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29th March

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1973: United States withdraws from Vietnam


The United States completes the withdrawal of all its combat troops from Vietnam on this day. A decade of American military involvement in Vietnam deeply divided public opinion in the United States and claimed the lives of over 57,000 U.S. soldiers. Over 200,000 South Vietnamese soldiers perished in the conflict, and the communist death toll exceeded 1 million. In addition, some 500,000 Vietnamese civilians were killed, many as a result of the massive U.S. bombing campaign, which exceeded all the bombs dropped by both sides in the Second World War. After spending over $150 billion in its effort to save South Vietnam from communism, the United States finally and completely withdrew on 29 March 1973. Two years later, the war ended with the fall of South Vietnam and the unification of Vietnam under communist authority.

2006

Acting Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, declares victory for his new Kadima Party in the country’s general election.

2004

Smoking is banned in all public places in Ireland.

1999

In England, the family of the James Hanratty, the man convicted and hanged for the A6 murder in 1962, is granted the right to appeal the case.

1982

In El Chichon, southern Mexico an earthquake and a volcanic eruption cause havoc in the surrounding area killing thousands of people.

1981

The first London marathon is run.

1974

Mariner 10, an unmanned NASA space probe, becomes the first spacecraft to visit the planet Mercury.

1971

In Los Angeles, America Charles Manson and three members of his cult are sentenced to death. There sentence is subsequently commuted to life in Prison as the death sentence is abolished in California in 1972.

1971

The Vietnam War: In America, Lieutenant William Calley is found guilty of murder at a court martial for his part in the My Lai massacre in South Vietnam.

1951

In America, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are convicted of espionage.

1945

The Second World War: American General, George S. Patton, takes control of Frankfurt, Germany.

1917

The First World War: In Sweden, Prime Minister Hjalmar Hammarskjold resigns in light of his controversial policy of adopting neutrality during the War.

1879

Anglo-Zulu War: 2,000 British soldiers defeat 20,000 Zulus at the Battle of Kambula in northwest Zululand.

1871

Queen Victoria opens the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.

1632

England and France sign the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which returns Quebec to French control.

1461

The War of the Roses: in England the House of York defeats the House of Lancaster at the Battle of Towton.

1976

American tennis player Jennifer Capriati.

1965

Australian model Elle ('the body') Macpherson.

1943

Former British Conservative Prime Minister John Major

1943

Composer Vangelis.

1943

Comic actor Eric Idle, a member of the internationally acclaimed comedy team : Monty Python's Flying Circus.

1943

British actress Julie Goodyear.

1914

British journalist Chapman Pincher

1905

British artist Edward John Burra. .

1902

British composer William Walton. Writes the film score for Hamlet (1947).

1981

Dr Eric Williams, aged 69, Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago.

1912

British explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott dies in Antarctica along with the rest of his small party while returning from the South Pole.