This Day In European History
31st March
Events1492: Ferdinand and Isabella of Aragon-Castile order all Spanish Jews to convert to Christianity or leave within three months.
1495: The League of Venice is formed by Pope Alexander VI, with Spain, Venice, Milan and the Holy Roman Empire as members. Officially they are to fight the Ottoman Turks; in practice they wish to push France out of Italy.
1889: The Eiffel Tower opens.
1990: Anti-poll tax riots in Britain; over 400 people are arrested.
Births
1499: Pope Pius IV.
1519: King Henry II of France.
1596: Rene Descartes, French philosopher.
1621: Andrew Marvell, English poet.
1732: Joseph Haydn, Austrian composer.
1809: Nicolay Gogol, Russian novelist.
1811: Robert Wilhelm von Bunsen, German scientist and inventor of the Bunsen burner.
1844: Andrew Lang, Scottish writer.
1871: Arthur Griffith, Irish founder of Sinn Fein and President of the Irish Republic.
Deaths
1547: King Francis I of France.
1631: John Donne, English poet.
1816: Jean Francois Ducis, French dramatist.
1837: John Constable, English painter.
1855: Charlotte Bronte, English novelist.
