CalEvents:Mar/Mar 1
From Sankofapedia
Notable events for March 1
Date
Event
Significance
March 1, 1780
Pennsylvania passes the Gradual Abolition Act
On this day, Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to pass a law for the gradual abolition of slavery. This act was a significant step in the fight against slavery in the United States and set a precedent for other northern states.
March 1, 1896
Battle of Adwa in Ethiopia
On this day, Ethiopian forces, led by Emperor Menelik II, defeated Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa. This victory preserved Ethiopia’s independence and made Ethiopia a symbol of anti-colonial resistance across Africa and the African diaspora.
March 1, 1960
Robert Sobukwe leads anti-pass law protests in South Africa
On this day, Robert Sobukwe, leader of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), led a series of anti-pass law protests across South Africa. These protests were a critical moment in the anti-apartheid movement and escalated tensions between the government and liberation movements.
March 1, 1961
U.S. Peace Corps established
On this day, President John F. Kennedy established the U.S. Peace Corps. Many volunteers were sent to African nations as part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between the U.S. and newly independent African countries during the Cold War.
March 1, 1966
Ghana experiences a coup, Kwame Nkrumah overthrown
On this day, Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president and a key figure in the Pan-African movement, was overthrown in a military coup. His removal marked a setback for Pan-Africanism and influenced political developments across post-colonial Africa.
March 1, 1990
Nelson Mandela elected as Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC)
On this day, Nelson Mandela was officially elected Deputy President of the ANC, setting the stage for his leadership in South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy.
March 1, 2008
Kenya forms coalition government after post-election violence
On this day, following widespread violence after Kenya’s 2007 election, a coalition government was formed between President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga. This agreement marked a critical step in restoring peace and political stability in Kenya.