People and Events on March 12, 1940

Al Jarreau

Died in 2017, aged 76

A seven-time Grammy-winning vocalist known for his smooth, soulful voice and eclectic style, blending jazz, pop, and R&B. He's famous for his hit songs like "We're in This Love Tog...

All Birthdays on March 12

Shadows of War: A Day of Turmoil and Triumph

March 12th, 1940, a day etched in the annals of history, marked a pivotal moment in the tumultuous landscape of World War II. As the global arena was set ablaze by the conflicts of war, this day bore witness to significant events that would shape the course of human destiny.

The Moscow Peace Treaty

In the early hours of March 12th, 1940, Finland and the Soviet Union signed the Moscow Peace Treaty, bringing an end to the Winter War. This treaty saw Finland cede Finnish Karelia to the Soviet Union, a territorial concession that would have far-reaching consequences for the region. The treaty marked a significant turning point in the war, as Finland's resolve was tested by the Soviet Union's relentless aggression.

Tragedy on the Tracks

On the same fateful day, a devastating train crash occurred in rural Finland, claiming numerous lives and leaving many more injured. The tragic incident was a grim reminder of the human toll of war, as civilians and soldiers alike struggled to cope with the devastating consequences of conflict.

Celebrating Legendary Lives

March 12th, 1940, also marked the birth of a legendary musician, Al Jarreau. A seven-time Grammy-winning vocalist, Jarreau would go on to mesmerize audiences with his smooth, soulful voice and eclectic style, blending jazz, pop, and R&B. His iconic hits, such as "We're in This Love Together" and the "Moonlighting" theme song, would cement his place in the pantheon of music legends.

A Day of Contrast

As the world grappled with the darkness of war, the birth of Al Jarreau served as a beacon of hope, a reminder of the power of art to bring people together and transcend the boundaries of conflict. March 12th, 1940, stands as a testament to the human spirit, a day that witnessed both the shadows of war and the triumph of the human experience.

Noteworthy Events on this Day:
86 years ago
Finland cedes Finnish Karelia to Soviet Union in Moscow Peace Treaty (Moscow, Soviet Union) 1940
Finland's 105-day Winter War with the Soviet Union came to a close on this fateful day, as Finnish representatives reluctantly signed the Moscow Peace Treaty. The terms were far from ideal – Finland was forced to cede almost all of Finnish Karelia, a significant chunk of its eastern territory, to its giant neighbor. This painful concession was made to prevent further Soviet aggression and to avoid total defeat. The treaty effectively ended the Winter War, but it was a bitter pill to swallow for the Finnish people, who had fought valiantly against overwhelming odds.
86 years ago
Deadly train crash in rural Finland (Turenki, Janakkala, Finland) 1940
A rural Finnish town was shaken to its core when two trains collided head-on in the midst of a snowy winter's night. The ill-fated trains, one carrying passengers and the other freight, crashed in Turenki, Janakkala, unleashing a catastrophic chain of events. The devastating impact sent debris flying, resulting in 39 fatalities and 69 injuries. The accident would go down in history as the most destructive train accident in Finnish history, leaving an indelible mark on the small community.