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.

Politics & Government

Violence Erupts in Lima Amid Police Strike

February 5th, 1975 50 years ago

Following a police strike, riots erupted in Lima, Peru, leading to severe unrest and chaos. The military responded forcefully to suppress the uprising, which locals referred to as the Limazo. Demonstrators engaged in confrontations with military troops as they protested against the oppressive regime. The crackdown resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities, highlighting the tensions within the society at the time.

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Science & Technology

TOPS-10 12-bit Field Overflow Bug

January 4th, 1975 50 years ago

A significant overflow issue occurred in the TOPS-10 operating system, where the date formatting exceeded its 12-bit field limit, leading to multiple system crashes and unpredictable behavior. Developers scrambled to address these critical failures while a new date format was being devised. The seriousness of this flaw highlighted the limitations of the existing system and prompted discussion within the tech community about the need for more robust date handling methods in computing systems.

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Politics & Government

IRA Attack on Edward Heath's Residence

December 22nd, 1974 50 years ago

Members of the Provisional IRA attacked the residence of Edward Heath, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in December 1974. The attack involved explosive devices, and despite the targeted nature, there were no casualties. The incident was part of a broader campaign by the Provisional IRA against those perceived to be involved in British rule in Northern Ireland. Heath was not present at the time of the attack, and his home was significantly damaged.

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Economics & Industry

Franklin National Bank collapses due to fraud

October 8th, 1974 50 years ago

Franklin National Bank in New York, once the largest bank failure in U.S. history, collapsed primarily due to fraudulent activities and mismanagement. The bank, founded in 1927, faced issues arising from speculative investments and questionable transactions. On October 7, 1974, the New York State Superintendent of Banks declared it insolvent, leading to its closure and a significant financial fallout for depositors and the banking sector. The aftermath heightened scrutiny of banking practices and regulations.

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Military & Warfare

PIRA Bombings in Guildford Pubs

October 5th, 1974 50 years ago

Bombs planted by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) in two pubs in Guildford resulted in the deaths of four British soldiers and one civilian. This attack marked a significant moment in the violence associated with the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the ongoing conflict in the United Kingdom. The incident drew attention to the increasing intensity of PIRA operations and highlighted the dangers faced by military personnel during the conflict.

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Politics & Government

New Members Join the United Nations

September 17th, 1974 50 years ago

Bangladesh, Grenada, and Guinea-Bissau were admitted to the United Nations as member states, expanding the organization's representation and influence. This development marked a significant step in the post-colonial era, reflecting the increasing participation of newly independent nations in global governance. The admission occurred during the 29th session of the UN General Assembly, demonstrating the UN's commitment to inclusivity in international relations.

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Crime & Law

Mitsubishi Headquarters Bombing in Tokyo

August 30th, 1974 50 years ago

A powerful bomb detonated at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries headquarters in Marunouchi, Tokyo, resulting in eight fatalities and 378 injuries. The attack was part of a larger wave of political violence in Japan, primarily attributed to left-wing activist groups. As a consequence of the bombing, authorities swiftly arrested eight individuals suspected of being involved. This incident drew significant attention to the ongoing ideological struggles in Japan during the 1970s, reflecting tensions between right-wing and left-wing factions.

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Arts & Culture

Philippe Petit’s High Wire Walk Between Towers

August 7th, 1974 50 years ago

Philippe Petit captivated onlookers by successfully walking a high wire strung between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. On this day, he performed an audacious act of balance at a height of 1,368 feet (417 meters) above New York City, attracting crowds both on the ground and from nearby rooftops. Known for his meticulous planning, Petit had secretly rigged the cable during the night, challenging not only the laws of physics but also the limits of human courage in front of a global audience.

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Politics & Government

House Judiciary Committee Votes on Impeachment

July 27th, 1974 50 years ago

The House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted 27 to 11 to recommend the first article of impeachment against President Richard Nixon, charging him with obstruction of justice. This vote was a significant step in the impeachment process following the Watergate scandal, concerned with Nixon's attempts to cover up the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent actions to impede the investigation. Nixon's actions raised questions about presidential power and accountability.

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