This Day in History: March 3

1575: Indian Mughal Emperor Akbar defeats the Bengali army at the Battle of Tukaroi

In 1575, Mughal Emperor Akbar of India achieved victory against the Bengali army at the Battle of Tukaroi, solidifying his reign over the region.

1857: Second Opium War: France and the United Kingdom declare war on China

In 1857, France and the United Kingdom declared war on China in what became known as the Second Opium War, a conflict over the opium trade and control of Chinese territory.

1861: Alexander II of Russia signs the Emancipation Manifesto, freeing serfs and granting them the full rights of free citizens [O.S. Feb 19]

On this day in 1861, Russian Emperor Alexander II signed the Emancipation Manifesto, freeing serfs and granting them the full rights of free citizens. This was a significant step towards modernizing Russia.

1887: Anne Sullivan begins teaching 6-year-old blind-deaf Helen Keller

In 1887, teacher Anne Sullivan began teaching 6-year-old Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf, using a tactile signing method. Sullivan's success in teaching Keller became a notable achievement in the field of special education.

1917: 1st major strike of the Russian "February Revolution" starts at the giant Putilov factory in Petrograd [OS=Feb 18]

The first major strike of the Russian February Revolution began in 1917 at the Putilov factory in Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg). The strike eventually led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the establishment of the Soviet Union.

1921: Toronto's Dr. Banting & Dr. Best announce the discovery of insulin

In 1921, Canadian doctors Frederick Banting and Charles Best announced the discovery of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body. This discovery revolutionized the treatment of diabetes.

1938: The world's fastest steam locomotive is built

In 1938, the Mallard steam locomotive was built in the United Kingdom and became the fastest steam locomotive in the world, reaching a speed of over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h).

1939: Mahatma Gandhi begins a fast in Mumbai (Bombay) to protest against the autocratic rule in India

In 1939, Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi began a fast in Mumbai (Bombay) to protest against the British colonial government's autocratic rule in India.

1943: Battle of the Bismarck Sea: Australian and American air forces devastate Japanese navy convoy

The Battle of the Bismarck Sea occurred in 1943 during World War II, in which Australian and American air forces attacked and devastated a Japanese navy convoy. The battle was a significant victory for the Allies in the Pacific Theater of the war.

1974: All 345 people on board a Turkish Airlines jet die as it plunges to the ground near Paris, France

In 1974, a Turkish Airlines DC-10 aircraft crashed near Paris, France, killing all 345 people on board.