Constitution Kicks Off & Classic Cartoons Debut!
March 4th is a day packed with big moments! We’re talking about the US government actually getting started under its brand-new Constitution, which is a HUGE deal. Plus, we leap forward to the mid-20th century for a magical movie debut! Get ready to explore how a piece of paper changed a nation, and how a glass slipper started a global obsession.
Did you know that on the very same day the US Constitution officially began working, Thomas Jefferson became the first President inaugurated in Washington D.C.? It’s like the government setting up shop in its brand-new, very official headquarters! Think of it like finally moving into your dream house after months of planning.
What Happened on This Day
The US Constitution Finally Gets Rolling!
Imagine waiting for your new video game console to finally turn on after you plug it in—that’s what happened on March 4, 1789! This was the day the first Congress of the United States actually met in New York City, and they declared that the amazing new U.S. Constitution was officially in effect. It took a while, but finally, the new federal government had the official green light to start running the country!
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First Presidential Move to D.C.
In 1801, Thomas Jefferson made history by becoming the very first US President to be sworn into office in the new capital city, Washington, D.C. Before this, presidents were inaugurated in places like New York and Philadelphia. It was like the President officially moving into the new 'History Headquarters' building, even though it was still a bit rough around the edges back then. A truly presidential housewarming!
The Microphone Gets Its Voice Invented!
Before March 4, 1877, telephones were okay, but getting your voice to travel clearly was tricky—sometimes it sounded like you were talking through a very long tin can! That’s when Emile Berliner invented the carbon microphone. This invention helped turn sound vibrations into strong electrical signals, making phone calls (and later, microphones for radios and music) loud and clear! It was a massive upgrade for talking long-distance.
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FDR's 'Fear Itself' Pep Talk
When Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) became President in 1933, America was in the middle of the Great Depression—things were tough! On March 4th, he gave his first massive inauguration speech. His most famous line was, 'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.' It was like the ultimate pep talk, telling everyone to stop panicking so they could start fixing the country's money problems together.
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The World Meets Cinderella on the Big Screen
Get your glass slippers ready! On March 4, 1950, Walt Disney's animated masterpiece, *Cinderella*, was released across the US. This movie was a big deal for Disney, helping bring the studio back to financial success after some tough years. It introduced the world to beloved characters like the Fairy Godmother and the evil stepsisters, making it a classic fairy tale that kids still love today!
Learn moreFun Facts About March 4
- The first Congress met in New York City before moving the government to Washington D.C.
- The inventor of the microphone, Emile Berliner, also invented the gramophone disc!
- Walt Disney's *Cinderella* was the first feature-length animated film released by the studio in 10 years.
- Vermont joined the US as the 14th state in 1791, the first state added after the original 13.
A Look Back in Time
March 4th often marks moments of new beginnings or major shifts in government! In the late 1700s, the entire structure of the United States was being officially put into action, setting up the rules for how the country would be governed for centuries. Later, in the 1930s, President Roosevelt took the reins during a massive economic crisis, needing strong words to rally the nation. Meanwhile, entertainment history was made when classic animation showed that fairy tales could be HUGE box office hits.
Born on This Day
Antonio Vivaldi
This Italian maestro was an amazing violinist and composer, famous for his energetic classical music! He wrote hundreds of pieces, including the super famous 'The Four Seasons,' which sounds like musical stories about summer thunderstorms and winter chills.
Casimir Pulaski
A Polish nobleman who came to America to help fight for freedom in the Revolutionary War! He was a brave cavalry officer and is known as the 'Father of the American Cavalry.' He was an early hero who really helped the Continental Army master horse fighting!
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Garrett Morgan
Garrett Morgan was an incredible inventor who wanted to make the world safer. He invented two massive safety devices: the improved gas mask to protect firefighters and a three-position traffic signal that helped stop car crashes! He thought about everyday problems and engineered awesome solutions.
Catherine O'Hara
You might know her as the hilarious mom from *Home Alone* or for her amazing, over-the-top character in *Schitt's Creek*! Catherine O'Hara is a super funny actress and writer from Canada who has made us laugh out loud in tons of movies and TV shows.