March 30

An uprising known as the Sicilian Vespers erupts against French rule on the island of Sicily.

An uprising against French Angevin rule erupted in Sicily following an incident at a church in Palermo, quickly spreading across the island and resulting in the massacre of French residents. The Sicilian Vespers rebellion led to a prolonged war involving multiple European powers over control of the island.

American surgeon Crawford Long becomes the first to use ether as a general anesthetic during surgery.

American surgeon Crawford Long administered ether to a patient before removing a tumor from his neck, performing what is considered the first operation using general anesthesia, though he did not publish his findings for several years, delaying wider recognition of the breakthrough.

The Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the Crimean War between Russia and an alliance including Britain and France.

Russia, along with allies including the Ottoman Empire, Britain, and France, signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Crimean War on terms that neutralized the Black Sea and curtailed Russian naval power there, a significant check on Russian expansionist ambitions.

U.S. Secretary of State William Seward agrees to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.

U.S. Secretary of State William Seward signed a treaty to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a deal initially mocked in the press as "Seward's Folly" but later recognized as a remarkably favorable acquisition given the territory's vast natural resources.

Texas is readmitted to the United States Congress following the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Texas was formally readmitted to representation in the United States Congress, completing its return to the Union following the Civil War and the Reconstruction-era requirements imposed on former Confederate states, including ratifying constitutional amendments abolishing slavery and guaranteeing civil rights.

France establishes a protectorate over Morocco under the Treaty of Fez.

France and Morocco signed the Treaty of Fez, establishing a French protectorate over the bulk of Moroccan territory while a separate agreement gave Spain control of smaller northern and southern zones, ending Morocco's formal independence. The colonial arrangement, which provoked periodic uprisings, persisted until Morocco regained its full independence in 1956 following growing nationalist pressure.

Iceland votes to join NATO, prompting riots in Reykjavik by opponents of the alliance.

Iceland's parliament voted to join the newly formed NATO alliance despite significant domestic opposition from those who feared entanglement in great-power conflicts, triggering riots outside the parliament building in Reykjavik that police had to forcibly disperse. Iceland's accession, notable given the small nation maintains no standing military of its own, reflected Cold War-era strategic concerns about the North Atlantic.

The 14th Dalai Lama flees Tibet for India amid a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

Amid a failed popular uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama fled his palace in Lhasa disguised as a common soldier under cover of darkness, beginning an arduous, weeks-long mountain journey toward the Indian border. His flight, aided by loyal guards and sympathetic villagers along the route, would end in permanent exile and the eventual establishment of a Tibetan government-in-exile.

President Ronald Reagan is shot and wounded outside a Washington hotel by John Hinckley Jr.

President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest by John Hinckley Jr. outside a Washington, D.C. hotel, along with three others including press secretary James Brady, who was left permanently disabled. Reagan underwent emergency surgery and made a full recovery within weeks.

"Titanic" wins eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, tying the record for most Oscars won by a single film.

James Cameron's epic film "Titanic" won eleven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, tying the record previously set by "Ben-Hur" for the most Oscars won by a single film, a feat later matched again by "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."