What Happened This Year 1943

Historical Events from This Year 1943

Accidents & Tragedies

Crush at Bethnal Green Tube Station

March 3rd, 1943 82 years ago

A tragic crush occurred at Bethnal Green tube station when a large number of civilians attempted to enter an air-raid shelter during World War II. As air raid sirens sounded, panic ensued, leading to a stampede at the station. The ensuing chaos resulted in the deaths of 173 people, making it one of the deadliest incidents associated with London's air raid precautions. The crowd's reaction was exacerbated by fears of imminent bombing, highlighting the intense anxiety faced by Londoners during the war.

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Military & Warfare

Victory in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea

March 4th, 1943 82 years ago

In March 1943, Allied forces engaged Japanese ships in the Bismarck Sea, leading to a significant naval confrontation. The battle concluded with a decisive victory for the Allies, which played a crucial role in disrupting Japanese supply lines in the southwest Pacific. The coordinated air and naval assault resulted in the loss of multiple Japanese transport vessels filled with troops, thwarting their plans to reinforce New Guinea. The success was credited to the effectiveness of military strategies developed by leaders such as General Douglas MacArthur.

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Military & Warfare

Italian Battalions Surrender in Grevena

March 4th, 1943 82 years ago

The Battle of Fardykambos marks a significant confrontation between Greek Resistance forces and the Royal Italian Army, beginning on 3 March and concluding on 6 March with the surrender of an entire Italian battalion. This battle was a part of the broader resistance against Axis occupation in Greece, showcasing the determination and military capability of the Greek partisans. The liberation of the town of Grevena not only served as a morale booster for the local population but also highlighted the strategic challenges faced by the occupying forces.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Protests in Athens Against Forced Mobilization

March 5th, 1943 82 years ago

In Athens, workers organized a general strike and protest march due to rumors of forced mobilization of Greek labor for work in Germany. The situation escalated as protesters clashed with Axis occupation forces and collaborationist police. In response to the unrest and public outcry, the decree regarding forced labor was withdrawn the following day.

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Military & Warfare

Rommel Initiates the Battle of Medenine

March 6th, 1943 82 years ago

Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel initiated the Battle of Medenine as a strategic move to slow down the British Eighth Army's advance in North Africa. The battle took place near Medenine, Tunisia, with Rommel aiming to exploit perceived weaknesses in the Allied forces. However, the attack faced stiff resistance, and Rommel's forces were ultimately unsuccessful. Three days later, he withdrew from Africa, marking a significant turning point in the North African Campaign.

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Military & Warfare

Major Greek Resistance Victory at Fardykambos

March 6th, 1943 82 years ago

The Battle of Fardykambos marked a significant confrontation between the Greek Resistance and the Royal Italian Army during World War II. Taking place near Grevena, the engagement culminated in the surrender of an entire Italian battalion, significantly weakening Italian control in the region. The successful operation was led by local partisans who employed guerrilla tactics to surprise and Overwhelm the Italian forces. Following this victory, Grevena was liberated just two weeks later, signaling a crucial turning point in local resistance efforts.

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Arts & Culture

Rockwell's Freedom from Want Published

March 6th, 1943 82 years ago

Norman Rockwell's iconic illustration 'Freedom from Want' debuted in The Saturday Evening Post, paired with Carlos Bulosan's reflective essay. Featuring a family gathered around a bountiful Thanksgiving meal, this work perfectly encapsulated the spirit of unity and hope during World War II. The combination of Rockwell's art and Bulosan's words fostered a vision of peace and abundance amid global turmoil, resonating with American values.

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Politics & Government

German Forces Liquidate Kraków Jewish Ghetto

March 13th, 1943 82 years ago

In March 1943, German forces conducted a large-scale operation to liquidate the Jewish ghetto in Kraków, Poland. The action resulted in the arrest and deportation of thousands of Jewish residents. Families were separated, and many were taken to the Plaszów labor camp or directly to extermination camps. The operation was part of the broader Nazi policy of eradicating Jewish communities in occupied territories. This brutal event marks a significant point in the destruction of Jewish life in Kraków.

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Politics & Government

Completion of Kraków Ghetto Liquidation

March 14th, 1943 82 years ago

The Kraków Ghetto was completely liquidated by March 1943, following a brutal campaign to remove its Jewish inhabitants. Nazi forces systematically rounded up the remaining residents, deporting them to concentration camps. This operation marked the end of the ghetto's existence, which had been established in 1941 to segregate Jewish people from the rest of the city. The liquidation was executed amidst growing anti-Jewish policies, with the intention of erasing Jewish life in Poland.

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