Historical Events tagged with "terrorism"

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

British Airliner Hijacked to Dawson's Field

September 9th, 1970 54 years ago

A British airliner was hijacked by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and diverted to Dawson's Field in Jordan. This incident occurred as part of a series of hijackings targeting multiple airlines. The PFLP, seeking to draw attention to the Palestinian cause, aimed to highlight their grievances against Israel and the U.S. government. The aircraft, along with its passengers, became part of a political conflict that underscored the tensions of the era.

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Politics & Government

Simultaneous Hijackings by Palestinian Terrorists

September 6th, 1970 54 years ago

Two passenger jets traveling from Europe to New York were hijacked by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and diverted to Dawson's Field in Jordan. This incident marked the beginning of a series of high-profile hijackings intended to gain international attention for the Palestinian cause. The hijackers, using weapons and explosives, took control of the aircraft, leading to a tense standoff with authorities and a major diplomatic crisis.

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Crime & Law

Deadly Bomb Attacks in Milan and Rome

December 12th, 1969 55 years ago

A devastating bombing occurred at the headquarters of the Banca Nazionale dell'Agricoltura in Piazza Fontana, Milan, resulting in 17 fatalities and 88 injuries. This tragedy was part of a larger series of bomb attacks, as three additional bombs were detonated in Rome and Milan the same afternoon, causing widespread panic and fear. One bomb was discovered but did not explode. The attacks are thought to be linked to a period of political turmoil in Italy, characterized by extreme violence and terrorism.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Bombing of National Airlines Flight 2511

January 6th, 1960 65 years ago

National Airlines Flight 2511, traveling from New York to Miami, was destroyed in mid-air by a bomb, leading to the deaths of all passengers and crew on board. The incident occurred over the coastal waters near the Florida Keys. This tragic event marked one of the early instances of terrorism targeting commercial aviation, highlighting potential vulnerabilities at the time.

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Crime & Law

Arrest of New York's Mad Bomber

January 22nd, 1957 68 years ago

George P. Metesky, infamously known as the 'Mad Bomber', was arrested in Waterbury, Connecticut, after a lengthy investigation that uncovered his connection to over 30 bombings in New York City. His bombings had created widespread fear and chaos from 1940 to 1956. The FBI and local police utilized innovative techniques, including psychological profiling, to track him down. Metesky, motivated by personal grievances, targeted theaters and public places, leading to numerous injuries but no fatalities. His arrest marked a significant breakthrough in the fight against domestic terrorism.

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Politics & Government

Assassination Attempt on President Truman

November 1st, 1950 74 years ago

Griselio Torresola and Oscar Collazo attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman while he was residing at Blair House in Washington, D.C. They were motivated by Puerto Rican nationalist sentiments and aimed to draw attention to the cause of Puerto Rican independence. During the attack, Torresola was killed by police while Collazo was captured and later sentenced to life in prison. This incident highlighted the tensions surrounding Puerto Rico's political status and the nationalist movements emerging from the island.

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Military & Warfare

Irgun Bombs King David Hotel in Jerusalem

July 22nd, 1946 78 years ago

The King David Hotel, serving as the headquarters for the civil administration and military for Mandatory Palestine, was bombed by the Zionist underground organization, the Irgun. The attack, which was intended to disrupt British control in the region, resulted in numerous casualties, totaling 91 deaths and many injuries, as the building was targeted during a busy time of day. The bombing marked a significant moment in the struggle for Israeli independence and drew international attention.

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Crime & Law

Explosion Outside J. P. Morgan Building

September 16th, 1920 104 years ago

A bomb exploded in a horse-drawn wagon in front of the J. P. Morgan building in New York City, killing 38 individuals and injuring around 400 others. The explosion occurred at noon, creating chaos in the densely populated area. The wagon had been parked on Wall Street, and investigators believed it was intentionally placed there as part of a larger act of violence. The motives behind the bombing were speculated to be rooted in various radical movements of the time, including anarchism, and it marked a significant moment in the history of domestic terrorism in the United States.

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Crime & Law

Fenian Bombing in Clerkenwell Shakes London

December 13th, 1867 157 years ago

A Fenian explosive device detonated at Clerkenwell, London, claiming the lives of 12 individuals and injuring around 50 others. The bombing was part of the Fenian Brotherhood's campaign for Irish independence from British rule, aiming to disrupt the British government's hold and draw attention to their cause. The explosion caused widespread panic and destruction, damaging nearby buildings and leaving a lasting impact on public safety and perceived threats from political movements. Police investigations led to increased surveillance of suspected activists.

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