March 17

Events - Politics & Government

180day.year

Commodus becomes sole emperor of the Roman Empire at the age of eighteen, following the death of his father, Marcus Aurelius.

At eighteen, Commodus ascends as sole emperor of the Roman Empire after the death of his father, Marcus Aurelius.
In 180 AD Marcus Aurelius, the 'philosopher king', dies on campaign, leaving his son Commodus as his successor. Despite his youth, Commodus inherits full imperial powers at eighteen. His rule marks a sharp departure from his father's philosophy-driven reign, as he becomes increasingly influenced by court intrigues and displays of personal authority. The Senate initially supports his accession, hoping for stability. Commodus later cultivates a cult of personality, renaming Rome in his honor. His reign ultimately sets the stage for political turbulence and the eventual decline of the Antonine dynasty.
180 Commodus emperor Roman Empire Marcus Aurelius
455day.year

Petronius Maximus becomes, with support of the Roman Senate, emperor of the Western Roman Empire; he forces Licinia Eudoxia, the widow of his predecessor, Valentinian III, to marry him.

Petronius Maximus is proclaimed Western Roman Emperor with Senate backing and compels Licinia Eudoxia to wed him.
Following the assassination of Valentinian III, the Roman Senate elevates Petronius Maximus to the Western throne. To legitimize his claim, Maximus forces the widowed Empress Licinia Eudoxia into marriage. His short reign is marked by political opportunism and instability. He struggles to secure support amid threats from barbarian tribes and court factions. The lack of popular legitimacy weakens his position, leading to his eventual downfall. The turmoil under Maximus foreshadows the weakening grip of Rome over its western territories and the looming Vandal invasion of Italy.
455 Petronius Maximus Roman Senate Western Roman Empire Licinia Eudoxia Valentinian III
1337day.year

Edward, the Black Prince is made Duke of Cornwall, the first Duchy in England.

Edward, the Black Prince, is granted the title Duke of Cornwall, creating England's first royal duchy.
In 1337 Edward of Woodstock, known as the Black Prince, is invested as Duke of Cornwall by his father, King Edward III. This establishes the first dukedom in the English peerage, elevating Edward to the highest rank below the king. The title brings significant lands, incomes, and prestige, cementing the prince's status as heir apparent. The creation of Cornwall as a duchy also sets a precedent for future royal titles and the governance of Cornwall. Edward's military successes in France further enhance the renown of the title. The Duke of Cornwall title continues to be associated with the monarch's eldest son in modern times.
1337 Edward, the Black Prince Duke of Cornwall Duchy England
1805day.year

The Italian Republic, with Napoleon as president, becomes the Kingdom of Italy, with Napoleon as King of Italy.

Napoleon elevates the Italian Republic to the Kingdom of Italy and crowns himself as its king.
On March 17, 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte transforms the French-sponsored Italian Republic into the Kingdom of Italy. He assumes the title King of Italy and is crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy in Milan. This change formalizes French dominance over northern Italy and integrates Napoleonic legal and administrative reforms. The new kingdom serves as a model satellite state bolstering Napoleon's control in Europe. Italian subjects gain a centralized government but remain under French influence. The reorganization lays groundwork for later unification movements by standardizing institutions.
1805 Italian Republic Napoleon Kingdom of Italy King of Italy
1824day.year

The Anglo-Dutch Treaty is signed in London, dividing the Malay archipelago. As a result, the Malay Peninsula is dominated by the British, while Sumatra and Java and surrounding areas are dominated by the Dutch.

The Anglo-Dutch Treaty divides the Malay archipelago, assigning the Malay Peninsula to Britain and Java and Sumatra to the Netherlands.
Signed in London on March 17, 1824, the Anglo-Dutch Treaty clarifies colonial boundaries in Southeast Asia. The British secure dominance over the Malay Peninsula, including Malacca and Singapore. The Dutch retain control of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and adjacent islands. This formal partition reduces friction between the two powers and establishes clear spheres of influence. The agreement influences trade routes and colonial administration for decades. It also lays foundations for modern national borders in Malaysia and Indonesia. The treaty marks a pivotal moment in European imperial competition in the region.
1824 Anglo-Dutch Treaty
1861day.year

The Kingdom of Italy is proclaimed.

In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was officially proclaimed under Victor Emmanuel II, unifying numerous Italian states into a single nation.
On March 17, 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in Turin, culminating the Risorgimento unification movement. The new monarchy under Victor Emmanuel II brought together Sardinia, Lombardy, and various duchies under the House of Savoy. This proclamation marked the end of centuries of foreign domination and fragmented states on the Italian peninsula. Representatives from across Italy formalized a constitutional framework blending monarchical and parliamentary elements. Despite regional differences and future political challenges, the establishment of the kingdom laid foundations for modern Italian identity and governance.
1861 Kingdom of Italy
1921day.year

The Second Polish Republic adopts the March Constitution.

In 1921, the Second Polish Republic adopted the March Constitution, establishing a parliamentary system and defining citizens’ rights after World War I.
Following Poland’s rebirth as an independent state in 1918, the March Constitution was adopted on March 17, 1921. It created a democratic framework with a bicameral parliament, a president with limited powers, and an independent judiciary. The constitution guaranteed civil liberties, including freedom of speech, religion, and assembly for Polish citizens. It aimed to reconcile diverse ethnic and political groups within Poland’s borders after decades of partition. Although later replaced in 1935, the March Constitution remains a symbol of Poland’s commitment to democratic governance in the interwar era.
1921 Second Polish Republic March Constitution
1948day.year

Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom sign the Treaty of Brussels, a precursor to the North Atlantic Treaty establishing NATO.

In 1948, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Brussels, laying foundations for mutual defense and paving the way for NATO.
Signed on March 17, 1948, the Treaty of Brussels created the Western Union for mutual defense and cooperation. Its five signatories pledged to assist one another in the event of aggression, primarily against Soviet expansion. The treaty included military clauses, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration to strengthen Western Europe. It served as a precursor to the North Atlantic Treaty, which formed NATO in 1949. The Brussels Pact symbolized early Cold War solidarity and laid the groundwork for collective security in Western Europe.
1948 Belgium France Luxembourg Netherlands United Kingdom Treaty of Brussels North Atlantic Treaty NATO
1960day.year

U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs the National Security Council directive on the anti-Cuban covert action program that will ultimately lead to the Bay of Pigs Invasion.

U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a secret directive launching a covert action program against Cuba. This decision eventually leads to the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961.
In the tense atmosphere of the Cold War, President Eisenhower sought to remove Fidel Castro from power. On March 17, 1960, he signed National Security Council Directive 5412 authorizing covert operations against Cuba. The classified plan tasked the CIA with training and equipping Cuban exiles for an armed invasion. Eisenhower believed a successful operation would curb Soviet influence in the Western Hemisphere. Under the Kennedy administration, the program escalated into the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961. Its failure would shape U.S.-Cuban relations and American foreign policy for decades.
1960 Dwight D. Eisenhower National Security Council Cuban Bay of Pigs Invasion
1969day.year

Golda Meir becomes the first female Prime Minister of Israel.

Golda Meir becomes the first female Prime Minister of Israel on March 17, 1969. Her appointment marks a historic milestone in global politics.
Golda Meir, a veteran politician and diplomat, assumed office as Israel's prime minister on March 17, 1969. She had previously served as foreign minister and was widely known as the 'Iron Lady' of Israeli politics. As the world's third female head of government, her leadership broke gender barriers. Meir guided Israel through a period of regional tensions and economic challenges. Her tenure included the War of Attrition with Egypt and efforts to secure peace with neighboring states. She remained prime minister until 1974, leaving a legacy of strong-willed leadership and diplomatic skill.
1969 Golda Meir Prime Minister of Israel
1992day.year

A referendum to end apartheid in South Africa is passed 68.7% to 31.2%.

In 1992, South Africans voted by nearly a 2-to-1 margin to end apartheid, setting the stage for democratic reform.
On March 17, 1992, a landmark referendum was held among white voters in South Africa to end the apartheid regime. With a turnout exceeding 85%, 68.7% voted in favor of negotiating a new, nonracial constitution. This decisive result gave President F.W. de Klerk and reformists the mandate to dismantle institutionalized racial segregation. The referendum quelled white extremist opposition and accelerated talks with Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress. By supporting the end of apartheid, South Africa moved toward its first fully representative elections in 1994. The vote is remembered as a crucial step in the nation’s peaceful transition to democracy.
referendum to end apartheid South Africa
2003day.year

Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council, Robin Cook, resigns from the British Cabinet in disagreement with government plans for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

In 2003, Robin Cook resigned from the British Cabinet as Leader of the House of Commons, opposing the government’s plans for the invasion of Iraq.
On March 17, 2003, Robin Cook, serving as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council, tendered his resignation from Tony Blair’s Cabinet. Cook cited fundamental disagreements with the government’s decision to join the impending U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. His departure marked the first high-profile Cabinet resignation in protest of the Iraq War. The move shocked Parliament and deepened divisions within the Labour Party over foreign policy. Cook delivered a powerful resignation speech in the Commons, warning of the war’s moral and strategic risks. His principled stand bolstered anti-war sentiment in Britain and underscored the controversy surrounding the conflict.
2003 Leader of the House of Commons Lord President of the Council Robin Cook British Cabinet 2003 invasion of Iraq