31 – 1st Easter, according to calendar-maker Dionysius Exiguus. 1306 – Robert the Bruce, crowned Scottish king at Scone this day in 1306, freed Scotland from English rule, winning the decisive Battle of Bannockburn (1314) and confirming Scottish independence in the Treaty of Northampton (1328). 1436 – Florentine cathedral Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore with the dome by Filippo Brunelleschi consecrated by Pope Eugene IV (begun 1296). 1807 – British Parliament abolishes slave trade throughout the British Empire; a penalty of £120 per slave introduced for ship captains. 1895 – Italian troops invade Abyssinia (Ethiopia). 1911 – A fire at the Triangle shirtwaist factory in New York City killed 146 people, prompting the creation of health and safety legislation. 1957 – The Treaties of Rome were signed, establishing the European Community and the European Atomic Energy Community. 1960 – 1st guided missile launched from nuclear-powered sub (Halibut). 1975 – King Fayṣal of Saudi Arabia was shot to death by his nephew. 2002 – A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of northern Afghanistan, causing more than 1,000 deaths.
Births & Deaths: 1942 – Aretha Franklin, an American singer with multiple Grammy Awards and “Queen of Soul” best known for such hits as “Respect,” “Freeway of Love” and “I Say a Little Prayer.”, was born. 1947 – Sir Elton John, a British singer, composer and pianist, best known for his popular music and stylistic showmanship, was born. 1965 – Sarah Jessica Parker, an American actress best known for her role on the television series Sex and the City, was born.
Sport: 1934 – 1st Augusta National Invitation Tournament (Masters) Golf: Horton Smith wins with a 20-foot birdie putt at the 17th hole, 1 stroke ahead of Craig Wood.
Music: 1939 – Billboard Magazine introduces hillbilly (country) music chart.
TV & Film: 1954 – RCA manufactures 1st color TV set (12½” screen at $1,000).
