Historical Events tagged with "usa"

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.

Technology & Innovation

Founding of the Free Software Foundation

October 4th, 1985 39 years ago

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) was established to advocate for the freedom to use, study, copy, and modify software. Founded by Richard Stallman in Boston, Massachusetts, FSF aimed to promote and protect the rights of computer users and developers. Stallman, motivated by his experiences with proprietary software, sought to create a community that valued software freedom. The FSF also launched the GNU Project, which produced free software alternatives to proprietary operating systems, emphasizing the importance of software sharing and collaboration in the burgeoning tech industry.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105 Crash

September 6th, 1985 39 years ago

Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105, a McDonnell Douglas MD-80, crashed shortly after takeoff from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 31 people on board. The flight was scheduled to fly to New Orleans, Louisiana, but tragically lost altitude shortly after takeoff due to a control system failure. The aircraft impacted a field near the airport, marking one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Wisconsin's history.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Hormel Workers Strike for Fair Wages

August 17th, 1985 39 years ago

Workers at the Hormel Foods plant in Austin, Minnesota, initiated a significant strike aimed at securing better wages and working conditions. The strike was prompted by disputes over proposed cuts to wages and benefits by Hormel Foods Corporation, which the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union perceived as detrimental to the livelihoods of its members. This labor dispute attracted national attention and highlighted issues about workers' rights during a period of economic uncertainty.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Delta Air Lines Flight 191 Crashes in Dallas

August 2nd, 1985 39 years ago

A Delta Air Lines Lockheed L-1011 TriStar crashed while landing at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport during a thunderstorm. The aircraft lost control due to wind shear and struck a field before colliding with vehicles on a nearby roadway. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 128 passengers and 9 crew members aboard, as well as the deaths of 9 individuals on the ground, totaling 137 fatalities.

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Politics & Government

Release of American Hostages from TWA Flight 847

June 30th, 1985 39 years ago

Thirty-nine American hostages from TWA Flight 847 were released in Beirut after being held captive for 17 days. The flight was hijacked on June 14, 1985, by members of the Islamic Jihad Organization, who demanded the release of prisoners held in Israel. Under intense negotiations, the hostages' release represented a significant moment in U.S.-Middle Eastern relations during a tumultuous period marked by political tension and unresolved conflicts in the region.

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Politics & Government

Radio Martí Begins Broadcasting to Cuba

May 20th, 1985 39 years ago

Radio Martí launched its broadcasts aimed at Cuba, providing news and information from the US perspective. This effort was a response to the Cuban government's control of media and the lack of independent journalism on the island. By transmitting news, music, and cultural programming, Radio Martí sought to connect Cuban citizens with external viewpoints and challenge censorship, fostering a sense of freedom of expression.

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Crime & Law

Police Bombing of MOVE Headquarters

May 13th, 1985 39 years ago

In Philadelphia, police bombed the MOVE organization's headquarters, resulting in the deaths of six adults and five children, while also destroying over 250 homes in the surrounding neighborhood. The MOVE group, known for its controversial beliefs and confrontational tactics, had been involved in ongoing conflicts with city authorities. The police action aimed to end a long-standing standoff and capture the group's members.

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Crime & Law

Covenant group surrenders after government siege

April 21st, 1985 39 years ago

The Covenant, The Sword, and the Arm of the Lord, a militant group based in Arkansas, surrendered to federal authorities after a two-day siege. The authorities had initiated the siege to apprehend the group's members following allegations of illegal activities, including stockpiling weapons and engaging in various criminal operations. The standoff was marked by tense negotiations and extensive media coverage, ultimately leading to the group's capitulation without further violence.

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Space Exploration

Discovery's STS-51D Mission Launches Satellites

April 12th, 1985 39 years ago

Space Shuttle Discovery launched on the STS-51D mission to deploy two communications satellites, making it an essential mission for telecommunications. The launch took place from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew, commanded by Charles D. Gemar, was tasked with not only deploying the satellites but also engaging in various scientific experiments during the mission. The successful deployment of these satellites marked a significant advancement in communication capabilities, paving the way for enhanced service and connectivity in the years to come.

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