What happened on March 29 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
Get On This Day In History delivered straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
Charles Manson and cult members sentenced to death
Charles Manson, the infamous cult leader, and three of his followers were sentenced to death in Los Angeles for a series of brutal murders that shocked the nation. The crimes, linked to the Manson Family, were among the most notorious in American history.
• The trial gained massive media attention due to the gruesome details of the murders, particularly the killing of actress Sharon Tate and others.
• Manson’s ideology, a mix of apocalyptic prophecy and racial war theories, influenced his followers to commit the crimes under his command.
• Although originally sentenced to death, the sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment after California abolished the death penalty.
Moscow metro suicide bombings
Two female suicide bombers carried out deadly attacks in the Moscow Metro system during peak morning rush hour, killing 40 people and injuring dozens more. The attack was attributed to militant groups from the North Caucasus.
• The explosions occurred in two stations, causing widespread panic and leading to heightened security across Moscow.
• Authorities linked the attack to ongoing conflicts in the North Caucasus, where separatist groups had been fighting against Russian forces.
• The bombings prompted a major crackdown on extremist networks, leading to several counterterrorism operations in the region.
Ireland bans workplace smoking
The Republic of Ireland became the first country in the world to implement a nationwide ban on smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants. The groundbreaking legislation set a precedent for global public health policies.
• The ban was introduced to protect workers and the public from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
• Ireland’s decision inspired other countries to adopt similar measures, leading to widespread smoking bans across Europe and beyond.
• Despite initial opposition from the tobacco industry and some business owners, the law was largely successful and well-enforced.
Teófilo Stevenson: Cuban boxing legend
Teófilo Stevenson was one of Cuba’s greatest boxers, known for his incredible power and dominance in the amateur boxing scene. He won three Olympic gold medals and was renowned for his loyalty to Cuba over lucrative professional offers.
• Stevenson won Olympic gold in three consecutive Games, a feat achieved by very few boxers.
• Unlike many other boxers, he refused offers to turn professional, famously rejecting multimillion-dollar deals to fight Muhammad Ali.
• He remained a national hero in Cuba, serving as a symbol of the country’s commitment to amateur sports and socialism.