March 7th has witnessed numerous pivotal moments throughout history that have shaped our world. From groundbreaking inventions to social movements that changed the course of nations, this date has been marked by events of global significance. Today, we’ll explore five major historical events that occurred on this date, plus a special bonus event connected to Utica, NY that highlights the region’s rich heritage.
1. Alexander Graham Bell Patents the Telephone (1876)
The Birth of Modern Communication
On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for what would become one of the most transformative inventions in human history: the telephone. Patent No. 174,465 was issued for Bell’s “Improvement in Telegraphy,” which laid the foundation for modern telecommunications.
Bell’s invention revolutionized how people communicated, effectively shrinking the world by allowing instant voice communication across vast distances. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Bell filed his patent application just hours before his competitor, Elisha Gray, submitted a similar design.
Impact and Legacy
The telephone fundamentally changed business, personal relationships, and emergency response systems. Bell’s invention sparked the development of telecommunications infrastructure that would eventually evolve into the digital networks we rely on today. From the simple device that transmitted Bell’s famous first words—”Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you”—emerged an innovation that connects billions of people worldwide.
2. Roman Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Begin Joint Rule (161 CE)
An Unprecedented Political Arrangement
On March 7, 161 CE, following the death of Emperor Antoninus Pius, Rome witnessed a historic first: the joint rule of two emperors, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. This unprecedented political arrangement marked a significant departure from traditional Roman governance.
Marcus Aurelius, known for his philosophical writings and stoic principles, and Lucius Verus, recognized for his military prowess, created a balanced leadership approach that combined intellectual wisdom with military strength. Their co-reign demonstrated the effectiveness of shared power in governance during a time of relative prosperity for the Roman Empire.
Legacy of the Diarchy
Though their joint rule lasted only until Verus’s death in 169 CE, this experiment in shared imperial power influenced future leadership dynamics in Roman politics. Marcus Aurelius would continue as sole emperor until 180 CE, becoming one of Rome’s most respected rulers and leaving behind his philosophical work “Meditations,” which continues to influence thinkers today.
3. “Bloody Sunday” Civil Rights March in Selma (1965)
A Turning Point in the Civil Rights Movement
On March 7, 1965, approximately 600 civil rights marchers attempting to walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to advocate for voting rights were violently attacked by state troopers and local police at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The brutal assault on peaceful protesters, which became known as “Bloody Sunday,” was captured by television cameras and broadcast to millions of Americans.
Among those severely beaten was future Congressman John Lewis, who suffered a fractured skull. The shocking images of law enforcement officers using tear gas, whips, and clubs against nonviolent demonstrators galvanized public opinion and created nationwide support for the civil rights movement.
Impact on Legislation and Legacy
The events of Bloody Sunday directly contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson just five months later. This landmark legislation prohibited racial discrimination in voting and fundamentally transformed American democracy by ensuring that African Americans could exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Today, the annual commemoration of the Selma to Montgomery march serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for equality and the ongoing work toward social justice.
4. Hitler Remilitarizes the Rhineland (1936)
Breaking the Treaty of Versailles
On March 7, 1936, Adolf Hitler ordered German troops to enter and occupy the Rhineland, a demilitarized zone established by the Treaty of Versailles following World War I. This bold move directly violated the treaty and marked Hitler’s first major military gamble on the international stage.
The German forces that entered the Rhineland were under orders to retreat if they met French resistance. However, despite the treaty violations, neither France nor Britain took military action, emboldening Hitler and setting the stage for his increasingly aggressive territorial ambitions.
Historical Significance
The remilitarization of the Rhineland represented a critical turning point in the lead-up to World War II. The lack of response from Western powers reinforced Hitler’s belief that he could continue to expand German territory without serious consequences. This event is often cited as a key example of the failed policy of appeasement that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War.
5. First Jazz Record Released (1917)
The Birth of Recorded Jazz
On March 7, 1917, the Original Dixieland Jass Band (ODJB) released what is widely considered the first jazz record. The 78 rpm disc featured “Dixie Jazz Band One Step” on one side and “Livery Stable Blues” on the other, and was produced by the Victor Talking Machine Company.
Though the ODJB was a white band playing music with deep African American roots, their recording marked a pivotal moment in music history, introducing jazz to a wider audience and helping to launch what would become known as the “Jazz Age” of the 1920s.
Cultural Impact
This groundbreaking recording helped transform jazz from a regional style primarily heard in New Orleans to a national phenomenon. The commercial success of this record demonstrated the public’s appetite for this new form of music and paved the way for future jazz recordings by artists of all backgrounds.
The release of this first jazz record represents a significant cultural milestone that influenced not only music but also dance, fashion, and social attitudes in America and eventually worldwide.
Bonus: The Erie Canal and Utica’s March 7th Connection (1817)
Utica’s Canal Legacy
While the exact groundbreaking of the Erie Canal in Utica wasn’t on March 7th, this date holds special significance in the canal’s history. On March 7, 1817, just months before construction began in Rome, NY (near Utica), the New York State Legislature passed crucial funding legislation that made the Erie Canal project possible. This decision would transform Utica from a small village into a booming commercial center.
The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie, creating a water route from New York City to the Great Lakes. Utica, strategically positioned along this route, became a vital hub for commerce and immigration. The canal allowed goods to be transported from Utica to New York City in a fraction of the time previously required, making it an ideal location for manufacturing and trade.
Impact on Utica’s Development
The canal brought waves of Irish immigrants to Utica who initially came to help with its construction. These workers and their families settled in the area, contributing significantly to the city’s cultural heritage. The influx of immigrants and the economic opportunities provided by the canal led to Utica’s rapid growth, with the population expanding from about 3,000 in 1820 to over 56,000 by 1900.
Today, remnants of Utica’s canal history can still be explored along the Erie Canalway Trail, which passes through the city as part of the 360-mile trail system connecting Buffalo to Albany. The canal’s legacy lives on in Utica’s diverse cultural heritage, historic architecture, and ongoing revitalization efforts that honor this important chapter in the city’s history.
Conclusion
March 7th has truly been a date of remarkable historical significance. From Alexander Graham Bell’s world-changing invention to pivotal moments in civil rights history, the events that occurred on this day continue to influence our world. For Utica, NY, the connection to the Erie Canal represents a vital chapter in the city’s development and ongoing identity.
These historical moments remind us how single days can contain events that reshape societies, technologies, and human connections. As we reflect on March 7th throughout history, we gain a deeper appreciation for how the past continues to inform our present and future.
What historical event from March 7th resonates most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
