This Day in History: March 4

1789 The U.S. Constitution is put into effect

The law is one of the world's oldest constitutions still in use. The oldest is the Constitution of San Marino, which was issued in 1600.

1861 Abraham Lincoln is inaugurated as the 16th US President

Abraham Lincoln, who would go on to become one of the most iconic US Presidents, took office during a time of great turmoil in American history. The country was on the brink of civil war, and Lincoln's election had been a major catalyst for the secession of several southern states.

1902 American Automobile Association (AAA) founded in Chicago

The AAA was founded to help promote safe driving and provide assistance to motorists. Over the years, it has become a major lobbying group for the automobile industry and a provider of a variety of travel-related services.

1918 The first documented cases of the Spanish flu herald a deadly worldwide pandemic

The Spanish flu would go on to claim the lives of millions of people around the world, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in history. It is believed to have originated in birds and spread rapidly among humans, aided by the close quarters and travel associated with World War I.

1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt inaugurated as 32nd US President, pledges to pull US out of the Depression, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself"

FDR's inauguration took place during one of the darkest periods in American history, as the country struggled to recover from the Great Depression. His famous quote about fear served as a rallying cry for a nation in need of hope and optimism, and his policies would go on to shape American life for decades to come.

1936 1st flight of the airship Hindenburg at Friedrichshafen, Germany

The Hindenburg was one of the largest airships ever built, and its inaugural flight was seen as a major achievement in the field of aviation. Sadly, the Hindenburg would go on to become infamous for its tragic crash in New Jersey the following year, which claimed the lives of 36 people.

1977 The Vrancea earthquake claims over 1500 lives

The earthquake struck Romania's capital city of Bucharest, causing widespread damage and claiming the lives of thousands of people. It remains one of the deadliest earthquakes in European history.

1980 Robert Mugabe becomes Zimbabwe's first black prime minister

Mugabe was a key figure in the fight against white minority rule in Zimbabwe, and his election as prime minister marked a major milestone in the country's history. However, his leadership would become increasingly oppressive in the years that followed, leading to widespread criticism both at home and abroad.

2007 The world's first national internet election is held

Estonia became the first country to allow its citizens to vote in a parliamentary election through the internet, marking a major milestone in the use of technology in democratic processes.

2009 International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir

In 2009, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Darfur conflict. This marked the first time a sitting head of state was indicted by the ICC. The warrant accused al-Bashir of orchestrating a campaign of genocide that led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and displacement of millions in the region.