By Day: Historical Events on March 31st

The University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world, is founded.

The Second Crusade: Crusaders begin the Siege of Damascus.

Alfonso VII, Emperor of Spain, dies.

King Charles VI of France announces the end of the Crusade against the Ottoman Empire.

Turko-Mongol leader Tamerlane defeats the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I at the Battle of Ankara.

Spain King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castille issue the Alhambra Decree, mandating that all Jews be expelled from the country. The decree came shortly freeing Spain from Muslim rule after nearly 800 years.

Abigail Adams writes a letter to her husband John Adams. saying in part "...."I long to hear that you have declared an independency -- and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation....." More

The treaty of Kanagawa. between Japan and the United States is signed. Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, representing the U.S. on an elaborately planned mission to open Japan and an unwavering policy by Japan's government of forbidding commerce with foreign nations found a way to reach agreement. More

The main structural work of the Eiffel Tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France.is completed in time for the opening of the 1889 world's fair (Exposition Universelle), Gustave Eiffel celebrated by leading a group of government officials, accompanied by representatives of the press, to the top of the tower. More