What Happened This Year 1971

Historical Events from This Year 1971

Politics & Government

Lin Biao's Failed Coup and Fatal Flight

September 13th, 1971 53 years ago

After a failed coup against Chairman Mao Zedong, Marshal Lin Biao, who was once his designated successor, attempted to flee China. His plane took off from an airfield in China but crashed in Mongolia, resulting in the deaths of all passengers aboard. This incident marked a dramatic end to Lin Biao's power and influence within the Chinese Communist Party.

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Crime & Law

Attica Prison Riot Confrontation

September 13th, 1971 53 years ago

State police and National Guardsmen responded to a revolt at Attica Prison in New York, where inmates had taken control of the facility. The confrontation resulted in a violent retaking of the prison, culminating in the deaths of 43 individuals, including both hostages and inmates. The event was precipitated by longstanding grievances regarding prison conditions, which led to the uprising that demanded better treatment and reforms.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Greenpeace's First Protest Voyage Begins

September 15th, 1971 53 years ago

In September 1971, the first Greenpeace ship, a former fishing vessel named the 'Phyllis Cormack', set sail from Vancouver. The mission was to protest against the Cannikin nuclear test planned by the United States in Alaska. Activists aimed to rally public awareness and opposition to nuclear testing, highlighting environmental concerns and the potential devastation from nuclear fallout. Led by a small crew of passionate environmentalists, the voyage symbolized the birth of Greenpeace as an international environmental organization and marked a significant moment in anti-nuclear activism.

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Natural Disasters

Hurricane Irene Transitions to Hurricane Olivia

September 20th, 1971 53 years ago

Hurricane Irene, which had weakened after making landfall in Nicaragua, regained strength over the Pacific Ocean and was renamed Hurricane Olivia. This event marked a unique meteorological phenomenon, as it became the first documented hurricane to cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, showcasing the dynamic nature of tropical cyclones.

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Politics & Government

Bahrain, Bhutan, and Qatar Join UN

September 21st, 1971 53 years ago

Bahrain, Bhutan, and Qatar were welcomed as the 137th, 138th, and 139th member states of the United Nations during a ceremony held at the UN headquarters in New York City. This significant addition reflected a growing trend of decolonization and national independence in the post-World War II era. The inclusion of these nations highlighted their efforts to establish their sovereignty and engage in international dialogue, marking a crucial step in their diplomatic recognition on a global stage.

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Politics & Government

Oman Becomes a Member of Arab League

September 29th, 1971 53 years ago

Oman was officially welcomed as the 11th member of the Arab League during a summit held in Cairo. The addition of Oman indicated the country's increasing engagement with Arab nations and its commitment to collaborative efforts in political, economic, and cultural initiatives within the region.

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Health & Medicine

First Practical CT Scanner Diagnoses Patient

October 1st, 1971 53 years ago

The world's first practical computed tomography (CT) scanner was used successfully to diagnose a patient, marking a transformative moment in medical imaging. The innovative device, designed by Sir Godfrey Hounsfield, was capable of producing cross-sectional images of the human body, revolutionizing the way doctors diagnosed conditions such as tumors and internal injuries. This groundbreaking achievement occurred at the Atkinson Morley Hospital in London, where the first patient, a 45-year-old woman, underwent the scan to investigate a potential brain lesion.

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Entertainment

Walt Disney World Opens in Florida

October 1st, 1971 53 years ago

Walt Disney World officially opened in Orlando, Florida, featuring the Magic Kingdom as its first theme park. The grand opening on October 1, 1971, marked a significant milestone for the Disney brand, extending its legacy beyond California's Disneyland. The resort was designed to provide an immersive experience for families, combining entertainment, hospitality, and thematic storytelling in a sprawling complex that included hotels, shopping, and dining. The success of the Magic Kingdom would eventually pave the way for further expansions and attractions within Disney's Florida resort.

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Accidents & Tragedies

BEA Flight 706 Crash Near Aarsele, Belgium

October 2nd, 1971 53 years ago

British European Airways Flight 706, a Vickers VC10, crashed during its final approach to Brussels Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 63 individuals on board. The aircraft encountered severe weather conditions, specifically heavy rain and low visibility. The tragedy highlighted issues related to air safety and the challenges of navigating inclement weather. The flight was carrying both passengers and crew from London to Brussels.

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