Thursday, March 19, 1693

Flydubai Flight 981 crashed during an aborted landing at Rostov-on-Don Airport, Russia, resulting in the deaths of all 62 passengers and crew on board.

First Libyan Civil War: The French Air Force launched Opération Harmattan, beginning foreign military intervention in Libya.

The gamma-ray burst GRB 080319B, the farthest object from Earth that was observable by the naked eye, was observed.

The gamma-ray burst GRB 080319B was observed, setting a record for the farthest event from Earth observable with the naked eye.

American televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as the host of The PTL Club in the midst of a sex scandal.

The American cable television network C-SPAN, covering government proceedings and public-affairs programming, was launched.

Between 300,000 and 500,000 Brazilians attended the March of the Family with God for Liberty (pictured), in protest against the government of João Goulart and against communism.

Influential American musician Bob Dylan released his eponymous debut album, mainly comprising traditional folk, blues and gospel songs.

The secular oratorio A Child of Our Time by Michael Tippett premiered at the Adelphi Theatre in London.

The highly influential American radio comedy show Amos 'n' Andy made its debut.

Established by Clara Zetkin, Käte Duncker, and others, International Women's Day was first observed.

American Civil War: The last battle of the Carolinas Campaign, the Battle of Bentonville, began, which contributed to the ultimate Union victory in the war.