Major Events of March 2017: 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 2017 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of March 2017: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Mar 2017 Dow Jones Industrial Average reaches historic high: On March 1, 2017, the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a historic high, reflecting investor optimism following President Trump's proposal for increased military spending and anticipated economic policies. source: pbs.org
- 02 Mar 2017 New chemical elements added to periodic table: On March 2, 2017, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) officially recognized four new chemical elements, completing the seventh row of the periodic table. source: iupac.org
- 03 Mar 2017 Tuam orphanage mass grave discovery: On March 3, 2017, a report revealed the discovery of a mass grave at the site of a former mother-and-baby home in Tuam, Ireland. The grave contained the remains of nearly 800 infants and children, raising significant concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations in historical institutions. source: bbc.com
- 04 Mar 2017 Trump's wiretapping allegations: On March 4, 2017, President Trump accused former President Obama of wiretapping his phones during the 2016 election. This claim sparked widespread controversy and led to investigations by various congressional committees. source: nytimes.com
- 05 Mar 2017 Trump wiretapping allegations disputed: On March 5, 2017, various officials and media outlets disputed President Trump's wiretapping allegations, stating there was no evidence to support his claims. This led to further scrutiny of the administration's statements and the ongoing investigations into Russian interference. source: nytimes.com
- 06 Mar 2017 North Korea missile launch tensions: On March 6, 2017, tensions escalated as North Korea conducted a missile launch, prompting condemnation from the international community. This act was seen as a direct challenge to ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional stability. source: reuters.com
- 07 Mar 2017 Iraqi Army recaptures key Mosul locations from ISIL: The Iraqi Army, supported by allied forces, successfully reclaimed significant areas in Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This operation was part of a larger campaign to retake Mosul, which had been under ISIL control since 2014. The offensive aimed to restore Iraqi sovereignty over the city and eliminate ISIL's presence. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Mar 2017 Guatemala orphanage fire tragedy: A devastating fire broke out at the Virgen de la Asunción orphanage in Guatemala, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 young girls. The incident raised serious concerns about the safety standards in the country's orphanages and prompted calls for reforms to protect vulnerable children. source: cnbc.com
- 09 Mar 2017 Massive Ramesses II sculpture discovered in Cairo: Archaeologists in Cairo uncovered a monumental sculpture of Pharaoh Ramesses II. The discovery was made during excavations near the Grand Egyptian Museum and is expected to provide valuable insights into ancient Egyptian art and architecture. source: cnbc.com
- 10 Mar 2017 Impeachment of South Korean President Park Geun-hye: On March 10, 2017, South Korea's Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, leading to her removal from office. This decision followed months of protests and a corruption scandal involving Park and her close confidante. The ruling marked a significant moment in South Korean politics, emphasizing accountability and democratic processes. source: bbc.com
- 11 Mar 2017 Damascus Twin Bombings: On March 11, 2017, twin bombings in Damascus, Syria, resulted in numerous casualties, targeting a police station and a nearby area. The attacks were part of the ongoing violence in the Syrian civil war, which has seen various factions vying for control. The bombings underscored the persistent instability and danger faced by civilians in the region. source: reuters.com
- 12 Mar 2017 Preet Bharara Fired by Trump Administration: On March 12, 2017, Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, was dismissed by the Trump administration. Bharara had been investigating several high-profile cases, and his firing raised questions about the independence of federal prosecutors. The move was part of a broader shakeup of U.S. attorneys across the country. source: nytimes.com
- 13 Mar 2017 Syrian Civil War casualties reported: As of March 13, 2017, the Syrian Civil War has resulted in significant casualties, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. The ongoing conflict has drawn international attention and humanitarian concerns. source: bbc.com
- 14 Mar 2017 European Court of Justice rules on religious symbols: On March 14, 2017, the European Court of Justice ruled that companies can ban employees from wearing visible religious symbols, including hijabs, in the workplace. This decision raised discussions about religious freedom and workplace rights in Europe. source: bbc.com
- 15 Mar 2017 ISIS commander killed in Mosul: On March 15, 2017, reports confirmed the death of an ISIS commander during military operations in Mosul, Iraq. This event was part of the broader campaign to defeat ISIS in the region. source: reuters.com
- 16 Mar 2017 Trump's travel ban blocked by federal courts: Federal courts issued rulings blocking President Trump's travel ban, which aimed to restrict entry from several predominantly Muslim countries. The decisions were based on arguments that the ban was unconstitutional and discriminatory. This marked a significant legal challenge to the administration's immigration policies. source: nytimes.com
- 17 Mar 2017 ETA announces full disarmament: The Basque separatist group ETA announced its complete disarmament, marking a significant step towards peace in the region. This decision followed decades of violence and conflict, and was seen as a hopeful sign for reconciliation in Spain. The disarmament was verified by international observers. source: bbc.com
- 18 Mar 2017 Battle of Mosul intensifies: The battle for Mosul intensified as Iraqi forces launched a major offensive to retake the city from ISIS control. The fighting was fierce, with significant casualties reported on both sides. The operation was part of a broader campaign to eliminate ISIS from Iraq. source: bbc.com
- 19 Mar 2017 Iraqi forces advance in Mosul against ISIS: Iraqi forces made significant advances in their campaign to liberate Mosul from ISIS control. The offensive was characterized by intense urban combat and strategic maneuvers to reclaim territory. The operation was crucial in the fight against ISIS in Iraq. source: reuters.com
- 20 Mar 2017 Neil Gorsuch Supreme Court Nomination Hearings: On March 20, 2017, the Senate Judiciary Committee began hearings on the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court. The hearings included opening statements and the nominee's testimony, with further questioning and testimonies from external witnesses scheduled in the following days. source: washingtonpost.com
- 21 Mar 2017 Car bomb attack in Mogadishu: On March 21, 2017, a car bomb exploded in Mogadishu, Somalia, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more in an attack claimed by the militant group Al-Shabaab. source: reuters.com
- 22 Mar 2017 North Korean missile test failure: On March 22, 2017, North Korea attempted a missile test that ended in failure shortly after launch. This incident was part of ongoing tensions in the region and drew international attention. source: reuters.com
- 23 Mar 2017 2017 Westminster Attack: On March 23, 2017, a terrorist attack occurred outside the UK Parliament in Westminster, London. The assailant drove a car into pedestrians before fatally stabbing a police officer. The attack resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries, prompting widespread condemnation and discussions on security measures. source: bbc.com
- 24 Mar 2017 Republican Healthcare Reform Attempt Fails: On March 24, 2017, the Republican Party's attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) failed in the House of Representatives. The failure was attributed to a lack of support from both moderate and conservative factions within the party, leading to significant political ramifications for the Trump administration. source: nytimes.com
- 25 Mar 2017 European Union Commemorates Treaty of Rome Anniversary: On March 25, 2017, the European Union commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community. The event included discussions on the future of the EU amid rising nationalism and challenges to European unity. source: bbc.com
- 26 Mar 2017 Hong Kong Chief Executive Election: On March 26, 2017, Hong Kong held an election for its Chief Executive, with Carrie Lam emerging as the winner. The election was marked by controversy and discussions about the future of democracy in Hong Kong amid increasing influence from Beijing. source: bbc.com
- 27 Mar 2017 Mount Nasu avalanche tragedy: On March 27, 2017, an avalanche occurred on Mount Nasu in Japan, resulting in the deaths of several climbers. The incident prompted a search and rescue operation, highlighting the dangers of mountaineering in the region during winter months. source: nytimes.com
- 28 Mar 2017 UN investigators murdered in Democratic Republic of Congo: On March 28, 2017, two United Nations investigators, Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalán, were found murdered in the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They had been investigating human rights abuses in the area. Their deaths highlighted the dangers faced by UN personnel in conflict zones and the challenges of conducting investigations in volatile regions. source: un.org
- 29 Mar 2017 Brexit: United Kingdom triggers Article 50: On March 29, 2017, the United Kingdom formally triggered Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, initiating the process of leaving the European Union. This marked the beginning of a two-year negotiation period to determine the terms of the UK's departure, a significant milestone in the Brexit process. source: bbc.com
- 30 Mar 2017 Venezuela Supreme Court power grab: On March 30, 2017, Venezuela's Supreme Court issued a ruling that effectively stripped the National Assembly of its powers, leading to widespread protests and accusations of a power grab by the government. source: bbc.com
- 31 Mar 2017 New York City's prison reform initiative: On March 31, 2017, New York City announced a new initiative aimed at reforming its prison system, focusing on reducing incarceration rates and improving conditions for inmates. This initiative was part of broader criminal justice reform efforts. source: nytimes.com