Historical Events tagged with "1970s"
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.
Mississippi Ratifies Thirteenth Amendment
Mississippi formally ratified the Thirteenth Amendment, achieving the formal abolition of slavery in the United States. Despite the Thirteenth Amendment being ratified in 1865, Mississippi was the last state to sign off in 1995. The ratification occurred when state lawmakers took action to correct the oversight, reflecting unique local and national historical contexts surrounding slavery and civil rights.
Continue ReadingPolice Violence at the Dome of the Rock
Israeli police clashed with Palestinians at the Dome of the Rock, resulting in the deaths of 17 Palestinians and injuries to over 100 individuals. The confrontation arose during a period of heightened tensions surrounding the mosque, which is a significant religious site for both Muslims and Jews. This incident occurred after ongoing unrest and protests in the region, reflecting broader issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Continue ReadingGeorge Wallace Announces Retirement from Politics
George Wallace, the former Alabama governor known for his staunch segregationist policies, announced he would not seek a fifth term and would retire from public life upon the conclusion of his current term in January 1987. This decision marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Alabama, as Wallace had been a central figure in the state’s governance and a prominent voice in the fight against desegregation, famously standing in the schoolhouse door in 1963 to block African American students from entering the University of Alabama.
Continue ReadingBeginning of the Black July Anti-Tamil Riots
The Black July riots erupted in Sri Lanka as a violent response to the killing of 13 Sri Lankan soldiers in an ambush by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Jaffna. Leading to widespread anti-Tamil violence across the island, the riots saw Sinhala mobs attack Tamil homes and businesses, resulting in deaths, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of Tamils. The death toll estimates range from 400 to 3,000 individuals, marking a significant escalation in ethnic tensions as the civil conflict intensified.
Continue ReadingConfrontations at Tumbledown and Wireless Ridge
The Battles of Tumbledown and Wireless Ridge marked crucial engagements in the Falklands War, primarily involving British forces seizing high ground from Argentine troops on the night of June 13. The objectives were key to securing Port Stanley, the main town in the Falklands. British troops, particularly the Parachute Regiment, launched assaults against well-fortified Argentine positions. The successful capture of these ridges facilitated the British advance towards the capital and contributed to the final phase of the conflict.
Continue ReadingIsraeli Air Force Strikes Iraq's Nuclear Reactor
The Israeli Air Force conducted Operation Opera, targeting Iraq's Osiraq nuclear reactor, which was believed to be aimed at developing nuclear weapons. The airstrike, executed on June 7, 1981, involved eight F-16 fighter jets that successfully destroyed the reactor before it could become operational. This preemptive strike was justified by Israeli officials as a necessary action to protect national security amid rising tensions in the region.
Continue ReadingMurder of Four American Missionaries
Four American churchwomen, including Jean Donovan, were raped and murdered by a Salvadoran death squad. This incident prompted outrage and calls for justice both domestically and internationally. The victims were working in El Salvador to provide humanitarian aid during the civil conflict. Their deaths drew attention to human rights violations in the country during a time of considerable turmoil and violence.
Continue ReadingColonel Saye Zerbo Ousts Sangoulé Lamizana
Colonel Saye Zerbo led a coup d'état in Upper Volta, overthrowing President Sangoulé Lamizana. This power shift occurred due to growing dissatisfaction with Lamizana's administration, marked by economic struggles and political unrest. The coup took place without significant violence, showcasing a notable moment in the country’s political history. Following the coup, Zerbo established a military regime with promises of stability and reform, but lasting change proved complex.
Continue ReadingZimbabwe Established with Canaan Banana as President
The Republic of Zimbabwe officially emerged as a sovereign state, with Canaan Banana sworn in as its first President. This transition marked a significant shift from British colonial rule and the unrecognized state of Rhodesia. As the country's currency, the Zimbabwean dollar, replaced the Rhodesian dollar, it symbolized a new economic direction. The event took place in Harare, the capital, amid celebrations of national independence and the end of a protracted liberation struggle against colonial rule.
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