What Happened This Year 1973

Historical Events from This Year 1973

Crime & Law

Bank Robbery Leads to Hostage Sympathies

August 23rd, 1973 51 years ago

In Stockholm, Sweden, a bank robbery escalated into a hostage situation involving several employees. During the five-day ordeal, hostages began to develop unexpected feelings of empathy for their captors, which would later be named 'Stockholm syndrome'. The incident drew significant media attention and highlighted psychological phenomena in hostage situations.

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Crime & Law

Norrmalmstorg robbery and hostage crisis

August 28th, 1973 51 years ago

In Stockholm, two criminals, Jan-Erik Olsson and Clark Olofsson, took hostages in a bank robbery, leading to a tense 6-day standoff with police. The hostages were threatened but found themselves oddly sympathetic towards their captors. This peculiar behavior paved the way for the concept known as Stockholm syndrome, highlighting the psychological complexity of hostage situations.

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Exploration & Discovery

Multinational Rescue Operation in Celtic Sea

September 1st, 1973 51 years ago

A remarkable 76-hour rescue effort took place in the Celtic Sea, leading to the successful recovery of Roger Mallinson and Roger Chapman. They were trapped in a sunken submarine, prompting an extensive, coordinated response from several nations. The rescue involved numerous vessels and the use of advanced technology for the time, showcasing international cooperation in emergency situations. Ultimately, the operation was deemed a significant success, emphasizing the enduring commitment to saving lives at sea.

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Accidents & Tragedies

World Airways Flight 802 Crashes in Alaska

September 8th, 1973 51 years ago

World Airways Flight 802, a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, crashed into Mount Dutton near King Cove, Alaska, while on approach to the local airport. The aircraft, carrying a total of 56 passengers and crew, encountered severe weather conditions, including fog and rain, which contributed to the accident. Tragically, six lives were lost, and the remaining occupants were injured but survived. This incident raised significant concerns about aviation safety in challenging weather conditions.

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Politics & Government

Pinochet's Coup Topples Allende's Government

September 11th, 1973 51 years ago

On September 11, 1973, a military coup in Chile led by General Augusto Pinochet resulted in the overthrow of President Salvador Allende. The coup unfolded amidst a backdrop of political strife and economic turmoil, as Allende's leftist government faced significant opposition. The military seized control of strategic locations in Santiago, including the presidential palace, La Moneda. Salvador Allende delivered a last broadcast before his death, denouncing the coup and expressing his commitment to the Chilean people. This event marked a pivotal moment in Chilean history, leading to a lengthy period of authoritarian rule.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Tragic Crash of JAT Airways Flight 769

September 11th, 1973 51 years ago

JAT Airways Flight 769, en route to Titograd Airport, crashed into the Maganik mountain range, resulting in the deaths of 35 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft, a Douglas DC-9, encountered severe weather conditions on approach, which contributed to the accident. The crash site was remote and difficult to access, complicating recovery efforts. This incident remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the region's history.

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Politics & Government

Bahamas and Germanys Join United Nations

September 18th, 1973 51 years ago

On September 18, 1973, The Bahamas, East Germany, and West Germany were admitted as member states of the United Nations. This significant expansion brought the total number of UN member states to 132. The addition of the two German states was particularly noteworthy, marking a step towards international recognition and engagement during a period of heightened Cold War tensions.

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Sports & Recreation

Billie Jean King Defeats Bobby Riggs

September 20th, 1973 51 years ago

Billie Jean King faced off against Bobby Riggs in a highly-publicized tennis match known as the Battle of the Sexes. The match took place at the Houston Astrodome, where King triumphed over Riggs, winning in straight sets. This showdown was not only a sporting event but also a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing the push for gender equality in sports. It attracted a significant audience, both in-person and through television broadcasts, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about women's rights.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Jim Croce and band members perish in crash

September 20th, 1973 51 years ago

Singer Jim Croce, songwriter Maury Muehleisen, and four others were killed in a plane crash shortly after taking off from Natchitoches Regional Airport in Louisiana. The crash occurred as the aircraft ascended, tragically claiming the lives of all on board. Jim Croce was widely known for his poignant songwriting and engaging performances, while Maury Muehleisen contributed significantly to his music as a guitarist and collaborator. The incident shocked fans and the music community, marking the untimely end of Croce's burgeoning career.

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