Major Events of March 1946: 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 1946 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of March 1946: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 02 Mar 1946 1946 U.S. Figure Skating Championships: The 1946 U.S. Figure Skating Championships were held from February 28 to March 2 at the Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. This event marked the return of the Senior Men's singles after a two-year hiatus due to World War II. Richard Button won the Senior Men's title, while John Lettengarver claimed the Junior Men's title. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Mar 1946 Frank Sinatra's First Album Release: Frank Sinatra's debut album, "The Voice of Frank Sinatra," was released on March 4, 1946, by Columbia Records. The album, a set of four 78 rpm records, featured songs like "Night and Day" and "The Girl Next Door," marking the beginning of Sinatra's illustrious recording career. source: secondhandsongs.com
- 05 Mar 1946 Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech: On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill delivered his famous "Iron Curtain" speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. In this address, he highlighted the division between Western democracies and Eastern communist countries, coining the term "Iron Curtain" to describe the boundary separating them. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Mar 1946 Bikini Atoll residents relocated for atomic testing: On March 7, 1946, the 167 inhabitants of Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands were relocated to Rongerik Atoll to allow the United States to conduct atomic bomb tests. The relocation was intended to be temporary, but the residents faced challenges due to inadequate resources and environmental conditions at the new location. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Mar 1946 Dutch colonial forces return to Indonesia: On March 9, 1946, Dutch colonial forces returned to Indonesia, marking a significant event in the post-World War II period as Indonesia sought independence from Dutch colonial rule. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Mar 1946 British troops begin withdrawal from Lebanon: On March 10, 1946, British and French representatives agreed on a plan for British troops to withdraw from Lebanon by June 30, 1946, and French troops by March 31, 1947. source: paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
- 11 Mar 1946 Capture of Rudolf Höss, Auschwitz Commandant: Rudolf Höss, the former commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp, was arrested by British military police on March 11, 1946, in Gottrupel, Germany. He had been living under the alias Franz Lang and was captured after his wife provided information about his whereabouts. Höss was later handed over to Polish authorities and tried for war crimes. source: auschwitz.org
- 13 Mar 1946 Death of Werner von Blomberg, German Field Marshal: Werner von Blomberg, a German field marshal and former Reich Minister of War, died on March 13, 1946, in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany. He had been imprisoned since 1945 and was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in February 1946. Blomberg died in detention without ceremony. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Mar 1946 Formation of Belgian government under Paul-Henri Spaak: On March 14, 1946, Paul-Henri Spaak, a prominent Belgian politician, formed a new government. Spaak, a member of the Belgian Socialist Party, played a significant role in post-war Belgian politics and was known for his contributions to European integration. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Mar 1946 Rudolf Höss confesses to Holocaust atrocities: On March 16, 1946, Rudolf Höss, the former commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp, confessed to his role in the Holocaust. Höss detailed the systematic extermination of Jews and other groups, providing crucial evidence for post-war trials and the historical record of Nazi atrocities. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 Mar 1946 Soviet troops withdraw from Danish Bornholm Island: On March 17, 1946, Soviet forces completed their withdrawal from Bornholm Island, Denmark, marking the end of Soviet military presence in Denmark after World War II. The withdrawal was part of a broader Soviet retreat from occupied territories in Eastern Europe. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 18 Mar 1946 United Auto Workers strike against General Motors concludes: On March 18, 1946, the United Auto Workers (UAW) concluded a significant strike against General Motors, which had begun in February. The strike was one of the largest in U.S. history at the time and resulted in improved wages and working conditions for auto workers. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Mar 1946 Execution of Hungarian Fascist Government Officials: On March 19, 1946, several officials from the Hungarian fascist government were executed following the end of World War II. This action was part of a broader effort to address war crimes and restore justice in Hungary after the fall of the fascist regime. source: britannica.com
- 20 Mar 1946 Capture of Axis Sally: On March 20, 1946, Mildred Gillars, known as Axis Sally, was captured by American forces. She was notorious for her propaganda broadcasts during World War II aimed at demoralizing Allied troops. source: britannica.com
- 21 Mar 1946 United Nations Establishes Temporary Headquarters: On March 21, 1946, the United Nations established its temporary headquarters in New York City. This decision was pivotal for the UN's operations as it sought to promote international cooperation in the aftermath of World War II. source: un.org
- 24 Mar 1946 British Cabinet Mission Arrives in India: On March 24, 1946, a British Cabinet Mission comprising Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander arrived in New Delhi to discuss the transfer of power from British rule to Indian leadership, aiming to preserve India's unity and grant independence. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Mar 1946 Truman's Executive Order 9708: On March 26, 1946, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9708, which established the President's Committee on Civil Rights. This order aimed to address civil rights issues in the United States and laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements. source: archives.gov
- 28 Mar 1946 Acheson-Lilienthal Report on Nuclear Control: The Acheson-Lilienthal Report, released on March 28, 1946, proposed a framework for international control of atomic energy. It recommended the establishment of an Atomic Development Authority to oversee nuclear materials and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. source: osti.gov
- 29 Mar 1946 African Majority in Gold Coast Parliament: On March 29, 1946, constitutional amendments in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) established a Legislative Council with 32 members, including 21 black members, marking the first African majority in a colonial legislature. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 Mar 1946 Australia defeats New Zealand in Cricket Test Match: On March 29-30, 1946, Australia defeated New Zealand by an innings and 103 runs in a Test match at Wellington's Basin Reserve, marking the first official Test between the two nations. source: teara.govt.nz