What Happened This Year 1971
Historical Events from This Year 1971
Soyuz 11 Mission Ends with Fatal Incident
During the Soyuz 11 mission, cosmonauts Georgy Dobrovolsky, Vladislav Volkov, and Viktor Patsayev were on board for a historic mission to the Salyut 1 space station. After spending 24 days in space, the crew faced a tragic disaster upon re-entry when an uncontrolled cabin depressurization occurred, leading to suffocation. Their spacecraft was designed to be both state-of-the-art and fully equipped for longer missions, but the failure during re-entry resulted in all three cosmonauts losing their lives.
Continue ReadingDeadly Collision in San Gabriel Mountains
Hughes Airwest Flight 706, a DC-9, collided with a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter jet of the United States Marine Corps over the San Gabriel Mountains, resulting in the loss of all 50 people aboard. The incident occurred during clear weather conditions, raising questions about air traffic control and pilot decision-making. The flight was en route from Los Angeles International Airport to Portland, Oregon, when the tragedy struck near the Angeles National Forest.
Continue ReadingATF Raids Home of Ken Ballew for Grenades
Agents from the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Division of the IRS raided the home of Ken Ballew in June 1971, uncovering illegal possession of hand grenades. This operation highlighted concerns over unregulated firearms and explosives during a time of increasing crime rates in the United States. The authorities aimed to enforce stricter regulations on weapon possession.
Continue ReadingAllegheny Airlines Flight 485 Crash Details
Allegheny Airlines Flight 485, a scheduled flight from Washington D.C. to New Haven, Connecticut, crashed while approaching Tweed New Haven Airport. The accident involved the aircraft descending through a thick fog when it struck an embankment less than a mile from the runway. Of the 31 passengers and crew on board, 28 perished in the crash.
Continue ReadingSupreme Court Protects Vulgar Writing Rights
The United States Supreme Court unanimously overturned the conviction of Paul Cohen, who had been charged with disturbing the peace for wearing a jacket emblazoned with the phrase 'Fuck the Draft' in a courthouse. This landmark decision reinforced the idea that free speech protections under the First Amendment extend to vulgar language, setting a crucial precedent in First Amendment jurisprudence. Cohen's case highlighted the tension between expression and societal norms.
Continue ReadingEnd of Alcatraz Occupation by Native Americans
The U.S. government forcibly removed the last Native American holdouts from Alcatraz Island, concluding a 19-month occupation that began in November 1969. This occupation was part of a broader movement advocating for Native American rights and sovereignty. Activists, led by the group Indians of All Tribes, sought to reclaim the island as a symbol of oppression and a place for Native American self-determination. The standoff ended with federal authorities enforcing a court order to remove the individuals who remained, marking a significant moment in the history of Native American activism.
Continue ReadingPublication of the Pentagon Papers Begins
The New York Times started publishing excerpts from the Pentagon Papers, a classified document detailing the U.S. government's political and military involvement in Vietnam since World War II. This controversial release raised questions about U.S. foreign policy and transparency, revealing stark contrasts between public statements and internal assessments. The documents showed the U.S. government had altered information about military measures and outcomes, igniting public outrage against the Vietnam War. The publication challenged notions of government accountability and press freedom.
Continue ReadingNixon Declares War on Drugs Publicly
In a televised press conference, U.S. President Richard Nixon labeled drug abuse as 'America's public enemy number one', initiating a nationwide focus on combating substance abuse. This announcement marked a significant shift in U.S. policy and public perception regarding drug use, framing it as a critical issue facing the nation. Nixon's declaration emphasized a need for comprehensive strategies to address and manage drug-related challenges in society, setting the stage for future policies and legislation aimed at eradicating drug use.
Continue ReadingSoyuz 11 Crew Dies During Re-Entry
The Soyuz 11 spacecraft suffered a cabin depressurization during re-entry on June 29, 1971, resulting in the deaths of three cosmonauts: Georgy Dobrovolsky, Vladislav Volkov, and Viktor Patsayev. They had just completed a record 23-day mission aboard the Salyut 1 space station. The depressurization occurred shortly before the capsule was to land back on Earth, leaving the crew unable to restore cabin pressure in time to survive.
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