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What happened today (March 31) in history? Key events to look back on

From the rise of the Eiffel Tower to the renaming of Mumbai and today’s digital awareness, March 31 connects moments that shaped history, identity and modern life.

By Pritha Chakraborty

Mar 31, 2026 10:18 IST

Some days in history bring together events that change the way we look at the world in a subtle manner. March 31st is such a day, with events ranging from landmarks, territorial issues, cultural events, and contemporary issues. From engineering marvels in the 19th century to digital culture in contemporary times, March 31st has a mix of history that still seems to be relevant in contemporary times.

Eiffel Tower opens to the public (1889)

On March 31st, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was inaugurated in Paris, France. The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel for the World’s Fair, although there were initial concerns over its design, which was made of iron.

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Alaska transferred to the United States (1867)

On this day in 1867, a deal was signed between the United States and Russia on the Alaska Purchase agreement. The deal increased the size of the US territory, although it was first viewed with scepticism by some people. However, over time, Alaska was found to have many resources.

Franz Joseph Haydn born (1732)

The famous Austrian composer, Franz Joseph Haydn, was born on March 31, 1732. He is referred to as the “Father of the Symphony.” Haydn played a significant role in shaping the genre of classical music, influencing other composers like Mozart and Beethoven with his creative works.

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Bombay was officially renamed Mumbai (1995)

The city of Bombay was officially renamed Mumbai on March 31, 1995. This renaming of the city of Bombay to Mumbai was a significant cultural and political shift in India, as it attempted to align the name of the city more closely with its Marathi heritage.

World Backup Day observed (modern observance)

March 31 is also marked as World Backup Day. It is a reminder for everyone to take the necessary precautions for data security by creating backups.

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