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King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain issued the Alhambra Decree on March 31, 1492. The decree ordered the expulsion of all Jews from Spanish territories unless they converted to Catholicism.

There were several reasons why Ferdinand and Isabella issued this decree. One reason was religious: Spain was a Catholic country, and the monarchs believed that the presence of Jews in their territory was a threat to the religious unity of the kingdom. They believed that Jews who did not convert to Catholicism would continue to practice Judaism and might try to convert Catholics to their religion.

Another reason was economic. Ferdinand and Isabella believed that expelling the Jews would allow them to seize their property and assets, which could then be used to finance their ongoing war against the Muslim Moors in Granada. By expelling the Jews, they hoped to increase their wealth and power.

The decree was a devastating blow to the Jewish community in Spain, which had been present in the country for centuries. Many Jews chose to convert to Catholicism rather than leave their homes and possessions behind, but even those who did convert often faced discrimination and persecution from their fellow Spaniards. The Alhambra Decree is considered one of the most significant events in the history of Spanish Jewry and had far-reaching consequences for the Jewish diaspora in Europe.

Photo King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

On 31 march 1889, the Eifel tower in Paris France, was officially inaugurated and opened to the public.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, was officially inaugurated and opened to the public on March 31, 1889. The tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair, which was held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

The Eiffel Tower was designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, who also oversaw its construction. It is made of wrought iron and stands 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest structures in the world at the time of its construction. It was originally intended to be a temporary structure, but its popularity with the public and its usefulness for scientific experiments led to it being preserved as a permanent landmark. Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and is a symbol of Paris and France. It is visited by millions of tourists each year and has been the setting for many famous events, including the 1900 World’s Fair, the 1948 Olympic Games, and the millennium celebrations in 2000.

Photo Eiffel Tower

On March 31, 1917, the United States formally took possession of the Virgin Islands from Denmark. The Virgin Islands, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, had been under Danish control since the 17th century, but the United States had been interested in acquiring them for some time.

In 1916, the United States entered  into  negotiations with Denmark to purchase the Virgin Islands, which were strategically located in the Caribbean Sea. The negotiations were successful, and on January 17, 1917, the two countries signed a treaty in which Denmark agreed to sell the Virgin Islands to the United States for $25 million.

The transfer of sovereignty took place on March 31, 1917, when the United States formally took possession of the Virgin Islands. The islands were administered as a U.S. territory and were later granted U.S. citizenship in 1927. Today, the Virgin Islands are a popular tourist destination known for their beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage.

Photo  Virgin Islands

On March 31, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson made a televised address to the nation in which he announced that he would not seek reelection as President of the United States.

Johnson had been facing mounting criticism and protests over his handling of the Vietnam War, as well as other domestic issues. The war had become increasingly unpopular, and many Americans were calling for a change in leadership. Johnson’s decision not to seek reelection came as a surprise to many, as he had previously indicated that he would run for another term.

In his address, Johnson said, “I have concluded that I should not permit the presidency to become involved in the partisan divisions that are developing in this political year.” He went on to urge the nation to “reject the politics of despair and the politics of division,” and called for a renewed commitment to the principles of democracy and unity.

Johnson’s announcement set the stage for a tumultuous presidential campaign in 1968, which saw the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy and the election of Republican candidate Richard Nixon. Johnson’s decision not to seek reelection marked the end of a turbulent and transformative era in American politics.

Photo president Lyndon Johnson

On March 31, 1995, Selena Quintanilla-Perez, a popular Tejano singer, was tragically murdered by her fan club president, Yolanda Saldivar, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Selena was only 23 years old at the time of her death and was widely regarded as one of the most talented and successful musicians in the Tejano genre.  Saldivar, who had been managing Selena’s fan club and boutique clothing line, was confronted by Selena’s family members about embezzling money from the businesses. After the meeting, Saldivar pulled out a gun and shot Selena in the back. Selena was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The news of Selena’s death shocked her fans and the music industry. Her funeral was attended by thousands of mourners, and her death was widely covered by the media. In the years since her death, Selena has become a cultural icon, with her music and fashion influencing a new generation of musicians and fans.

Saldivar was eventually convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. The tragedy of Selena’s untimely death is still mourned by many and serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact that talented artists can have on the world.

Selena Quintanilla-Perez