What happened on March 17 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
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The Battle of Badr
The Battle of Badr was a key early conflict in Islamic history, where Prophet Muhammad and his followers in Medina defeated the Quraysh of Mecca, solidifying the strength of the nascent Muslim community.
- Despite being outnumbered, the Muslim forces (around 300 fighters) decisively defeated the Quraysh army of approximately 1,000 soldiers.
- The victory was seen as a divine endorsement of Islam, strengthening Muhammad’s leadership and increasing conversions to the faith.
- The battle deepened the rivalry between Mecca and Medina, leading to future conflicts, including the eventual conquest of Mecca in 630.
Rudolf Nureyev is born
Rudolf Nureyev was a revolutionary ballet dancer and choreographer, renowned for his artistic mastery, defection from the Soviet Union, and transformation of male roles in classical ballet.
- In 1961, Nureyev dramatically defected from the Soviet Union while on tour in Paris, becoming a global symbol of artistic freedom during the Cold War.
- He became the principal dancer of The Royal Ballet in London and elevated the role of male ballet dancers, bringing unprecedented athleticism and expressiveness.
- As artistic director of the Paris Opera Ballet, he reshaped modern ballet before his death in 1993 from complications related to AIDS.
The 14th Dalai Lama flees Tibet for India
Amid growing Chinese military control over Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled his homeland, marking the beginning of his long exile and global advocacy for Tibetan independence.
- Following the 1950 invasion, tensions between Tibetan resistance forces and the Chinese Communist government escalated, culminating in the 1959 Tibetan Uprising.
- Disguised as a soldier, the Dalai Lama crossed the Himalayas into India, where he was granted asylum and later established the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala.
- The Dalai Lama became a symbol of nonviolent resistance, advocating for Tibetan autonomy and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
Golda Meir becomes Israel’s first female PM
Golda Meir, a pioneering politician, became Israel’s first female prime minister, leading the nation during a turbulent period in Middle Eastern history.
- As a longtime political leader and a key figure in Israel’s founding, Meir was elected as the country’s fourth prime minister following the death of Levi Eshkol.
- She played a crucial role in Israel’s response to the 1973 Yom Kippur War, though she faced criticism for the government’s lack of preparedness.
- Meir resigned in 1974 but remains a trailblazing figure in Israeli history, remembered for her tough diplomacy and dedication to the Jewish state.