What Happened This Year 1966

Historical Events from This Year 1966

Accidents & Tragedies

Ansett-ANA Flight 149 Crashes in Winton

September 22nd, 1966 58 years ago

Ansett-ANA Flight 149 crashed in Winton, Queensland, resulting in the deaths of twenty-four people. The aircraft, a Douglas DC-8, was operating a scheduled flight from Sydney to Cairns when it encountered poor weather conditions. As it approached Winton, the plane struck trees and rural land, leading to a catastrophic failure. Emergency services responded quickly, but recovery efforts revealed the loss of all passengers and crew on board.

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Politics & Government

Bechuanaland becomes the Republic of Botswana

September 30th, 1966 58 years ago

Bechuanaland officially declared its independence, transforming into the Republic of Botswana. This change marked a significant transition from British protectorate status to a sovereign nation. Upon independence, Botswana adopted a democratic framework and began establishing its governmental institutions. Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana, played a pivotal role in the event, leading the country into a new era. The celebration of independence was marked by national pride and optimism for the future development of Botswana.

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Accidents & Tragedies

West Coast Airlines Flight 956 DC-9 Crash in Oregon

October 1st, 1966 58 years ago

West Coast Airlines Flight 956, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9, crashed on the outskirts of Salem, Oregon, with no survivors aboard. The flight was en route from Portland to Sacramento when it encountered severe weather conditions, leading to loss of control. The aircraft went down near the Santiam River, resulting in a catastrophic event that marked the first loss of a DC-9 in aviation history. Emergency responders arrived but found no survivors among the 35 passengers and crew.

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Politics & Government

Basutoland Gains Independence, Becomes Lesotho

October 4th, 1966 58 years ago

Basutoland officially became independent from the United Kingdom on October 4, 1966, and was renamed Lesotho. The event marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Southern Africa, as Basutoland had been a British protectorate since 1868. The transition to independence was overseen by Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan and was celebrated with various ceremonies throughout the country. The move to Lesotho symbolized the nation's quest for self-determination and governance over its own affairs after colonial rule.

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Science & Technology

Partial Meltdown at Enrico Fermi Nuclear Station

October 5th, 1966 58 years ago

A reactor at the Enrico Fermi Nuclear Generating Station near Detroit experienced a partial meltdown, leading to significant safety concerns. The reactor was undergoing maintenance at the time, but a malfunction caused a loss of cooling water. Operators managed to stabilize conditions prior to any large-scale radioactive release. This incident raised alarms about nuclear safety protocols and prompted investigations into the operational protocols of the plant and the broader safety measures in place for nuclear power stations across the United States.

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Military & Warfare

Binh Tai Massacre by South Korean Troops

October 9th, 1966 58 years ago

In Binh Tai, South Korea's Army conducted a mass killing of civilians amid the Vietnam War. Allegedly, the operation targeted suspected Viet Cong sympathizers, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. Many victims were reportedly unarmed villagers, intensifying scrutiny of the military operations conducted by allied forces in the region.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Montreal Metro Begins Operations

October 14th, 1966 58 years ago

The Montreal Metro, a rapid transit system located in Montreal, Quebec, officially opened its doors to the public. The first line operated stretches for 7.2 kilometers and includes 27 stations, connecting various neighborhoods and key locations across the city. The project aimed to improve urban transport and reduce surface traffic congestion. The rail system was designed by the city engineer and featured modern architecture, reflecting Montreal's aspirations for urban modernization and public transit efficiency.

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Politics & Government

Crisis in the Dutch Cals Cabinet

October 14th, 1966 58 years ago

Norbert Schmelzer successfully motions against the budget, leading to the fall of the Dutch Cals cabinet. The event, known as the Night of Schmelzer, highlighted political tensions within the governing coalition and set the stage for significant changes in Dutch politics.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Founding of the Black Panther Party

October 15th, 1966 58 years ago

Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale founded the Black Panther Party in Oakland, California, with the aim of addressing systemic inequalities, advocating for civil rights, and promoting self-defense among African Americans. The organization emerged in response to issues of police brutality, racial injustice, and the struggles faced by the Black community during a time of significant national upheaval. Focused on community programs, legal rights, and armed patrols, the party gained widespread attention and support for its initiatives.

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