A Brief History
This article presents a chronological list of notable events that happened on March 17th. For each date below, please click on the date to be taken to an article covering that date’s event.
Digging Deeper
On March 17, 1891, a civilian ocean liner, the steamship SS Utopia of the Anchor Line ran into the moored battleship, HMS Anson in Gibraltar Bay, causing the ill-fated steamer to sink taking 562 of the 880 passengers to Davy Jones Locker!
On March 17, 1945, the Ludendorf Bridge over the Rhine River fell 10 days after the US Army seized the span allowing them to cross the Rhine into Germany.
On March 17, 1947, the North American B-45 Tornado, a fine but often forgotten plane, made its first flight and was fielded for duty a year later, becoming the first U.S. jet-powered nuclear bomber.
On March 17, 1968, the US Army proved just how dangerous it is to play with weapons of “maaaass” destruction!
On March 17, 1970, the US Army charged 14 officers with suppressing information about the My Lai Massacre that took place in South Vietnam in 1968, a horrible atrocity in which between 347 and 504 Vietnamese civilians, including women, children and babies, were slaughtered by C Company, 1st Bn 20th Regt of the 11th Brigade of the 23rd Infantry Division of the US Army.
On March 17, 2017, much of the English speaking world celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in honor of the English (possibly of Roman descent) missionary and Bishop that brought Christianity to much of Ireland.
On March 17, 2020, the United States of America and Ireland both have cancelled virtually all St. Patrick’s Day festivities, absolutely destroying one of the jolliest holidays in either country.
On March 17, 2021, Dr. Zar wished you all a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and also gave you a brief update about this site’s YouTube channel.
On March 17, 2023, Dr. Zar wished all of his family, friends, colleagues, students, and subscribers a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
On March 17, 2023, people around the world, including we at History and Headlines, were saddened to learn of the passing of the talented American actor Lance Reddick of natural causes.
Question for students (and subscribers): Which event that occurred on today’s date would you like to learn more about? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Andrews, John and Matt Baker. Timeline of World History. Thunder Bay Press, 2020.
You can also watch video versions of this article on YouTube.
