Today In History: March 16th
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1244Following their successful siege of Montségur, French royal forces burned about 210 Cathar Perfecti and unrepentant credentes.
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1802The United States Congress authorized the establishment of the US Army Corps of Engineers in order to operate the US Military Academy at West Point, New York.
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1926American scientist Robert H. Goddard launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket, which flew for two-and-a-half seconds before falling to the ground.
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1978Former Prime Minister of Italy Aldo Moro (pictured) was kidnapped in Rome by Mario Moretti and the Red Brigades.
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1988Iran–Iraq War: Iraqi forces began attacking the Kurdish town of Halabja with chemical weapons, killing up to 5,000 people.