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Major Events of March 2009: 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 2009 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of March 2009: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Mar 2009 Basque Nationalist Party Electoral Victory: The Basque Nationalist Party secured a majority of seats in the Parliamentary Elections for Spain's Basque Country, demonstrating significant regional political influence.
  • 02 Mar 2009 Obama nominates Kathleen Sebelius for HHS: On March 2, 2009, President Barack Obama officially announced his intent to nominate Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Sebelius, a two-term governor, was recognized for her bipartisan approach and experience in health care reform. She was tasked with overseeing the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes programs like Medicare and Medicaid. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
  • 03 Mar 2009 Terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore: On March 3, 2009, the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by armed militants in Lahore, Pakistan. The assault resulted in several injuries and fatalities among the players and security personnel. This incident raised significant concerns about security in Pakistan and the safety of international sports events. source: bbc.com
  • 04 Mar 2009 ICC issues arrest warrant for Sudan's president: On March 4, 2009, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This marked a significant moment in international law and accountability for human rights violations in Darfur. source: bbc.com
  • 05 Mar 2009 Bank of England launches quantitative easing: On March 5, 2009, the Bank of England announced its first round of quantitative easing to combat the economic downturn. This unconventional monetary policy aimed to increase money supply and stimulate the economy during the financial crisis. source: bbc.com
  • 06 Mar 2009 Tragic car accident claims Zimbabwe PM's wife: On March 6, 2009, a tragic car accident resulted in the death of the wife of Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. The incident shocked the nation and drew attention to road safety issues in Zimbabwe. source: bbc.com
  • 07 Mar 2009 Car bomb kills 8 in Peshawar: A car bomb exploded near a police checkpoint on the outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan, killing seven policemen and one civilian. The attack occurred after police attempted to retrieve a body from the vehicle, which was rigged with explosives. source: longwarjournal.org
  • 08 Mar 2009 British Army casualties in Northern Ireland: On March 8, 2009, two British Army soldiers were killed in Northern Ireland during a gun attack by the Real IRA. This incident marked the first British military fatalities in Northern Ireland since 1998, raising concerns about the resurgence of dissident republican activity. source: bbc.com
  • 09 Mar 2009 North Korea warns against satellite interception: On March 9, 2009, North Korea issued a warning against any attempt to intercept its planned satellite launch, stating that such actions would be considered an act of war. The warning heightened tensions in the region and drew international concern. source: reuters.com
  • 10 Mar 2009 Suicide attack in Baghdad: On March 10, 2009, a suicide bomber targeted a police station in Baghdad, resulting in multiple casualties. The attack highlighted ongoing security challenges in Iraq during this period of instability. source: reuters.com
  • 11 Mar 2009 France rejoins NATO military command: On March 11, 2009, France officially rejoined NATO's military command after decades of being outside it. This decision was part of a broader strategy to strengthen France's role within the alliance. source: nato.int
  • 12 Mar 2009 Bernie Madoff pleads guilty to massive financial fraud: On March 12, 2009, Bernie Madoff pleaded guilty to operating the largest Ponzi scheme in history, defrauding investors of billions of dollars. His admission marked a significant moment in the financial crisis narrative. source: nytimes.com
  • 13 Mar 2009 China considers economic stimulus: On March 13, 2009, Chinese officials discussed potential economic stimulus measures to combat the effects of the global financial crisis. This was part of a broader strategy to maintain economic stability. source: reuters.com
  • 14 Mar 2009 Russia considers deploying strategic bombers amid rising tensions: On March 14, 2009, Russian officials announced plans to deploy strategic bombers to patrol international airspace, signaling a potential escalation in military activities. The move was considered in response to NATO's expansion and increased military presence near Russia's borders. The decision highlighted growing concerns over national security and the need to assert Russia's military capabilities. source: reuters.com
  • 15 Mar 2009 Space Shuttle Discovery launches on mission to International Space Station: On March 15, 2009, NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery launched on mission STS-119 to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission aimed to deliver the final set of solar arrays to the ISS, enhancing its power generation capabilities. The crew included six astronauts who successfully completed the mission, contributing to the ISS's ongoing construction and operation. source: nasa.gov
  • 16 Mar 2009 Josef Fritzl pleads guilty to incest and abuse charges: On March 16, 2009, Josef Fritzl, an Austrian man, pleaded guilty to charges of incest, rape, and enslavement after keeping his daughter imprisoned in a cellar for 24 years. The case drew international attention due to the severity and duration of the abuse. Fritzl's guilty plea led to a life sentence in prison. source: bbc.com
  • 17 Mar 2009 Madagascar political coup: On March 17, 2009, a political crisis in Madagascar led to the ousting of President Marc Ravalomanana. Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina declared himself president, leading to a period of political instability in the country. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 18 Mar 2009 US Federal Reserve purchases Treasury bonds: On March 18, 2009, the US Federal Reserve announced the purchase of $300 billion in long-term Treasury securities over the next six months to help stimulate the economy during the financial crisis. source: federalreserve.gov
  • 19 Mar 2009 US House votes on executive compensation tax: On March 19, 2009, the US House of Representatives voted to impose a 90% tax on bonuses paid to employees of companies receiving government bailout funds, aiming to limit excessive executive compensation during the financial crisis. source: nytimes.com
  • 20 Mar 2009 Discovery of subatomic particle Y(4140): On March 20, 2009, scientists at the Fermilab Tevatron collider announced the discovery of a new subatomic particle, Y(4140), a tetraquark state, providing evidence for exotic hadrons. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 21 Mar 2009 Queensland Election Result: Anna Bligh of the Labor Party was re-elected as Premier of Queensland, Australia, continuing her leadership of the state government.
  • 22 Mar 2009 Pope Benedict XVI Holds Mass in Luanda, Angola: Thousands of faithful gathered in Luanda, Angola, to attend a Catholic Mass led by Pope Benedict XVI, symbolizing the global reach of the Catholic Church.
  • 23 Mar 2009 Suncor Energy announces acquisition of Petro-Canada: On March 23, 2009, Suncor Energy Inc. announced an agreement to acquire Petro-Canada in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $19.18 billion. The merger aimed to create a leading Canadian energy company with a combined market capitalization of $43.3 billion. The deal was subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and was expected to close in the third quarter of 2009. source: upi.com
  • 24 Mar 2009 US announces border security plan: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced several Southwest border initiatives designed to crack down on Mexican drug cartels through enhanced border security. source: dhs.gov
  • 26 Mar 2009 International Space Station Expedition Launch: Expedition 19 launched aboard Soyuz TMA-14 from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome, continuing international collaborative efforts in space exploration.
  • 27 Mar 2009 UK economic contraction: On March 27, 2009, it was reported that the UK economy was experiencing significant contraction, marking a period of recession. This economic downturn was attributed to the global financial crisis. source: theguardian.com
  • 28 Mar 2009 Obama launches Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate: On March 28, 2009, President Obama announced the launch of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate. This initiative aimed to bring together major economies to address climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
  • 29 Mar 2009 Rick Wagoner resigns from General Motors: On March 29, 2009, Rick Wagoner announced his resignation as CEO of General Motors amid the company's financial struggles during the economic crisis. His departure was part of a broader restructuring effort. source: nytimes.com
  • 30 Mar 2009 Khmer Rouge trial begins: On March 30, 2009, the trial of former Khmer Rouge leaders began in Cambodia, addressing crimes committed during the regime's rule from 1975 to 1979. This trial was significant for international justice. source: bbc.com
  • 31 Mar 2009 Coffs Harbour Flood Evacuation: An emergency evacuation was conducted in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia, due to severe flooding on the Mid North Coast.