On This Day in History
March 17
Canada’s Prime Minister Paul Martin Apologizes to Chinese Canadians
Prime Minister Paul Martin issued a formal apology to Chinese Canadians for the discriminatory Head Tax imposed in the early 20th century. It was a major act of national reconciliation.
Launch of the First Internet-Connected Weather Satellite (DMSP Block 5D-2)
The United States launched DMSP Block 5D-2, one of the earliest satellites to provide real-time weather data connected to global networks, significantly improving forecasting capabilities.
Flight 981 Crashes Near Paris, Killing 346
Turkish Airlines Flight 981 crashed near Paris due to a cargo door failure, killing all 346 on board. It was one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history and led to major safety reforms.
First Women Admitted to the London Stock Exchange
The London Stock Exchange admitted women as members for the first time in its history, breaking gender barriers in the world of global finance and marking a milestone in women's economic empowerment.
Sudan Executes Coup Attempt Leaders
Sudanese authorities executed officers involved in a failed coup attempt against President Jaafar Nimeiry. The crackdown consolidated Nimeiry's power and intensified authoritarian rule.
Golda Meir Becomes Prime Minister of Israel
Golda Meir was appointed Prime Minister of Israel, becoming the first woman to hold the office in the country and one of the earliest female heads of government globally.
Russia Launches Venera 6 Mission to Venus
The Soviet Union launched the Venera 6 spacecraft to study Venus’ atmosphere. It transmitted data during descent and contributed to early planetary science in the space race.
Mount Agung Erupts in Bali, Killing Over 1,000 People
Indonesia’s Mount Agung erupted violently, killing more than 1,100 people and displacing thousands. It remains one of the deadliest volcanic eruptions in Southeast Asian history.
Dalai Lama Crosses into India After Fleeing Tibet
The 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule and crossed into India, where he was granted asylum. His escape sparked global attention to Tibetan autonomy.
American Express Issues Its First Charge Card
American Express introduced its first charge card, revolutionizing consumer finance and travel-related spending. The iconic green card became a status symbol and global financial tool.
Treaty of Brussels Signed, Forming Western European Union
The Treaty of Brussels was signed by the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, creating the Western European Union and laying the groundwork for NATO.
Benelux Customs Union Formally Comes Into Effect
Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg implemented the Benelux Customs Union, facilitating trade and economic integration. It served as a precursor to the European Union's common market.
Formation of the Republic of Italy’s First Democratic Government
Italy held a referendum leading to the establishment of a democratic republic, abolishing the monarchy after World War II. March 17 became a symbol of modern Italian unity and democracy.
Liberation of Manila by U.S. and Filipino Forces
U.S. and Filipino troops officially liberated Manila from Japanese occupation during World War II. The city had endured one of the most devastating battles in the Pacific theater.
U.S. National Gallery of Art Opens to the Public
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. officially opened to the public. It became one of the leading art museums in the world, preserving priceless works from various cultures and eras.
Battle of Nanking Ends in Japanese Victory
The Battle of Nanking concluded with Japanese forces capturing the Chinese capital. It led to the horrific Nanking Massacre, a major atrocity during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
First Submarine Attack in Naval History (H.L. Hunley Sinks)
The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley became the first to successfully sink an enemy warship, the USS Housatonic. It marked the beginning of modern submarine warfare, though the Hunley itself was lost in the process.
Napoleon II Proclaimed Emperor by Bonapartist Loyalists
During the Hundred Days, Bonapartist loyalists declared Napoleon’s son, Napoleon II, as emperor in a symbolic gesture. However, he never ruled and remained a figure of political myth.
British Parliament Repeals Stamp Act After Colonial Protest
Following intense protests and boycotts in the American colonies, the British Parliament repealed the Stamp Act, a pivotal event in the lead-up to the American Revolution.
Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrated Globally
Saint Patrick's Day, honoring the death of Ireland’s patron saint, has become a global celebration of Irish culture with parades, music, and green-themed festivities across the world.