Major Events of March 1945: Key Historical Moments from the Month
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Major Events of March 1945: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from March 1945 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of March 1945: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Mar 1945 Roosevelt's last congressional address: On March 1, 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his last address to Congress, outlining his vision for post-war America and the world. This address came shortly before his death and highlighted his commitment to international cooperation and peace. source: archives.gov
  • 02 Mar 1945 Henry A. Wallace becomes U.S. Secretary of Commerce: On March 2, 1945, Henry A. Wallace was appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, a position he held until 1946. Wallace was a significant figure in the Roosevelt administration, known for his progressive policies and advocacy for civil rights. source: archives.gov
  • 03 Mar 1945 Liberation of Manila: On March 3, 1945, Allied forces completed the liberation of Manila from Japanese occupation. This marked a significant victory in the Pacific Theater of World War II, leading to the eventual defeat of Japan. source: britannica.com
  • 04 Mar 1945 Battle of Manila concludes: The Battle of Manila, a major conflict in the Pacific Theater of World War II, concluded on March 4, 1945. The battle resulted in the liberation of Manila from Japanese forces but caused extensive destruction and civilian casualties. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 05 Mar 1945 Allied generals strategic meeting in Lunéville: On March 5, 1945, Allied generals held a strategic meeting in Lunéville, France, to discuss military operations and coordination in the European theater during World War II. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 06 Mar 1945 Communist government established in Romania: On March 6, 1945, under Soviet pressure, Petru Groza formed Romania's first Communist-led government. This marked the beginning of Romania's transition to a Communist state. source: britannica.com
  • 07 Mar 1945 Ludendorff Bridge seized at Remagen: On March 7, 1945, U.S. forces captured the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, Germany, providing a crucial crossing point over the Rhine River. This strategic victory facilitated the Allied advance into Germany. source: americanrifleman.org
  • 08 Mar 1945 Kiss Me Kate Debuts in Britain: The musical 'Kiss Me Kate', a popular Broadway adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew', opens in Britain, showcasing post-war cultural exchange and entertainment.
  • 09 Mar 1945 Soviet suppression of Polish resistance: On March 9, 1945, the Soviet Union intensified its efforts to suppress Polish resistance movements, particularly the Home Army. This suppression was part of a broader strategy to establish control over Poland following World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 10 Mar 1945 Tokyo firebombing - World War II atrocity: On March 10, 1945, the United States conducted a massive firebombing raid on Tokyo, resulting in extensive destruction and loss of life. This event is considered one of the most devastating air raids of World War II, targeting civilian areas. source: britannica.com
  • 11 Mar 1945 Allied bombing of Essen: On March 11, 1945, the Royal Air Force conducted a massive bombing raid on Essen, Germany, dropping 4,738 tons of bombs. This attack was part of the Battle of the Ruhr, aiming to cripple German industrial capabilities. The raid resulted in significant destruction of the city, with numerous civilian casualties. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 12 Mar 1945 New York Pioneers Anti-Discrimination Employment Law: On March 12, 1945, New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey signed the Ives–Quinn Act into law, marking a significant step in civil rights legislation. The act prohibited employment discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin, establishing the State Commission against Discrimination to enforce these provisions. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 13 Mar 1945 Queen Wilhelmina returns to the Netherlands: Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands returned to her country after years of exile during World War II. Her return marked a significant moment in Dutch history, symbolizing the restoration of the monarchy and national unity following the German occupation. source: britannica.com
  • 14 Mar 1945 RAF first operational use of Grand Slam bomb: The Royal Air Force (RAF) conducted its first operational use of the Grand Slam bomb, a massive weapon designed to penetrate hardened targets. This event marked a significant advancement in aerial bombing capabilities during World War II. source: raf.mod.uk
  • 15 Mar 1945 Soviet offensive in Upper Silesia: The Soviet offensive in Upper Silesia began, marking a significant advance into German territory during World War II. This offensive was part of the larger Soviet push towards Berlin, contributing to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 16 Mar 1945 Allies secure Iwo Jima: On March 16, 1945, Allied forces secured the island of Iwo Jima after a fierce battle. This strategic victory was crucial for the Allies in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing a base for air operations against Japan. source: britannica.com
  • 17 Mar 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima concludes: The Battle of Iwo Jima concluded on March 17, 1945, after a month of intense fighting. This battle was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific, with significant casualties on both sides, and it played a pivotal role in the Allied campaign against Japan. source: britannica.com
  • 18 Mar 1945 Massive Bombing of Berlin: On March 18, 1945, an air battle occurred over Berlin when 1,329 Allied bombers and 700 long-range fighters were met by the Luftwaffe using the new Me 262s and air-to-air rockets. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 19 Mar 1945 US Navy attacks Kure and Kobe harbors: On March 19, 1945, the U.S. Navy's Task Force 58 launched a large-scale air raid targeting Japanese warships in Kure and Kobe harbors. The attack involved 240 carrier aircraft from multiple carriers, aiming to neutralize the remnants of the Japanese Combined Fleet. Despite the extensive assault, no Japanese warships were sunk, though several were damaged. The American forces faced significant resistance from Japanese anti-aircraft defenses and fighter aircraft, resulting in the loss of 14 American planes and the downing of 25 Japanese aircraft. source: pacificwrecks.com
  • 20 Mar 1945 Hitler's final public appearance: On March 20, 1945, Adolf Hitler made his last public appearance, addressing the German people and military leaders. This event marked the final time he appeared in public before retreating to his underground bunker in Berlin, where he would remain until his death in April 1945. source: history.com
  • 21 Mar 1945 Allied bombing campaign over Germany: On March 21, 1945, Allied forces intensified their bombing campaign over Germany, targeting industrial centers, transportation hubs, and military installations. This strategic bombing aimed to cripple Germany's war production capabilities and disrupt supply lines, contributing to the eventual Allied victory in Europe. source: history.com
  • 22 Mar 1945 Arab League founding: The Arab League was founded on March 22, 1945, in Cairo, Egypt, with six member states: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The organization aimed to promote political, economic, cultural, and social cooperation among Arab countries. source: britannica.com
  • 23 Mar 1945 Operation Plunder: Allied Rhine River crossing: Operation Plunder commenced on March 23, 1945, as Allied forces launched a major offensive to cross the Rhine River. This operation was pivotal in the final stages of World War II, facilitating the advance into Germany and contributing to the eventual defeat of Nazi forces. source: britannica.com
  • 24 Mar 1945 Operation Varsity: Allied Airborne Landings East of Rhine: Operation Varsity, launched on March 24, 1945, saw Allied airborne forces land east of the Rhine River to secure key positions ahead of the ground assault. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 25 Mar 1945 US Seventh Army Crosses Rhine at Worms: On March 25, 1945, the U.S. Seventh Army crossed the Rhine River at Worms, advancing into Germany as part of the Allied offensive. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 26 Mar 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima concludes: The Battle of Iwo Jima, a pivotal World War II engagement, concluded on March 26, 1945, with the United States declaring the island secure. The battle, which began on February 19, 1945, resulted in nearly 7,000 U.S. Marines killed and approximately 20,000 Japanese soldiers killed. source: history.com
  • 27 Mar 1945 Operation Starvation begins: Operation Starvation, a campaign aimed at disrupting Japanese supply lines, commenced on March 27, 1945. This operation involved extensive aerial bombardment targeting Japanese shipping and infrastructure in the Pacific theater. source: britannica.com
  • 28 Mar 1945 Soviet forces capture Castle Balga and destroy German 4th Army: On March 28, 1945, Soviet forces captured Castle Balga, leading to the destruction of the German 4th Army. This event was part of the larger offensive in East Prussia during the final stages of World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 29 Mar 1945 End of V-1 flying bomb attacks on England: The end of V-1 flying bomb attacks on England was officially marked on March 29, 1945. This cessation came as Allied forces advanced and diminished the threat posed by German rocket attacks. source: bbc.com
  • 30 Mar 1945 Soviet invasion of Austria: The Soviet invasion of Austria began on March 30, 1945, as part of the final offensive against Nazi Germany. This operation aimed to liberate Austria from German occupation during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 31 Mar 1945 Death of Hans Fischer: Hans Fischer, a German organic chemist and Nobel laureate, died on March 31, 1945, in Munich, Germany. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1930 for his research into the constitution of hemin and chlorophyll. source: britannica.com