March 11 has a special talent for harbouring pivotal moments that reverberate throughout history, affecting politics, culture, and technology. Below is a fact-checked look at five significant events linked to March 11.

Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami (2011)

In 2011, a strong earthquake hit Japan’s northeastern coast, followed by a massive tsunami that caused extensive destruction and led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant crisis. This is regarded as one of the most significant nuclear disasters after Chornobyl.

Madrid train bombings (2004)

In 2004, simultaneous bombings hit Madrid’s commuter trains, leading to the deaths of 193 people and injuries to thousands. This is regarded as one of the most deadly terrorist incidents in Europe in the 21st century.

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Lithuania declares independence from the Soviet Union (1990)

On March 11, 1990, Lithuania declared independence from the Soviet Union. This was the first declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. This bold step was just part of the larger process that eventually led to the fall of the Soviet Union.

Penicillin first successfully used to treat a patient (1942)

On March 11, 1942, American doctors reported one of the first successful uses of penicillin to treat a patient. Although it was first discovered earlier by Alexander Fleming, it would eventually become one of the most important breakthroughs of this era.

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'Pokémon Go' cultural milestone development era (2016 context)

While Pokémon Go itself was introduced in 2016, all of these milestones and initial presentations during this era are what eventually built up to it becoming one of the more popular augmented reality games in the world.