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 Russia and China Veto UN Resolution on Syria: Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution sponsored by France, Britain, and the United States, which proposed sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over chemical weapons allegations.
- 02 Mar 2017 Sessions Recuses Himself from Russia Investigation: U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the investigation into Trump campaign contacts with Russia after revelations emerged about his meetings with the Russian ambassador, marking a significant moment in the ongoing Russia probe.
- 03 Mar 2017 Tuam Orphanage Mass Grave Discovery: A shocking revelation emerged about a former Catholic orphanage in Tuam, Ireland, where a mass grave containing significant human remains of children was discovered. The site is believed to have been the final resting place for over 800 children, primarily buried in the 1950s, exposing a dark chapter in institutional child care.
- 04 Mar 2017 Trump's Wiretapping Allegations: President Donald Trump accused former President Barack Obama of wiretapping Trump Tower before the 2016 election, but provided no evidence. These claims were promptly refuted by Obama's spokesperson.
- 05 Mar 2017 Trump Wiretapping Allegations Disputed: President Trump's controversial claim of being wiretapped by the Obama administration during the election has been met with strong pushback from Democratic critics and former Obama administration officials, sparking a significant political controversy.
- 06 Mar 2017 Trump Revises Travel Ban Executive Order: President Donald Trump signs an updated version of Executive Order 1369, removing Iraq from the original travel ban and reducing Syrian refugee suspension to 120 days. The revised order is set to take effect on March 16, 2017.
- 07 Mar 2017 Iraqi Army Reclaims Key Mosul Locations: During the Battle of Mosul, the Iraqi Army successfully retook the main government building and the Mosul Museum, marking a critical milestone in the liberation of the city from ISIL control.
- 08 Mar 2017 Guatemala Orphanage Fire Tragedy: A horrific incident occurred at San Jose Pinula's orphanage in Guatemala, where a fire broke out following student protests about alleged sexual and physical abuse. Tragically, at least 19 children lost their lives in this devastating event.
- 09 Mar 2017 Massive Ramesses II Sculpture Discovered in Cairo: German and Egyptian archaeologists unearthed a monumental humanoid sculpture approximately 8 meters tall, believed to depict Pharaoh Ramesses II at the ancient Heliopolis site in northeast Cairo.
- 10 Mar 2017 Impeachment of South Korean President Park Geun-hye: The Constitutional Court of South Korea unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, effectively ending her presidency following a major political corruption scandal. This landmark decision marked a significant moment in South Korean democratic history, removing a sitting president from office through constitutional means.
- 11 Mar 2017 Guatemala Orphanage Fire Tragedy: A devastating fire at a San Jose Pinula orphanage resulted in the heartbreaking death of at least 38 children, causing national mourning and raising questions about child welfare infrastructure.
- 12 Mar 2017 Preet Bharara Fired by Trump Administration: Obama-appointed New York U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara was fired after refusing to resign at the request of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, becoming the only attorney to resist the administration's directive.
- 13 Mar 2017 Syrian Civil War Casualties: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the total number of people killed or missing in Syria's ongoing conflict has reached 465,000.
- 14 Mar 2017 European Court of Justice Religious Symbols Ruling: The European Court of Justice issued a landmark ruling allowing companies to ban staff from wearing religious symbols, including headscarves, sparking significant debate about religious freedom and workplace policies.
- 15 Mar 2017 ISIS Commander Killed in Mosul: Iraqi government forces reportedly eliminated Abu Abdul Rahman al-Ansary, the Islamic State's commander in Mosul's Old City. This development represents progress in the ongoing offensive to drive ISIS out of its last major urban stronghold in Iraq.
- 16 Mar 2017 Trump's Travel Ban Blocked by Federal Courts: Two federal courts blocked President Donald Trump's second travel ban, dealing a significant legal setback to the administration's immigration policy.
- 17 Mar 2017 ETA Announces Full Disarmament: The Basque separatist group ETA officially announced in Spain that it would fully disarm by April 8, 2017, marking a significant step towards resolving the long-standing Basque conflict.
- 18 Mar 2017 Battle of Mosul Intensifies: The Battle of Mosul continues to escalate, with many Iraqi civilians fleeing the western part of the city as ISIL militants and Iraqi forces engage in intense combat in the Old City area. The humanitarian situation remains critical as civilians seek safety from the ongoing conflict.
- 19 Mar 2017 Iraqi Forces Advance in Mosul Against ISIS: U.S.-supported Iraqi forces were closing in on the strategic al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul as they continued their campaign to retake the city from ISIS militants.
- 20 Mar 2017 Brexit: Article 50 Triggering Announcement: British Prime Minister Theresa May announced her government's intention to trigger Article 50 on March 29, formally initiating the United Kingdom's withdrawal process from the European Union.
- 21 Mar 2017 Iran Nuclear Agreement Tensions: Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei delivered a Nowruz speech indicating Iran's capability to enrich uranium up to 99 percent. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned of potential withdrawal from the nuclear agreement if the United States impedes Iran's implementation.
- 22 Mar 2017 2017 Westminster Attack in London: A terrorist attack near the Houses of Parliament in London resulted in four fatalities and at least 20 people injured. The attack involved a vehicle ramming and a subsequent stabbing of a police officer, with the perpetrator ultimately being shot and killed by security forces.
- 23 Mar 2017 2017 Westminster Attack: On March 22, 2017, a terrorist attack occurred in Westminster, London. Khalid Masood, a British-born terrorist previously known to authorities, carried out the attack. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility. At least eight people were arrested in connection with the incident.
- 24 Mar 2017 Republican Healthcare Reform Attempt Fails: President Donald Trump and Republican leadership were forced to withdraw their attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act ('Obamacare') due to internal party opposition.
- 25 Mar 2017 European Union Commemorates Treaty of Rome Anniversary: EU leaders gather in Rome to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, reflecting on the historical foundations of European integration.
- 26 Mar 2017 Russia-wide Anti-Corruption Protests: Large-scale anti-corruption demonstrations occurred across 99 Russian cities, with significant public sentiment against government corruption. A Levada Center survey revealed that 38% of Russians supported the protests, and 67% held President Vladimir Putin personally responsible for high-level corruption.
- 27 Mar 2017 Mount Nasu Avalanche Tragedy: A devastating avalanche struck Mount Nasu in Japan's Tochigi Prefecture during a student climbing excursion, resulting in the death of at least eight schoolchildren. Three students and three teachers remain missing, creating a significant national tragedy.
- 28 Mar 2017 Brexit: Article 50 Triggered: British Prime Minister Theresa May signed a letter invoking Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, officially marking the beginning of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union.
- 29 Mar 2017 Brexit: United Kingdom Triggers Article 50: Prime Minister Theresa May officially invoked Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, formally initiating the United Kingdom's withdrawal process from the European Union, marking a historic moment in European political relations.
- 30 Mar 2017 SpaceX Conducts First Orbital Rocket Reflight: SpaceX successfully conducted the world's first reflight of an orbital-class rocket, demonstrating a groundbreaking achievement in space technology by reusing a Falcon 9 rocket.
- 31 Mar 2017 South African Presidential Cabinet Reshuffle: President Jacob Zuma dramatically reshuffled his cabinet by firing Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, causing significant economic instability. The sudden dismissal triggered an immediate negative market reaction, with the South African rand experiencing a sharp decline.