Historical Events tagged with "amazon"

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.

Economics & Industry

Jeff Bezos Becomes World's Richest Person

March 6th, 2018 7 years ago

Jeff Bezos was named the world's richest person by Forbes with a net worth of $112 billion, marking the first time he held this title. This achievement highlighted the meteoric rise of Amazon, the company he founded, which transformed retail and technology. The publication’s annual list of billionaires caused major headlines as Bezos surpassed other tech giants, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the tech industry. The significant wealth difference also sparked discussions around economic inequality.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Mid-Air Collision of Aircraft in Brazil

September 29th, 2006 18 years ago

A Boeing 737 and an Embraer 600 collided mid-air near the Amazon rainforest, leading to the deaths of 154 individuals. The incident marked the beginning of a severe crisis in Brazilian aviation safety. Various factors, including air traffic control issues and inadequate regulations, were scrutinized following the tragedy, impacting public confidence in air travel.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Rico Linhas Aéreas Flight 4815 Crash

May 14th, 2004 20 years ago

Rico Linhas Aéreas Flight 4815 crashed into the Amazon rainforest while approaching Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus, Brazil, resulting in the loss of 33 lives. The incident occurred under challenging weather conditions, leading to the aircraft’s uncontrolled descent and final impact. Search and rescue teams faced difficulty due to the remote location of the crash. This tragic accident raised awareness about aviation safety standards in Brazil.

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Economics & Industry

Jeff Bezos Launches Amazon Online Store

July 5th, 1994 30 years ago

Jeff Bezos founded Amazon, originally a bookstore, to create an online platform for selling books. Based in Seattle, Washington, the venture began with a mission to make books accessible to a global audience. The platform was designed to leverage the growing internet infrastructure, opening a new chapter in retail.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Varig Flight 254 crashes in Amazon rainforest

September 3rd, 1989 35 years ago

Varig Flight 254, a Boeing 737-200, crashed in the Amazon rainforest near São José do Xingu in Brazil, resulting in the death of 12 people on board. The flight encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff and lost communication with air traffic control. Despite attempts to navigate back, the aircraft came down in a remote area, leading to a challenging recovery operation in dense jungle terrain. The crash raised concerns over aviation safety in Brazil and highlighted the difficulties faced in search and rescue missions in the vast Amazon.

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Religion & Philosophy

U.S. Missionaries Killed by Waorani Tribe

January 8th, 1956 69 years ago

Five U.S. missionaries were killed by the Waorani tribe of Ecuador shortly after making first contact. The missionaries, including Jim Elliott and Nate Saint, had sought to evangelize the isolated tribe. However, this meeting turned tragic when cultural misunderstandings and fear led to violence, resulting in the deaths of the missionaries at the hands of the Waorani.

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Exploration & Discovery

Belém Founded by Captain Francisco Caldeira

January 12th, 1616 409 years ago

Belém was established by Portuguese captain Francisco Caldeira Castelo Branco as a strategic point for trade and defense in the Amazon River delta region. Determined to secure Portuguese interests amidst competing colonial claims, Caldeira selected the site for its advantageous location and potential for growth. This new settlement aimed to control the Amazon River's trade routes and counteract Spanish influence in the region. Over time, Belém would grow into a significant urban center and play a critical role in the Portuguese colonial enterprise.

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Exploration & Discovery

Francisco de Orellana's Amazon Expedition Begins

August 26th, 1542 482 years ago

Francisco de Orellana led a significant expedition across South America, departing from Guayaquil on the Pacific coast and making his way to the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Amazon River. This remarkable journey required navigating through dense rainforests, numerous tributaries, and interactions with various indigenous tribes. Orellana's motivation stemmed from the desire to explore and trade, as well as to discover the fabled El Dorado. His team faced numerous challenges, including hostile encounters, a lack of provisions, and the complexities of the Amazonian ecosystem. Despite these obstacles, Orellana is credited with being the first European to traverse this vast and complex river system.

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