In History, Today on March 26

Chinese authorities closed multiple consulates of Western nations in northeastern China, citing a need to strengthen control over diplomatic facilities in response to perceived threats to national security.

Thousands of people attended global protests as part of the global 'Climate Strike' movement, demanding actionable solutions from governments for climate change.

The container ship Ever Given, which had blocked the Suez Canal since March 23, 2021, was partially re-floated, significantly improving efforts to clear the critical trade route.

The United States, along with several European countries, expelled Russian diplomats in response to the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the United Kingdom, which was attributed to Russia.

The Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen began with airstrikes against Houthi forces.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/262, affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity and recognizing Crimea as part of Ukraine, following Russia's annexation of Crimea. The resolution was supported by 100 member states, underscoring international opposition to the annexation.

The South Korean warship ROKS Cheonan was sunk by a North Korean torpedo, killing 46 sailors.

The militant group ETA announces a permanent ceasefire after decades of armed struggle for Basque independence from Spain.

The Taiwanese opposition leader Lien Chan meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao, marking the first meeting between Chinese and Taiwanese political leaders since 1949.

Vladimir Putin was elected President of Russia, succeeding Boris Yeltsin.

The Schengen Agreement, which abolishes border checks between participating European countries, comes into effect.

The Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty is signed in Washington, D.C., ending 30 years of war between the two countries.

Bangladesh declares its independence from Pakistan, marking the start of the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Dr. Jonas Salk announces on a national radio show that he has successfully tested a vaccine against poliomyelitis, the virus that causes the crippling disease of polio.

The first U.S. troops arrive in Australia during World War II, marking the beginning of significant U.S. military presence.

The United Kingdom introduced the Driving Test, making it mandatory for new drivers to pass a test before obtaining a license.

U.S. Congress issues a speed limit for automobiles in Washington D.C.

The Métis people, led by Louis Riel, begin the North-West Rebellion in Canada.

The Paris Commune was formally established after a municipal council was elected by the people of Paris. This was an early and influential form of government, where the workers of Paris assumed power and ran the city until its suppression in May 1871.

The Book of Mormon is published in Palmyra, New York.

An earthquake destroyed the city of Caracas, Venezuela, causing significant casualties and damage.

Utrecht University in the Netherlands was founded, originally as the 'Illustrious School of Utrecht'. It has become one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in the Netherlands.

William Caxton printed his translation of Aesop's Fables, one of the earliest printed books in English.

The Battle of the Thirty took place in Brittany during the Breton War of Succession. It was a combat between thirty knights and squires from each side: the French faction supporting Charles de Blois and the English faction supporting John de Montfort.

Conrad II is crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope John XIX.

Pope Stephen II, who was elected to the papacy after the death of Pope Zachary, died before being consecrated. As he had not been officially consecrated, he is sometimes omitted from the official list of popes.

Emperor Maurice proclaims his son Theodosius as co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire.