Wikipedia:Main Page history/2013 March 7

the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

From today's featured article

James G. Blaine (1830–93) was an American Republican politician who served as U.S. Representative, Speaker of the House of Representatives, U.S. Senator from Maine, and twice as Secretary of State. Blaine was born in western Pennsylvania and moved to Maine where he became a newspaper editor. Nicknamed "the Magnetic Man", he was a charismatic speaker in an era that prized oratory. He began his political career as an early supporter of Abraham Lincoln and the Union in the American Civil War. In Reconstruction, Blaine was a supporter of black suffrage, but opposed some of the more coercive measures of the Radical Republicans. Initially a protectionist, he later worked for a reduction in the tariff and an expansion of overseas trade. His efforts at expanding US trade and influence began the shift to a more active American foreign policy. Blaine was a pioneer of tariff reciprocity and urged greater involvement in Latin American affairs. He was nominated for President in 1884, but was narrowly defeated by Democrat Grover Cleveland. Blaine was one of the late 19th century's leading Republicans and champion of the moderate reformist faction of the party known as the "Half-Breeds". (Full article...)

Recently featured: Giant anteater – 1995 Japanese Grand Prix – Nickel (United States coin)

Archive – By email – More featured articles...

Did you know...

From Wikipedia's newest content:

... that the Sealyham Terrier (pictured) was created at Sealyham House in Pembrokeshire, Wales?

... that the residence of the French ambassador to Lebanon was originally intended to serve as a casino?

... that although Losang Jamcan is the chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region, he is subordinate to Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party Chief?

... that Minuscule 888 has an unusual order of Gospels: Matthew, John, Mark, Luke?

... that para-alpine skier Úrsula Pueyo was the only member of the 2010 Spanish Winter Paralympic team not to compete in the visually impaired class?

... that the protagonist in Ben H. Winters' The Last Policeman is trying to solve a murder amid the disruptions caused by an impending asteroid impact?

... that Argentine actor Gastón Soffritti worked in Graduados to leave the teen drama genre?

Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez (pictured) dies at the age of 58.

Al-Qaeda confirms that one of its commanders, Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, was killed in the Northern Mali conflict.

At least 12 people are killed during a gunfight between the Royal Malaysia Police and a group claiming to represent the Sultanate of Sulu after a 17-day standoff in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

In Bangladesh, widespread protests result in more than 50 deaths after Islamist politician Delwar Hossain Sayeedi is convicted of war crimes and sentenced to death.

The government of Slovenia, led by Janez Janša, falls after receiving a no-confidence vote.

Following an in-flight explosion, a hot air balloon crashes near Luxor, Egypt, killing 19 people.

Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...

On this day...

March 7: Teachers' Day in Albania

321 – Emperor Constantine I decreed that Sunday, the day honoring the sun god Sol Invictus (disc pictured), would be the Roman day of rest.

1862 – American Civil War: Union forces engaged Confederate troops in Pea Ridge, Arkansas, fighting to a victory one day later that essentially cemented their control in Missouri.

1871 – José Paranhos, Viscount of Rio Branco, became Prime Minister of the Empire of Brazil, starting a four-year rule, the longest in the state's history.

1968 – Vietnam War: The United States and South Vietnam began Operation Truong Cong Dinh to sweep the area surrounding the Mekong Delta town of My Tho to root out Viet Cong forces in the area.

2009 – The Kepler space observatory, designed to discover Earth-like planets orbiting other stars, was launched.

More anniversaries: March 6 – March 7 – March 8

Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries

It is now March 7, 2013 (UTC) – Reload this page

Today's featured picture

A Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus), a large wader, photographed in Thailand. Red-wattled Lapwings are found in much of Asia, where they prefer well-watered open country, ploughed fields, grazing land, and margins and dry beds of tanks and puddles.

Photograph: JJ Harrison

Recently featured: Turku Castle – Elephant portrait – Indian palm squirrel

Archive – More featured pictures...

Other areas of Wikipedia

Community portal – Bulletin board, projects, resources and activities covering a wide range of Wikipedia areas.
Help desk – Ask questions about using Wikipedia.
Local embassy – For Wikipedia-related communication in languages other than English.
Reference desk – Serving as virtual librarians, Wikipedia volunteers tackle your questions on a wide range of subjects.
Site news – Announcements, updates, articles and press releases on Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation.
Village pump – For discussions about Wikipedia itself, including areas for technical issues and policies.