Some dates bring together events that continue to shape political movements, exploration and public debate. March 7 has witnessed significant events in the history of protest, discovery, and leadership changes that have impacted contemporary politics and discourse. What follows is a fact-checked account of five events linked to this day.

Selma to Montgomery march 'Bloody Sunday' (1965)

In 1965, civil rights activists on a march from Selma to Montgomery in the state of Alabama were attacked by state troopers as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge. This event, which came to be known as Bloody Sunday, marked a crucial moment in the civil rights movement in the United States.

Also Read | Wordle answer today (March 7): Check hints, solution and more

Alexander Graham Bell receives telephone patent (1876)

On March 7th, 1876, a United States patent was granted to Alexander Graham Bell for his invention of the telephone, which revolutionised long-distance communication and paved the way for the development of telecommunications.

Iraq War begins with US air strikes (2003)

On March 7th in 2003, the United States and its allies had begun preparations for a war against Iraq under the leadership of President George W. Bush. This marked the beginning of the invasion in the days that followed.

Also Read | March 7 Horoscope: Career progress for some signs, relationship caution for others

First solar powered aircraft flight milestone (1981 development phase context)

In the experiments of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the prototypes of solar-powered aircraft were able to fly on solar power, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of flying on renewable energy sources.

Nancy Reagan dies (2016)

Nancy Reagan, who served as First Lady of the United States between 1981 and 1989 during her husband Ronald Reagan's presidency, died on March 7, 2016, at the age of 94. She is most famous for her ‘Just Say No’ drug campaign.