Significant Historic Events Marked in 2017
Every year, there are some big dates that mark an important event in the past. Some of them are huge things, like countries gaining independence or the start or end of wars. Others can be smaller events, like a significant sports game or the release of an iconic novel. 2017 has been no different, and there have been many notable anniversaries of global happenings. It’s interesting to take a look at what happened 50, 100 or 200 years ago and note why it’s still significant today. There are often events and media to mark these anniversaries too. Here are some of the big ones for this year.
50th Anniversary of the Gold Krugerrand
The South African Gold Krugerrand was the first modern gold bullion coin in the world. It’s a coin that still has a lot of meaning for both coin collectors and investors. Named after President Paul Kruger, it prompted several other countries to issue their own gold coins, like the U.S. Gold Eagle. To mark the occasion of 50 years since the coin was first issued, South Africa has produced limited first-issue Silver Krugerrands, which you can see on the LPM Group Limited website. There are one million of these coins, with a South African springbok and a portrait of Kruger on the reverse.
100 Years Since the Russian Revolutions
There are some big historical events that have been remembered this year. Two events that are of significance in Russia are the revolutions that occurred 100 years ago, in 1917. The first revolution, called the February Revolution (although it technically started in March according to the Gregorian calendar) began when workers in St. Petersburg went on strike to protest food shortages. It soon led to the abdication of Czar Nicholas II. Vladimir Lenin returned from exile in the summer, so November saw the launch of the October Revolution, overthrowing the government.
Sesquicentennial of the Dominion of Canada
A sesquicentennial is an anniversary of 150 years, which is how long it has been since the creation of the Dominion of Canada. Before 1867, Canada was a number of British provinces, which weren’t particularly united. But in the 1860s, provincial leaders began to consider the benefits of a confederation. The Dominion of Canada was formed in July 1867, but Canada remained under British rule. In fact, it wasn’t until 1982 that Canada gained full independence – 35 years ago this year.
50 Years Since the Release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Culturally significant events are important too. This year the 50th anniversary of the release of the famous Beatles album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The band was a huge phenomenon around the world and is still regarded as one of the most important pop acts ever. A 50th-anniversary version of the album was released for the occasion, including new mixes, unreleased studio sessions, and a documentary about the making of the album.
2017 has been a big year for recognizing important events of the past. There are many other significant dates to take note of for celebration or to reflect on things that happened.