In History, Today on March 18

Vladimir Putin won a fourth term as President of Russia with over 76% of the vote, amid allegations of electoral fraud and suppression of opposition.

Suicide bombers attacked Istanbul's main shopping street, İstiklal Avenue, killing three Israeli tourists and one Iranian, with 36 others wounded. The attack was attributed to ISIS, escalating tensions and violence in Turkey.

A terrorist attack at the Bardo National Museum in Tunis, Tunisia, resulted in the deaths of 22 people, including 20 foreign tourists. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State group and highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism in North Africa.

Russia formally annexed Crimea after a controversial referendum, which was widely condemned by the international community. This event significantly escalated tensions between Russia and Western countries.

A massive explosion occurred at the BP Texas City Refinery in Texas City, Texas, resulting in the deaths of 15 workers and injuring more than 170 others. This incident was one of the deadliest industrial accidents in the United States and led to significant changes in safety regulations and practices within the oil industry.

The United States, United Kingdom, and Spain withdrew a proposed resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have authorized the use of force against Iraq. This withdrawal effectively ended diplomatic efforts to gain UN approval for military action, leading to the invasion of Iraq two days later.

The largest art theft in U.S. history occurred at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, where 13 pieces of art valued at around $500 million were stolen. The case remains unsolved.

Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov became the first person to conduct a spacewalk, exiting the spacecraft Voskhod 2 for 12 minutes. This achievement marked a significant milestone in human space exploration.

Mahatma Gandhi was sentenced to six years in prison for civil disobedience after leading the non-cooperation movement against British rule in India. His imprisonment was a pivotal moment in the Indian independence movement.

American Express was founded by Henry Wells and William Fargo in Buffalo, New York. The company initially started as an express mail business and later expanded into financial services.

Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, was born.

Six farm laborers from Tolpuddle, Dorset, England, known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs, were sentenced to transportation to Australia for forming a trade union. Their case became a landmark in the history of trade unionism.

An astronomical congress was convened in Gotha, Germany, marking a significant step in international cooperation among astronomers in observation and celestial studies.

The British Parliament repealed the Stamp Act of 1765, which had imposed a direct tax on the colonies of British America and led to widespread protest. The repeal was a significant event in the lead-up to the American Revolution.

King Henry VIII of England dissolves the monasteries and confiscates their assets.

Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, was executed by burning at the stake in Paris, France. His death marked the end of the Templar Order, which had been suppressed by Pope Clement V under pressure from King Philip IV of France.

The First Lateran Council, considered the ninth ecumenical council by the Roman Catholic Church, opened in the Lateran Palace in Rome. It aimed to address issues relating to church reform and the resolution of conflicts that arose from the Investiture Controversy.

Edward the Martyr, King of England, is murdered at Corfe Castle, leading to the succession of Æthelred the Unready.

The Roman Senate annuls Tiberius's will and proclaims Caligula as Emperor of Rome.