Some dates hold moments that echo across politics, science and global conflict. March 18 is such a day, and it has been marked by conflict, scientific breakthroughs, and shifts in diplomacy. Here are five events associated with March 18, fact-checked:

Paris Commune begins (1871)

On March 18, 1871, the Paris Commune was born, as Paris rose up in revolt, establishing a radical socialist government for a period of two months, until French authorities quashed the revolt.

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Alaska purchased from Russia formalised context (1867 development period)

While the actual purchase of Alaska was made in March 1867, the events leading up to it, which took place around this time, ultimately led to the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States.

Gandhi–Irwin Pact signed (1931)

On March 1, 1931, Gandhi and the Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin, signed the Gandhi–Irwin Pact. The pact halted the Civil Disobedience Movement, paving the way for Indian participation in the Second Round Table Conference.

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First spacewalk anniversary context (1965 reference period)

On March 18, 1965, a giant leap in space exploration milestones was achieved when Alexei Leonov became the first human to venture out of the Voskhod 2 spacecraft.

Iraq War begins (2003)

On March 18, 2003, President Bush issued an ultimatum to Saddam Hussein to vacate Iraq. The ultimatum led to the Iraq War that followed shortly after.