In History, Today on March 23

U.S. President Donald Trump signs a $1.3 trillion spending bill to keep the government open, despite earlier threats to veto it.

The United Kingdom formally triggered Article 50, beginning the process of leaving the European Union, commonly known as Brexit.

The Syrian Civil War begins with nationwide protests against President Bashar al-Assad's government, marking the start of a prolonged conflict.

President Barack Obama signs the Affordable Care Act into law, marking a significant overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system.

United States Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch was captured by Iraqi forces after her unit was ambushed.

The Russian space station Mir re-enters Earth's atmosphere and breaks up over the South Pacific Ocean after 15 years in orbit.

Aeroflot Flight 593 crashed in Siberia after the pilot's children accidentally disengaged the autopilot, killing all 75 people on board.

U.S. President Ronald Reagan proposed the Strategic Defense Initiative, a missile defense system intended to protect the United States from attack by ballistic strategic nuclear weapons.

NASA launched Gemini 3, the first manned Gemini flight, with astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young.

Pakistan became the first Islamic republic in the world.

The World Meteorological Organization was established as a specialized agency of the United Nations.

The Battle of Okinawa began between American and Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

The U.S. government began rationing several commodities, including oil and rubber, during World War II.

The Reichstag passed the Enabling Act, giving Adolf Hitler dictatorial powers in Germany.

Benito Mussolini founded the Italian Fascist movement in Milan.

The Wright brothers applied for a patent on their airplane, the Wright Flyer.

The University of California, initially consisting of the College of California and the Agricultural, Mining, and Mechanical Arts College, is chartered.

The first use of an elevator in New York City was at the port of New York. It was employed for the loading and unloading of cargo.

The ship John Wickliffe arrived at Port Chalmers, marking the beginning of European settlement in Otago, New Zealand.

Explorer Lewis and Clark, leading the Corps of Discovery Expedition, reached the Pacific Ocean on their return journey to the United States after exploring the western territories acquired in the Louisiana Purchase.

Tsar Paul I of Russia was assassinated in his bedroom at St. Michael's Castle, St. Petersburg.

Patrick Henry delivered his famous speech, 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' at the Second Virginia Convention.

George Frideric Handel's oratorio 'Messiah' premiered in London.

The Parliament of England passed the Act of Supremacy, establishing King Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scots at Scone, marking a significant step towards Scottish independence from English rule. His reign became a central part of the Wars of Scottish Independence.

The Battle of Marton takes place between the forces of the Kingdom of Wessex, led by King Æthelred and his brother Alfred the Great, and the invading Danish Vikings. The battle ends inconclusively, with heavy losses on both sides.

Pope Stephen II is elected to succeed Pope Zachary as the 92nd pope of the Roman Catholic Church. However, he dies only three days later, before his consecration, leading to the election of Pope Stephen III.