; it's also land, health, and fun!
Born on This Day
Vincent van Gogh
This Dutch painter created some of the most famous, colorful, and swirling artworks ever, like 'Starry Night.' He used super bold colors and thick brushstrokes that made his paintings look like they were moving! Sadly, he didn't sell many paintings while he was alive.
Eric Clapton
Known as 'Slowhand,' Eric Clapton is one of the most legendary guitar players ever! He played awesome blues and rock music with bands like Cream before having a huge solo career. He's won tons of Grammy awards for his amazing guitar skills.
Celine Dion
The Queen of Power Ballads! Celine Dion is a Canadian singer famous for her incredibly strong voice. She sang the unforgettable song 'My Heart Will Go On' from the movie *Titanic*. She's sold millions of records all over the world!
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MC Hammer
This rapper exploded onto the scene with the hit song 'U Can't Touch This' and his signature baggy parachute pants! His real name is Stanley Kirk Burrell, but everyone knows him for his catchy tunes and energetic dancing. He definitely taught us a thing or two about having fun with music!