What Happened This Year 1970

Historical Events from This Year 1970

Military & Warfare

Clashes Erupt Between Arab Guerrillas and Jordan Forces

September 7th, 1970 54 years ago

Armed confrontations erupted between Palestinian guerrillas and Jordanian government forces in September 1970, escalating tensions in the region. The conflict stemmed from the increasing influence and militarization of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) within Jordan, which alarmed the monarchy. This situation quickly developed into a clash for control, marking the beginning of a violent confrontation that would significantly impact Jordan and the broader Middle East.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Trans International Airlines Flight 863 Crash

September 8th, 1970 54 years ago

Trans International Airlines Flight 863 crashed during takeoff from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, resulting in the deaths of all 11 individuals on board. The aircraft, a Douglas DC-8, encountered difficulties shortly after becoming airborne, leading to the catastrophic incident. Investigations would later reveal several technical issues and human factors that contributed to the crash, raising questions about flight safety protocols at that time.

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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

Release of Hostages by Dawson's Field Hijackers

September 11th, 1970 54 years ago

In September 1970, hijackers associated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) took control of three airliners and landed in Dawson's Field in Jordan. On September 11, they released 88 hostages, primarily non-Jewish individuals, while retaining Israeli and Jewish hostages. The situation created a high-tension standoff with significant international political implications.

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Crime & Law

Dawson's Field Airliner Hijackings

September 12th, 1970 54 years ago

In September 1970, members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) executed a series of aerial hijackings, capturing several airplanes and diverting them to Dawson's Field near Zarqa, Jordan. Following these takeovers, the terrorists proceeded to destroy three of the hijacked aircraft while holding their passengers hostage in undisclosed locations within Amman. This high-profile incident drew international attention and highlighted the persistence of militant and revolutionary tactics during the peak of Middle Eastern turmoil.

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Military & Warfare

King Hussein declares war on Palestinian forces

September 16th, 1970 54 years ago

King Hussein of Jordan initiated military actions against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in September of 1970, marking the start of a significant conflict known as Black September. The fight arose from tensions between the Jordanian government and armed Palestinian factions operating within the country. Violent confrontations led to extensive fighting in urban areas, dramatically impacting the civilian population and displacing thousands. The conflict was driven by political rivalries and concerns over Palestinian autonomy.

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Arts & Culture

Michael Eavis organizes iconic music festival

September 19th, 1970 54 years ago

The first Glastonbury Festival was held at Michael Eavis's Worthy Farm in Pilton, England. This groundbreaking music festival featured a variety of artists and genres, attracting thousands of attendees. A key highlight was the performance by T. Rex, which captivated the crowd. With a focus on music and community, the festival set the stage for years of cultural significance and growth in the music festival scene.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Kostas Georgakis' Self-Immolation Protest

September 19th, 1970 54 years ago

Kostas Georgakis, a Greek geology student, set himself on fire in Matteotti Square, Genoa, Italy, as an act of protest against the authoritarian regime of Georgios Papadopoulos. His act was intended to draw attention to the oppressive political climate in Greece, raising awareness of the struggles faced by students and citizens under the dictatorship. Georgakis, who was studying in Italy, sought to express his dissent in a powerful and shocking manner, resulting in a tragic display that captivated public attention and sparked conversations around dictatorial governance.

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Politics & Government

Gamal Abdel Nasser dies in Cairo

September 28th, 1970 54 years ago

Gamal Abdel Nasser, the President of Egypt, passed away due to a heart attack in Cairo. His death sent shockwaves throughout the Arab world, as he was a prominent leader known for his pan-Arab ideology and modernization efforts in Egypt. Nasser had been a significant figure in Middle Eastern politics, advocating for unity among Arab nations. His passing at the age of 52 marked a sudden end to his transformative leadership.

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