March 1926: A Month of Historical Milestones

From the first volume of the Great Greek Encyclopedia to the March 18 Massacre, March 1926 was a momentous month in history.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:00am

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March 1926 was a month filled with significant historical events that shaped the world. The first volume of the Great Greek Encyclopedia was published, the last person in the U.S. was charged with blasphemy, the first wireless trans-Atlantic telephone call was made, and the Savoy Ballroom opened in Harlem. Tragic events also occurred, such as the March 18 Massacre in China and the sinking of a Brazilian passenger ship. This article recounts some of the key happenings from March 1926.

Why it matters

The events of March 1926 provide a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal time in history, with advancements in technology, politics, and culture juxtaposed against tragic incidents of violence and loss of life. Understanding these historical moments helps contextualize the world as it was nearly a century ago and how it paved the way for the modern era.

The details

In March 1926, several landmark events took place around the world. The first volume of the Great Greek Encyclopedia was published, containing 280,000 articles and 37,000 images, paintings, and maps. In Brockton, Massachusetts, Anthony Bimba was acquitted of the crime of blasphemy, the last such case in the U.S. The first wireless trans-Atlantic telephone call was made from New York to London, marking the 50th anniversary of the telephone's invention. Bertha Knight Landes was elected as the first woman mayor of a major American city, Seattle. Tragically, 47 unarmed protesters were killed by Chinese government troops in the March 18 Massacre, and over 100 people died when a Brazilian passenger ship sank in the Amazon River.

  • On March 1, the first volume of the Great Greek Encyclopedia was published.
  • On March 1, Anthony Bimba was acquitted of blasphemy in Brockton, Massachusetts.
  • On March 7, the first wireless trans-Atlantic telephone call was made from New York to London.
  • On March 9, Bertha Knight Landes was elected as the first woman mayor of Seattle.
  • On March 18, the March 18 Massacre occurred in China, where 47 unarmed protesters were killed by government troops.
  • On March 22, the Brazilian passenger ship Paes de Carvalho caught fire and sank in the Amazon River, killing over 100 people.

The players

Anthony Bimba

The last person in the United States to be charged with the crime of blasphemy, who was acquitted in a Brockton, Massachusetts courtroom on March 1, 1926.

Bertha Knight Landes

The first woman to be elected as mayor of a major American city, Seattle, on March 9, 1926.

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The takeaway

The diverse range of historical happenings in March 1926 - from groundbreaking achievements to devastating tragedies - underscores the complexity and dynamism of the early 20th century. These events offer valuable lessons about the progress and perils that have shaped the modern world.