Historical Events tagged with "south america"

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

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski Resigns Amid Corruption Scandal

March 23rd, 2018 6 years ago

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned from the presidency of Peru in March 2018 as he faced imminent impeachment by the opposition-controlled Congress. The resignation followed a series of corruption allegations linked to the Odebrecht scandal, which implicated numerous political figures in Latin America. This political crisis reflected a significant moment in Peru's ongoing struggle with corruption. His departure was marked by a televised announcement, where he cited the need to allow for political stability in the country.

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Accidents & Tragedies

LaMia Flight 2933 Fatal Crash in Colombia

November 28th, 2016 8 years ago

LaMia Flight 2933, a chartered aircraft, crashed near Medellin, Colombia, during its approach to José María Córdova International Airport. The plane was carrying 77 people, including a majority of the Brazilian football club Chapecoense, who were en route to the Copa Sudamericana final. The crash occurred after the aircraft ran out of fuel, leading to a catastrophic loss of control before impact. Despite the heroic efforts of rescue teams, 71 of the 77 occupants lost their lives.

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Natural Disasters

Major Earthquake Strikes Illapel, Chile

September 16th, 2015 9 years ago

An 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Chilean city of Illapel, causing significant destruction and loss of life. The earthquake resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, with another 34 suffering injuries and at least six reported missing. In addition, a fatality occurred across the border in Argentina, highlighting the widespread impact of the quake. The extensive damage included collapsed buildings and infrastructure challenges, prompting emergency responses in both countries.

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Politics & Government

Establishment of South American Community of Nations

December 8th, 2004 20 years ago

The Cusco Declaration marked a significant step in regional integration, as leaders from several South American countries convened in Cusco, Peru. The declaration aimed to foster economic, political, and social cooperation across the continent, addressing common challenges and promoting development. This initiative was inspired by successful integration experiences in Europe and aimed to unify the diverse nations of South America under a common framework for collaboration.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Southern Peru Earthquake and Tsunami

June 23rd, 2001 23 years ago

A powerful 8.4 Mw earthquake struck southern Peru, intensifying to a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). Following the seismic event, a destructive tsunami emerged, leading to significant destruction along the coast. The disaster resulted in the loss of at least 74 lives and left 2,687 individuals injured. The region faced extensive damage, with entire communities affected by the quake's aftermath and the waves that followed.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 2553 Crash

October 10th, 1997 27 years ago

Austral Líneas Aéreas Flight 2553, a commercial flight en route from Uruguay to Argentina, crashed on approach to the Montevideo airport due to severe weather conditions and poor visibility. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, struck a body of water before exploding on impact. All 74 individuals on board lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Uruguay's history.

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Military & Warfare

Cenepa War Ceasefire Brokered by UN

February 17th, 1995 30 years ago

A ceasefire was established between Peru and Ecuador after the Cenepa War, facilitated by the United Nations. Following months of skirmishes over the disputed border region and the Cenepa River, the ceasefire marked a hopeful step towards peace. The agreement included the withdrawal of troops and the monitoring of the border area by UN forces to ensure adherence to the ceasefire terms.

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Politics & Government

Mercosur Established by Four South American Nations

March 26th, 1991 33 years ago

Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay signed the Treaty of Asunción, establishing Mercosur, a regional trade bloc aimed at promoting free trade and economic integration among its member countries. The signing took place in Asunción, Paraguay, highlighting a collective commitment to enhance economic cooperation and reduce trade barriers. This initiative was significant in fostering regional ties and improving economic stability in South America.

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Politics & Government

Panama City Coup Attempt Resulting in Executions

October 3rd, 1989 35 years ago

On this day, a coup attempt in Panama City was swiftly suppressed by government forces. The attempt aimed to unseat the then-incumbent leader, Manuel Noriega, amidst a backdrop of political unrest and dissatisfaction with his regime. In the aftermath, eleven individuals identified as participants in the coup were executed. This incident highlighted the intense political turbulence within Panama at the time, where power struggles and public dissent were rampant.

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