Welcome back to Touring History, the podcast that pokes through the pages of the past and asks, “Wait… we did what now?” I’m Alain Touring, and today is March 16th—a date that, like your group chat after midnight, includes moments of genius, disasters, and at least one “how did that even happen?”
Let’s start with some notable birthdays. James Madison, born in 1751—Founding Father, fourth U.S. president, and the guy who basically drafted the Constitution like it was a group project and he didn’t trust anyone else to get it right. Jerry Lewis, born in 1926, comedy legend, slapstick master, and the man who made telethons a national sport. And Blake Griffin, born in 1989—a human highlight reel who proved that dunking over a Kia can, apparently, be a career milestone. Take that, gravity.
March 16, 1926—Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket, officially kicking off humanity’s quest to break Earth’s atmosphere—and also eventually launch a satellite that tells you how many steps you’ve taken today. Goddard paved the way for moon landings, Mars rovers, and Elon Musk pretending he’s Tony Stark.
1968—The My Lai Massacre, one of the darkest chapters of the Vietnam War. U.S. troops killed hundreds of unarmed civilians, sparking outrage and dramatically shifting public opinion about the war. It was a horrifying reminder that even the most powerful nations can lose their moral compass—especially in a jungle and a geopolitical quagmire.
1802—The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is founded. Originally intended to train engineers, it quickly became the place where future generals, presidents, and yes, the occasional power-hungry senator learn how to command attention—and occasionally, troops.
Also in 1926, the very first Book of the Month Club selection was sent out. The start of subscription culture, before it became a lifestyle. Back then, it was books—now it’s streaming services, gym boxes, sock deliveries, and whatever new thing your credit card is silently crying about each month.
1978—The Amoco Cadiz oil spill off the coast of France becomes one of history’s worst environmental disasters. Millions of gallons of oil pour into the sea, and humanity learns—again—that maybe transporting vast amounts of toxic sludge across oceans is not foolproof. Spoiler: we didn’t really learn.
2013—Oreo drops the now-legendary "You Can Dunk in the Dark" tweet during the Super Bowl blackout. It cost basically nothing and made more impact than most of the multimillion-dollar ads that surrounded it. A masterclass in “right place, right snarky time.”
1935—Adolf Hitler violates the Treaty of Versailles by announcing German rearmament. Because of course he did. It’s the international equivalent of saying, “Sure, I’ll follow the rules,” while actively drawing a mustache on the rulebook.
1995—Mississippi finally—finally—ratifies the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. Yes, in 1995. Turns out, they forgot to file the paperwork. You’d think abolishing slavery would be a priority item, but apparently it got lost between lunch and a committee meeting.
1988—Saddam Hussein’s regime carries out the Halabja chemical attack, killing thousands of Kurdish civilians. A horrifying act of genocide and a grim reminder of what unchecked authoritarian power can do when armed with chemical weapons and a deep disdain for human rights.
2014—Crimea votes to join Russia in a referendum that was about as legitimate as a used car warranty call. The international community largely called it an illegal annexation. Russia called it a family reunion. Everyone else just called it "troubling."
And in 2011, the Syrian Civil War begins. What started as peaceful protests spiraled into one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century. Years later, millions are still displaced, the country remains shattered, and the world remains largely indifferent—because outrage fatigue is real, and empathy apparently has a short news cycle.
And that’s March 16th—one part scientific progress, one part global tragedy, and a sprinkle of social media snark. If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and remember: history doesn’t just repeat itself—it occasionally reposts itself with worse filters.
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