This Day in History: March 31

1492 Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon issue the Alhambra Decree which expels Jews from their kingdoms

In an attempt to create religious and cultural homogeneity, the Spanish monarchs issued the Alhambra Decree, also known as the Edict of Expulsion, forcing Jews to leave their lands or convert to Christianity. Many fled to neighboring countries or the Ottoman Empire.

1657 English Parliament makes the Humble Petition to Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell offering him the crown: he declines

After the execution of Charles I and the dissolution of the monarchy, England was ruled by the Lord Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell. In an attempt to restore the monarchy, Parliament offered Cromwell the crown, which he refused, preferring to remain Lord Protector until his death in 1658.

1889 The Eiffel Tower is opened

The iconic landmark of Paris, France, the Eiffel Tower, was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, who designed it. The tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair and has since become a symbol of Paris and French engineering.

1918 The United States switch to DST for the first time

The United States adopted Daylight Saving Time, setting clocks one hour ahead of Standard Time during the summer months to save energy and take advantage of longer daylight hours. Exceptions include Hawaii and most of Arizona. Germany was the first country to use DST in 1916.

1964 Following a coup d'etat, a military dictatorship takes charge in Brazil

After a military coup d'etat, a military dictatorship was established in Brazil under President Humberto Castelo Branco. The regime suppressed left-wing opposition, leading to social unrest and strike action, especially in 1968.

1985 The first edition of WrestleMania is held in New York

WrestleMania, the biggest event organized by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), was first held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The annual event is considered the most important wrestling meet in the world and has since become a pop culture phenomenon.

1999 The film The Matrix is released

The science fiction film, The Matrix, starring Keanu Reeves as computer programmer Neo, was released in theaters. The film was a commercial success and is known for its innovative use of slow-motion and spinning cameras, which had a lasting impact on action film-making.

1146 Bernard of Clairvaux preaches his famous sermon in a field at Vézelay, urging the necessity of a Second Crusade. Louis VII and Eleanor of Aquitaine are present and join the Crusade

Medieval monk and theologian, Bernard of Clairvaux, preached a sermon in Vézelay, France, urging the necessity of a Second Crusade to defend the Holy Land. French King Louis VII and his queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, were present at the sermon and joined the Crusade.

1920 British parliament accepts Irish Home Rule law

The British Parliament accepted the Government of Ireland Act, which granted Home Rule to Ireland and established two separate parliaments in Ireland.