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March 17th in History

1337: Edward the Black Prince becomes Duke of Cornwall, the first ever British 'Duke'
1649: Cromwell abolishes the monarchy and declares England a Commonwealth
1945: American forces defeat the Japanese at the battle of Iwo Jima
1958: The shape of the Earth is measured for the first time by satellite

March 17th birthdays

1919: Nat King Cole, Popular American singer and pianist
1933: Penelope Lively, British Novelist
1938: Rudolf Nureyev, World renowned Russian ballet dancer