In March 1956, the global landscape shifted as several nations gained independence, while the
Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a historic milestone.
Global Independence & Political Shifts
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Independence for Morocco & Tunisia: On March 2,
formally gained independence from France, followed by
on March 20.
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World's First Islamic Republic: On March 23,
adopted its new constitution, officially becoming the first country to be proclaimed an Islamic Republic.
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De-Stalinization Protests: Mass demonstrations erupted in the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic early in the month to protest Nikita Khrushchev’s de-Stalinization policies; Soviet troops suppressed these on March 9, causing over 100 casualties.
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Southern Manifesto: In the U.S., 101 members of Congress signed the Southern Manifesto on March 12, a formal protest against the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education ruling to desegregate public schools.
Economic & Scientific Milestones
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Dow Jones Hits 500: For the first time in history, the Dow Jones Industrial Averageclosed above the 500-point mark on March 12.
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World Air Speed Record: On March 10, Peter Twiss flew the Fairey Delta 2 to a new record of 1,132 mph, making it the first aircraft to exceed 1,000 mph in level flight.
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NATO Phonetic Alphabet: The International Air Transport Association finalized the draft for the modern radiotelephony spelling alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.) on March 1.
Culture & Entertainment
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Broadway Legend: The musical My Fair Lady, starring Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison, premiered at the Mark Hellinger Theatre on March 15.
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28th Academy Awards: Held on March 21, the ceremony saw
Marty
win Best Picture, with Ernest Borgnine winning Best Actor.
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Elvis Presley’s Rise: Elvis released his first gold album on March 13, and Colonel Tom Parker was officially appointed as his manager on March 26.
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Iconic Anthem: Carl Perkins released his hit Blue Suede Shoes on March 22.
