05 March - King Henry II birth anniversary

 

King Henry II (1133–1189) was one of England's most significant monarchs, reigning from 1154 until his death. He was the first king of the Plantagenet dynasty, known for his energetic governance and for laying the foundations of the modern English legal system. Here are some key highlights about him:

Early Life and Accession

• Born: March 5, 1133, at Le Mans, France.
• Parents: Geoffrey of Anjou and Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I of England.
• Claim to the Throne: His mother, Matilda, was designated heir to King Henry I, but a civil war, known as The Anarchy, ensued between her and her cousin Stephen of Blois. Henry's accession in 1154 ended this conflict.

Reign Highlights

1. Legal Reforms:

   • Introduced the concept of common law and established royal courts that allowed people to bypass feudal lords' courts.
   • Created the jury system, which evolved into a cornerstone of the modern legal system.

2. Territorial Control:

   • Ruled over the Angevin Empire, which included England, parts of Ireland, and extensive lands in France (Anjou, Normandy, Maine, Brittany, and Aquitaine through his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine).

3. Marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine:

   • In 1152, Henry married Eleanor, one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Europe, two months after her annulment from King Louis VII of France. The marriage brought vast territories under Henry’s control.

4. Conflict with the Church:

   • His reign was marked by a fierce dispute with Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, over the limits of royal authority over the church. This conflict culminated in Becket's murder in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170, allegedly at the king's indirect instigation.

5. Family Struggles:

   • Henry faced numerous rebellions from his sons—Henry the Young King, Richard the Lionheart, Geoffrey, and John—often incited by Eleanor. These conflicts weakened his rule.

Death

• Henry II died on July 6, 1189, at Chinon Castle, France, after being defeated in a rebellion led by his sons Richard and John, supported by King Philip II of France.
• He was succeeded by his son Richard I (Richard the Lionheart).

05 March - Gustav Heinemann elected President of West Germany in 1969

 

On March 5, 1969, Gustav Heinemann was elected President of West Germany (officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany). He won the presidential election and assumed office shortly thereafter. Heinemann's presidency marked a significant period in West German politics, characterized by his commitment to social justice, human rights, and reconciliation. He served as President until 1974, leaving a lasting legacy as a principled leader dedicated to democratic values and the welfare of the German people.

05 March - The Kyrgyzstan National Hat Day

 

The Kyrgyzstan National Hat Day has been observed in Kyrgyzstan since March 5, 2011, thanks to filmmaker Yrysbek Jabirov’s initiative. The ak-kalpak is a Kyrgyzstan cap that distinguishes the Kyrgyz from other local ethnic groups while also advocating inclusivity. The headwear has been regarded as a ‘de facto’ national symbol since 2011. Unlike other traditional Kyrgyz clothing, it is still worn by men of all ages in both the city and the mountains. Since 2017, March 5 has been recognized as National Ak-kalpak Day.