Historical Events tagged with "1965"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Sports & Recreation

IOC Expels Rhodesia for Racist Practices

August 22nd, 1972 52 years ago

The International Olympic Committee expelled Rhodesia due to its racist policies that excluded non-white athletes from participating. This decision followed Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence and its subsequent policies that institutionalized racial discrimination. The IOC acted in line with its principle of promoting equality and inclusivity in sports, reflecting a growing international stance against apartheid and racial discrimination in sports and society as a whole.

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Politics & Government

The Gambia Becomes a Republic with Jawara

April 24th, 1970 54 years ago

The Gambia declared itself a republic and adopted a new constitution, with Dawda Jawara becoming the first President. This development marked the official end of its status as a parliamentary monarchy. The change came after years of political evolution in the country, aiming to enhance governance and national identity. It served as a significant moment in The Gambia's path toward self-determination and governance.

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Space Exploration

Luna 8 Space Probe Crashes on Moon

December 3rd, 1965 59 years ago

The Soviet space probe Luna 8 was launched with the goal of achieving a soft landing on the Moon. However, during its descent, Luna 8 encountered difficulties and ultimately crashed on the lunar surface. The probe was significant as part of the Luna program, which aimed to explore the Moon and was intended to test technologies for landing on celestial bodies.

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Accidents & Tragedies

United Air Lines Flight 227 Crashes in Salt Lake City

November 11th, 1965 59 years ago

United Air Lines Flight 227, a Douglas DC-8, crashed during its landing approach at Salt Lake City International Airport. The flight was arriving from Los Angeles when it struck a levee near the airport. Of the 85 individuals on board, 43 lost their lives, while the remaining 42 survived the incident. This catastrophe drew significant attention to flight safety protocols.

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Economics & Industry

Massive Northeast Blackout Affects Millions

November 9th, 1965 59 years ago

A widespread blackout struck several U.S. states and parts of Canada, causing power outages that lasted up to 13 hours. The event began around 5:27 PM EST when a series of transmission line failures triggered cascading failures across the electrical grid. Approximately 30 million people experienced darkness across New York City, Ontario, and surrounding regions. Technical malfunctions and human error contributed to the incident, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the power network.

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Crime & Law

Death Penalty Abolished in the UK

November 8th, 1965 59 years ago

The Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Act 1965 received Royal Assent, leading to the formal abolition of the death penalty for murder in the United Kingdom. This significant legislative change reflected growing public and political opposition to capital punishment. The Act was championed by members of Parliament who believed in reforming the criminal justice system and underscored a societal shift towards valuing human life. The law maintained the death penalty for certain military offenses but primarily focused on murder cases.

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Space Exploration

Comet Ikeya–Seki's Close Approach to the Sun

October 21st, 1965 59 years ago

Comet Ikeya–Seki, a noteworthy comet in the 20th century, made a remarkable close approach to the Sun, reaching perihelion at a distance of approximately 450,000 kilometers (279,617 miles). This event sparked considerable interest within the astronomical community, as such proximity allows for detailed observation and study of the comet's characteristics, including its tail and gaseous components. Observers around the world anticipated this unique opportunity, utilizing both ground-based telescopes and other observational equipment to catch a glimpse of the comet's features during this significant celestial event.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Indonesian Army Generals

September 30th, 1965 59 years ago

In 1965, six Indonesian Army generals were assassinated by the September 30 Movement, a group that aimed to seize power. The killings were blamed on the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), which led to widespread violence against suspected leftists. This event became a pivotal moment in Indonesia's political history, resulting in a violent anti-communist purge throughout the country.

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Military & Warfare

Intense Fighting at the Battle of Chawinda

September 17th, 1965 59 years ago

The Battle of Chawinda took place in Pakistan, involving significant combat between Indian and Pakistani forces. This confrontation stemmed from the broader context of the Second Indo-Pakistani War. It became known for its intensity and scale, as both sides unleashed armored divisions and heavy artillery in an effort to gain territorial advantage. The battle was fought largely to assert control over the strategic region and support respective military objectives. The fierce engagements led to substantial casualties and military losses on both sides.

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