On This Day for March 9 - Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack, Carrie Chapman Catt is featured, and more

This message contains graphics. If you do not see the graphics, click here to view. March 09 FEATURED BIOGRAPHY Carrie Chapman Catt READ MORE   FEATURED EVENT 1862 Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack READ MORE   Advertisement Advertisement   MORE EVENTS ON THIS DAY 2006: British politician John Profumo—who, while serving as secretary of state for war, caused a major scandal in 1963 when it was revealed that he had an affair with Christine Keeler, a dancer who was also involved with the Soviet military attaché in London—died at age 91. [ Test your knowledge of British culture and politics.] 1996: American comedian and actor George Burns—whose career in show business spanned 93 years, the highlights of which included a popular comedy act with his wife, Gracie Allen—died at age 100. [ Discover how much you know about actors and acting.] 1964: French actress Juliette Binoche, who was noted for the intelligence she brought to her complex and varied roles, was born. [Sort fact from fiction in our quiz about A-list actors.] 1959: Barbie, a toy doll that became an international sensation despite criticism, was introduced by Mattel, Inc. [Take our pop culture quiz.] 1934: Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first man to travel in space (1961), was born. [Take our astronauts and cosmonauts quiz.] 1930: American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Ornette Coleman was born in Fort Worth, Texas. [Test your knowledge of musicians.] SEE ALL EVENTS ON THIS DAY ALSO BORN ON THIS DAY 1943 Bobby Fischer American-Icelandic chess player 1934 Yuri Gagarin Soviet cosmonaut 1964 Juliette Binoche French actress 1890 Vyacheslav Molotov foreign minister of Soviet Union 1956 Shashi Tharoor Indian politician 1930 Ornette Coleman American musician SEE ALL BIOS ON THIS DAY   Advertisement   FOLLOW: To unsubscribe from Britannica e-mails, click here. Encyclopædia Britannica 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 Chicago, Illinois 60654 United States © 2021 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Privacy Policy • Help