Nov 20,1942 - Present
THE 46TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
1981 Greece was admitted into the European Community, marking a significant step in its European integration.
1981 In a dramatic turn of events, British law enforcement apprehends the notorious serial killer known as Peter Sutcliffe, colloquially dubbed the "Yorkshire Ripper," within the bounds of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
1981 A UFO sighting in Trans-en-Provence, France, is widely documented as a significant event in UFO history.
1981 The Salvadoran Civil War saw the FMLN launching its first major offensive in 1981, gaining control of Morazán and Chalatenango.
1981 Pope John Paul II receives a delegation from the Polish trade union Solidarity at the Vatican, led by Lech Wałęsa.
1981 President Ferdinand Marcos' decision to lift martial law in the Philippines marked a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape, ending eight years and five months of authoritarian rule.
1981 Phil Smith and Phil Mayfield make history by parachuting from a Houston skyscraper, achieving the first BASE jumps in all four categories: buildings, antennae, spans (bridges), and earth (cliffs).
1981 The Iran hostage crisis reaches its conclusion as United States and Iranian officials sign an agreement, securing the release of 52 American hostages who endured 14 months of captivity. This momentous event marks the end of a challenging ordeal.
1981 Just twenty minutes after Ronald Reagan's inauguration as the 40th President of the United States in 1981, Iran released 52 American hostages, symbolizing a dramatic diplomatic breakthrough.
1981 The production of the iconic DeLorean sports car commenced in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, adding a new chapter to the automotive industry.
1981 Tragedy strikes Karaiskakis Stadium in Greece as football spectators are tragically trampled to death after a match, leaving a scar on sports history.
1981 Louisville, Kentucky, witnessed a series of sewer explosions that wreaked havoc, destroying more than two miles of streets and leaving a lasting impact on the city's infrastructure.
1981 In Spain, Antonio Tejero attempts a coup d'état by capturing the Spanish Congress of Deputies.
1981 The 6.7 Ms Gulf of Corinth earthquake affected Central Greece with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). Twenty-two people were killed, 400 were injured, and damage totaled $812 million.
1981 In HM Prison Maze, Provisional Irish Republican Army member Bobby Sands embarks on a courageous hunger strike, a protest that would have profound implications for the struggle for Irish independence.
1981 The ZX81, a pioneering British home computer, is introduced to the world by Sinclair Research, ultimately achieving remarkable global sales of over 11⁄2 million units and playing a pivotal role in the personal computing revolution.
1981 Kosovo, then part of Yugoslavia, witnessed a historic moment in 1981 as hundreds of students initiated protests at the University of Pristina, advocating for increased political rights for their province. These protests eventually evolved into a nationwide movement.
1981 The Social Democratic Party (UK) emerges as a political force, shaping the trajectory of British politics and advocating for social justice.
1981 On March 27, 1981, the Solidarity movement in Poland made a powerful statement by staging a warning strike. Approximately 12 million Poles walked off their jobs for four hours, demonstrating their commitment to political and labor reforms.
1981 The United States witnessed a shocking assassination attempt as U.S. President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest outside a Washington, D.C., hotel by John Hinckley Jr., resulting in injuries to three others in the incident.
1981 The Osborne 1, the first successful portable computer, is unveiled at the West Coast Computer Faire in San Francisco.
1981 In Iran, a nation in the midst of turmoil, significant events unfolded on this day, leaving a mark on the country's complex political landscape.
1981 The high seas bear witness to a dramatic event as the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine USS George Washington accidentally collides with the Nissho Maru, resulting in the sinking of the Japanese cargo ship and the loss of two Japanese sailors.
1981 Brixton, south London, witnesses a massive riot that leads to nearly 300 police injuries and 65 serious civilian injuries, highlighting societal tensions of the time.
1981 Space exploration enters a new era as the first Space Shuttle, Columbia, launches during the STS-1 mission, heralding a revolutionary chapter in human spaceflight.
1981 Over 100 workers faced radiation exposure during repairs at Japan's Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant, highlighting the importance of nuclear safety and the challenges of managing atomic energy.
1981 Dr. Michael R. Harrison of the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center achieved a medical milestone on this day in 1981 by performing the world's first human open fetal surgery, pioneering advancements in the field of fetal medicine.
1981 Xerox PARC introduces a groundbreaking innovation with the launch of the computer mouse, revolutionizing the way people interact with computers.
1981 Bobby Sands succumbs to a 66-day hunger strike in Long Kesh prison, symbolizing the Irish republican struggle.
1981 Mehmet Ali Ağca's attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square, Rome, led to a harrowing emergency surgery for the Pope, who miraculously survived the attack.
1981 The release of the membership list of Propaganda Due (P2), an illegal pseudo-Masonic lodge, exposed a web of intrigue and corruption in Italy.
1981 Transamerica Corporation's sale of United Artists to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer after the box office failure of "Heaven's Gate" marked a pivotal moment in the film industry.
1981 Tragedy strikes the Ecuadorian skies as President Jaime Roldós Aguilera, alongside his wife and a dedicated presidential committee, meet their untimely demise in a fateful aircraft accident, moments after the president's poignant speech commemorating the 24 de Mayo anniversary of the Battle of Pichincha.
1981 In Riyadh, a historic milestone is achieved as the Gulf Cooperation Council comes into existence, uniting Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in a pact of regional cooperation and solidarity.
1981 Italy experiences political upheaval as Prime Minister Arnaldo Forlani and his coalition cabinet resign in the wake of a scandal involving the pseudo-masonic lodge P2 (Propaganda Due). This unique episode underscores the intricacies of Italian politics.
1981 A tragic incident unfolds on the USS Nimitz as an EA-6B Prowler crashes on the flight deck, resulting in the loss of 14 crewmen and injuries to 45 others. This unique and somber event highlights the risks faced by military personnel in their service.
1981 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported five cases of a rare form of pneumonia in Los Angeles, California, marking the initial recognition of AIDS, a global health crisis.
1981 Operation Opera sees the Israeli Air Force execute a daring mission, destroying Iraq's Osiraq nuclear reactor, a crucial development in the geopolitics of the Middle East.
1981 Golbaf, Iran, becomes the epicenter of a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9. This natural disaster results in a tragic loss of at least 2,000 lives, leaving a profound impact on the region and underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness.
1981 A legendary cinematic saga commenced in 1981 with the release of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," the first installment of the Indiana Jones film franchise, introducing audiences to the iconic archaeologist-adventurer, Indiana Jones.
1981 A teenager, Marcus Sarjeant, disrupts the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London by firing six blank shots at Queen Elizabeth II, an unsettling incident in British history.
1981 US President Ronald Reagan bestows the Congressional Gold Medal upon Ken Taylor, Canada's former ambassador to Iran, in recognition of his pivotal role in aiding the escape of six Americans during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.
1981 The first flight of the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, the world's first stealth aircraft, revolutionized military aviation technology.
1981 The Humber Bridge, an engineering marvel, opens its majestic span to vehicular traffic, elegantly connecting the counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, holding the title of the world's longest bridge span for an impressive 17 years.
1981 Microsoft, a company destined for greatness, underwent a transformative restructuring, officially becoming an incorporated business within its home state of Washington, setting the stage for its future dominance in the tech world.
1981 Dan-Air Flight 240, en route to East Midlands Airport, crashes in Nailstone, Leicestershire, claiming the lives of all three crew members, shedding light on the significance of air travel safety standards.
1981 In a pivotal moment in Chinese history, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party issued its "Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of Our Party Since the Founding of the People's Republic of China" on June 27, 1981, attributing the blame for the Cultural Revolution to Mao Zedong.
1981 A powerful bomb explosion in Tehran claimed the lives of 73 officials of the Islamic Republican Party, a tragic event that had far-reaching implications in the tumultuous political landscape of Iran.
1981 US President Ronald Reagan nominates Sandra Day O'Connor as the first female member of the Supreme Court of the United States, a historic milestone in American jurisprudence.
1981 A structural failure leads to a catastrophic collapse at the Hyatt Regency in Kansas City, Missouri, resulting in the tragic loss of 114 lives and injuries to over 200 people.
1981 A mid-air collision between a Canadair CL-44 and Sukhoi Su-15 near Yerevan, Armenia, in 1981 claimed four lives, underscoring the risks of aviation.
1981 The revelation of the Farewell Dossier by French President François Mitterrand to U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1981 AD exposed Soviet espionage and its impact on American technological research.
1981 Tragedy struck on July 20, 1981, as Somali Airlines Flight 40 crashed in the Balad District of Somalia, claiming the lives of 40 people in a devastating aviation incident.
1981 Tragedy struck in 1981 when Aeromexico Flight 230 overshot the runway while landing at Chihuahua International Airport. This devastating accident claimed the lives of thirty-two of the 66 passengers and crew on board the DC-9, leaving a somber mark on aviation history.
1981 The world tunes in as a global audience of around 750 million witnesses the fairytale wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer at the majestic St Paul's Cathedral in London, marking a day of royal splendor.
1981 Following his impeachment on June 21, Abolhassan Banisadr embarks on a journey to Paris, taking flight aboard an Iranian Air Force Boeing 707 piloted by Colonel Behzad Moezzi, as he joins Massoud Rajavi to form the National Council of Resistance of Iran, heralding a new chapter in the nation's struggle.
1981 Łódź witnesses a powerful demonstration as 50,000 protesters, predominantly women and children, demand an end to food ration shortages in Communist Poland.
1981 A cultural phenomenon began as MTV (Music Television) started broadcasting in the United States, airing its first video, "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles, forever changing the music industry.
1981 Senegalese opposition parties, led by Mamadou Dia, boldly launch the Antiimperialist Action Front, challenging the status quo and advocating for change.
1981 President Ronald Reagan's decision to fire striking air-traffic controllers has a lasting impact on labor relations in the United States.
1981 The Washington Star, after 128 years of publication, ceased all operations, marking the end of an era in American journalism.
1981 The murder of Adam Walsh's son in 1981 AD marked a heart-wrenching tragedy, with the discovery of the child's head inspiring the creation of the iconic television series "America's Most Wanted" and the establishment of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
1981 The iconic IBM Personal Computer is officially released, marking a significant advancement in the world of personal computing.
1981 The Gulf of Sidra Incident escalates tensions as United States F-14A Tomcat fighters intercept and shoot down two Libyan Sukhoi Su-22 fighter jets, underscoring the volatile geopolitical landscape.
1981 Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103's tragic mid-air disintegration and crash in Taiwan become a solemn chapter in aviation history.
1981 Mark David Chapman receives a 20-year-to-life prison sentence for the murder of iconic musician John Lennon, marking the end of a sensational trial and the beginning of Chapman's incarceration.
1981 Voyager 2 spacecraft's closest approach to Saturn provides invaluable data about the planet's rings, moons, and atmosphere, advancing our understanding of the solar system.
1981 President Mohammad-Ali Rajai and Prime Minister Mohammad-Javad Bahonar of Iran meet tragic ends in a bombing orchestrated by the People's Mujahedin of Iran, altering the political landscape of Iran.
1981 A quiet coup unfolds in Central Africa as General André Kolingba leads a bloodless military takeover, ousting President David Dacko, an event that marks a turning point in the nation's history.
1981 : The United Nations instituted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women on this day, representing a landmark international bill of rights for women and a step toward global gender equality.
1981 The arrival of the first women at Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp in the UK in 1981 marked a significant moment in the women's peace movement, advocating for nuclear disarmament.
1981 Sandra Day O'Connor reached a historic milestone as the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved her nomination, paving the way for her to become the first female justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
1981 The John Bull locomotive made history as it became the world's oldest operable steam locomotive, operated by the Smithsonian Institution outside Washington, D.C., showcasing the marvels of early locomotive engineering.
1981 The Assemblée Nationale votes to abolish capital punishment in France, a significant step toward human rights and justice in the nation's history.
1981 Belize celebrates full independence from the United Kingdom, a historic moment in its sovereignty.
1981 Women's history: Sandra Day O'Connor becomes the first female Supreme Court justice after unanimous Senate approval.
1981 In 1981, Belize became a member of the United Nations, gaining international recognition and participation in global affairs.
1981 Baseball legend Nolan Ryan achieves a Major League record by throwing his fifth no-hitter.
1981 In 1981, an Iranian Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules crashed into a firing range near Kahrizak, Iran, tragically killing 80 people. This aviation accident underscored the importance of safety measures.
1981 After seven months and ten deaths, the hunger strike at the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland concludes, leaving a lasting impact on the region's history.
1981 Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's tragic assassination at the hands of Islamic extremists sent shockwaves through the international community.
1981 NLM CityHopper Flight 431 met a tragic end in Moerdijk, Netherlands, shortly after taking off from Rotterdam The Hague Airport, resulting in the loss of all 17 people onboard.
1981 President François Mitterrand takes a historic step by abolishing capital punishment in France, ushering in a new era of human rights.
1981 Vice President Hosni Mubarak ascends to the presidency of Egypt, a week after the assassination of Anwar Sadat, heralding a new chapter in the nation's political leadership.
1981 A shocking armed robbery unfolds in Nanuet, New York, as members of the Black Liberation Army and Weather Underground target a Brink's armored car, resulting in the tragic deaths of two police officers and a guard.
1981 A new era dawns in Greek politics as Andreas Papandreou assumes office as Prime Minister, marking the end of a nearly 50-year-long period dominated by conservative forces.
1981 The US Federal Labor Relations Authority's decision to decertify the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) follows their strike, a pivotal moment in labor relations.
1981 Cold War tensions escalate as the Soviet submarine S-363 runs aground on Sweden's east coast, sparking international concern.
1981 Antigua and Barbuda celebrated their independence from the United Kingdom, marking a momentous occasion in the history of this Caribbean nation.
1981 Aeroméxico Flight 110 met a tragic fate near Zihuatanejo, Mexico, resulting in the loss of all 18 individuals on board. This aviation disaster had a profound impact on air travel safety regulations.
1981 Antigua and Barbuda's admission to the United Nations, enhancing the country's international standing.
1981 The Space Shuttle Columbia embarks on Mission STS-2, marking the first time a crewed spacecraft is launched into space for a second time.
1981 The Iran-Contra affair takes a covert turn as President Ronald Reagan signs National Security Decision Directive 17, secretly authorizing CIA support for Contra rebels in Nicaragua, reshaping U.S. foreign policy.
1981 Pope John Paul II appoints Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict XVI, as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a significant appointment within the Vatican.
1981 The Cold War landscape shifts as representatives from the United States and the Soviet Union begin negotiations in Geneva to reduce intermediate-range nuclear weapons in Europe, a process that concludes inconclusively on December 17.
1981 A somber day as Inex-Adria Aviopromet Flight 1308 crashes in Corsica, resulting in the tragic loss of all 180 people on board.
1981 South Africa takes a historic step by granting independence to the Ciskei "homeland," although not recognized by any government outside South Africa, shaping the nation's complex political landscape.
1981 The Salvadoran Civil War takes a tragic turn in 1981 as armed forces in El Salvador launch a campaign leading to the El Mozote massacre, claiming the lives of an estimated 900 civilians, an event etched in the nation's memory.
1981 General Wojciech Jaruzelski declared martial law in Poland on December 13, 1981, largely in response to the actions and influence of the Solidarity movement. This declaration had significant implications for the country's political landscape.
1981 The Arab world experiences a momentous event, forever shaping the course of its history.
1981 A tragic suicide car bombing targeting the Iraqi embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, shatters the world as it marks the beginning of modern suicide bombings.
1981 The Red Brigades' audacious abduction of American Brigadier General James L. Dozier sent shockwaves through Verona, Italy, and beyond.
1981 The Russian heavy strategic bomber Tu-160, the world's largest combat aircraft, takes flight for the first time, symbolizing a remarkable achievement in the realm of supersonic aviation.
1981 The Penlee lifeboat's valiant rescue attempt amid treacherous seas results in the loss of sixteen lives, honoring their courage and sacrifice.
1981 A dramatic coup d'état unfolded in Ghana, leading to the removal of President Hilla Limann's government and the rise of the Provisional National Defence Council under Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings.
1981 Ronald Reagan's decision to lift domestic petroleum price and allocation controls in the United States contributes to the resolution of the 1979 energy crisis.
1981 The Ugandan Bush War ignites as the National Resistance Army launches an attack on a Ugandan Army installation in Mubende District, sparking a conflict that reshapes Uganda's future.
1981 Space exploration reaches a milestone as the first operational Space Shuttle, Columbia, successfully completes its inaugural test flight, marking a new era of human space travel.
