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Major Events of March 1973: 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 1973 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of March 1973: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Mar 1973 Robyn Smith becomes first female jockey to win a major race: On March 1, 1973, Robyn Smith made history by becoming the first female jockey to win a major race. She achieved this milestone at the Aqueduct Racetrack in New York, marking a significant moment in the history of women in sports.
  • 02 Mar 1973 Assassination of US Ambassador Cleo Noel: On March 2, 1973, U.S. Ambassador to Sudan Cleo A. Noel Jr. was assassinated during a terrorist attack on the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Khartoum. The attack was carried out by the Black September Organization, which had taken ten diplomats hostage on March 1. Negotiations failed, and the hostages were executed, including Ambassador Noel. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 Mar 1973 CITES international wildlife protection treaty signed: On March 3, 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in Washington, D.C. This treaty aims to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of wild animals and plants. source: britannica.com
  • 04 Mar 1973 Paris Peace Accords end Vietnam War: On March 4, 1973, the Paris Peace Accords were officially signed, marking the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The agreement aimed to establish peace in Vietnam and facilitate the withdrawal of American troops. source: archives.gov
  • 05 Mar 1973 US Bicentennial Coin Design Call: On March 5, 1973, the U.S. Mint announced a competition for the design of the Bicentennial coin, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the United States. This initiative aimed to engage artists and the public in commemorating the nation's history through coin design. source: usmint.gov
  • 06 Mar 1973 John Lennon's Visa Cancellation: On March 6, 1973, John Lennon's visa to stay in the United States was canceled, leading to a legal battle over his residency. This event was part of a broader context of political tensions surrounding Lennon's activism and public persona. source: nytimes.com
  • 07 Mar 1973 Bangladesh's first national election: Bangladesh conducted its inaugural general election on March 7, 1973, following its independence. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won 293 of the 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, including 11 constituencies where they were elected unopposed. Voter turnout was 54.9%. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 08 Mar 1973 Eisenhower Tunnel opens in Colorado: The Eisenhower Tunnel, the highest vehicular tunnel in the U.S., opened on March 8, 1973, in Colorado. It was dedicated by Governor John Love and became an engineering marvel, facilitating travel through the Continental Divide. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 10 Mar 1973 Assassination of Bermuda's Governor: On March 10, 1973, Sir Richard Sharples, the Governor of Bermuda, was assassinated outside Government House in Hamilton. He was ambushed and shot dead by members of the Black Beret Cadre, a militant Bermudian Black Power group. Sharples was 56 years old at the time of his death. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 12 Mar 1973 US soldiers begin leaving Vietnam: On March 12, 1973, the first U.S. soldiers began to leave Vietnam as part of the Paris Peace Accords, which aimed to establish peace in Vietnam and end the Vietnam War. This marked a significant step in the withdrawal of American forces from the conflict, which had lasted for nearly two decades. source: archives.gov
  • 13 Mar 1973 Syria adopts new constitution: On March 13, 1973, Syria adopted a new constitution that established a framework for governance and political structure in the country. This constitution aimed to solidify the Ba'ath Party's control and was part of broader political changes in the region. source: britannica.com
  • 14 Mar 1973 American POWs released from North Vietnam: On March 14, 1973, as part of Operation Homecoming, 591 American prisoners of war were released from North Vietnamese captivity, marking a significant step in the conclusion of the Vietnam War. source: history.com
  • 16 Mar 1973 Queen Elizabeth II opens new London Bridge: On March 16, 1973, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the new London Bridge, which had been constructed to replace the previous structure. The new bridge was designed by architect Lord Holford and engineers Mott, Hay and Anderson, and was built by contractors John Mowlem and Co. It spans 833 feet and was constructed at a cost of £4 million, funded entirely by the Bridge House Estates charity. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 Mar 1973 Iconic 'Burst of Joy' Pulitzer photograph: On March 17, 1973, Associated Press photographer Slava 'Sal' Veder captured the 'Burst of Joy' photograph at Travis Air Force Base in California. The image depicts Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm reuniting with his family after being released from captivity in North Vietnam, symbolizing the end of the Vietnam War. The photograph won the Pulitzer Prize in 1974. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 18 Mar 1973 Seesaw musical opens on Broadway: On March 18, 1973, the musical 'Seesaw' opened on Broadway. The production featured a score by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, with choreography by Michael Bennett. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 19 Mar 1973 U.S. diplomats murdered in Sudan: On March 1, 1973, Palestinian militants from the Black September Organization stormed the Saudi embassy in Khartoum, taking U.S. Ambassador Cleo A. Noel Jr., Deputy Chief of Mission George Curtis Moore, and Belgian diplomat Guy Eid hostage. The next day, the hostages were killed after negotiations failed. source: news.bbc.co.uk
  • 20 Mar 1973 British White Paper on Northern Ireland Assembly: On March 20, 1973, the British government issued a White Paper proposing the establishment of a Northern Ireland Assembly, aiming to devolve power and address political issues in Northern Ireland. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 21 Mar 1973 Lofthouse Colliery disaster occurs in England: On March 21, 1973, a tragic disaster struck the Lofthouse Colliery in West Yorkshire, England, resulting in the deaths of 26 miners. The incident highlighted safety concerns in the mining industry and led to changes in regulations. source: bbc.com
  • 22 Mar 1973 First woman joins London Stock Exchange: On March 22, 1973, the London Stock Exchange welcomed its first female member, breaking gender barriers in the finance industry. This milestone marked a significant step towards gender equality in finance. source: bbc.com
  • 23 Mar 1973 Watergate Scandal: McCord reveals pressure and names Mitchell: James McCord, a participant in the Watergate burglary, sent a letter to Judge John Sirica alleging perjury and political pressure during the trial, implicating higher officials, including Attorney General John Mitchell. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 24 Mar 1973 Pink Floyd releases 'The Dark Side of the Moon': British rock band Pink Floyd released their iconic album 'The Dark Side of the Moon,' which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. source: rollingstone.com
  • 25 Mar 1973 Immaculata wins AIAW Women's Basketball Championship: Immaculata College secured its second consecutive AIAW Women's Basketball Championship on March 25, 1973, finishing the season undefeated at 20–0. source: immaculata.edu
  • 26 Mar 1973 First women admitted to London Stock Exchange: On March 26, 1973, the London Stock Exchange admitted its first female members, ending a 200-year tradition of male-only membership. This historic change allowed women to become partners in brokerage firms and access the trading floor, marking a significant step toward gender equality in the financial sector. source: news.bbc.co.uk
  • 27 Mar 1973 Longest-held Vietnam War POW released: On March 27, 1973, Captain Floyd J. Thompson, the longest-held American prisoner of war in Vietnam, was released after nearly nine years in captivity. Captured in 1964, Thompson's release was part of Operation Homecoming, which repatriated American POWs from North Vietnam. source: army.mil
  • 28 Mar 1973 Release of U.S. prisoners of war from Vietnam: On March 28, 1973, as part of Operation Homecoming, American prisoners of war were released from North Vietnam. This operation marked a significant moment in the Vietnam War, leading to the return of over 500 U.S. military personnel. source: army.mil
  • 29 Mar 1973 Last U.S. combat troops withdraw from Vietnam: On March 29, 1973, the last U.S. combat troops departed South Vietnam, marking the end of America's direct military involvement in the Vietnam War. This withdrawal was part of the Paris Peace Accords, which aimed to establish peace in Vietnam. source: history.com
  • 31 Mar 1973 Muhammad Ali's shocking defeat to Ken Norton: On March 31, 1973, Muhammad Ali faced Ken Norton in a boxing match at the San Diego Sports Arena. Norton won by a 15-round split decision, marking Ali's second professional loss. During the fight, Norton fractured Ali's jaw, but Ali continued until the end. source: dazn.com