What Happened This Year 1973

Historical Events from This Year 1973

Crime & Law

Daring Helicopter Escape from Mountjoy Prison

October 31st, 1973 51 years ago

Three Provisional Irish Republican Army members executed a daring escape from Mountjoy Prison in Dublin by hijacking a helicopter, which landed in the prison exercise yard. The escape involved meticulous planning and the use of a stolen helicopter to facilitate their flight to freedom, marking a significant event in the struggles surrounding the Irish Troubles.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Leon Jaworski Becomes Watergate Special Prosecutor

November 1st, 1973 51 years ago

Leon Jaworski was appointed as the Watergate Special Prosecutor in November 1973, succeeding Archibald Cox. This decision followed growing public demand for accountability in the Watergate scandal, which had raised serious questions about abuses of power within the Nixon administration. Jaworski was tasked with leading the investigation into the scandal, which involved the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up attempts. His appointment signified a critical moment in the ongoing political crisis facing the nation.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Mysore Renamed Karnataka for Inclusivity

November 1st, 1973 51 years ago

The Indian state of Mysore was officially renamed Karnataka to more inclusively represent all the regions within the Karnataka state. This change reflected the cultural and linguistic diversity of the area, as 'Karnataka' resonates with the Kannada-speaking population. The renaming aimed to foster a sense of unity and identity among the various groups within the state, highlighting its rich heritage and traditions.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Aeroflot Flight 19 Hijacked to Vnukovo Airport

November 2nd, 1973 51 years ago

Aeroflot Flight 19, a domestic Soviet flight, was hijacked en route from Leningrad to Moscow. The aircraft was diverted to Vnukovo International Airport, where it was surrounded by Soviet authorities. Passengers were held hostage, leading to a standoff that highlighted the era's aviation security issues. Eventually, the hijacking ended with a police storming of the aircraft, resulting in the arrest of the hijackers and the safe release of hostages.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

NASA launches Mariner 10 toward Mercury

November 3rd, 1973 51 years ago

NASA launched Mariner 10, a space probe, designed to study Mercury, Venus, and the solar environment. After successfully navigating its trajectory, it became the first spacecraft to reach Mercury, arriving on March 29, 1974. The mission aimed to gather detailed information about Mercury's surface and atmosphere, providing insights into the innermost planet's characteristics and its relationship with the sun.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

First Car-Free Sunday in The Netherlands

November 4th, 1973 51 years ago

On this day, The Netherlands designated a car-free Sunday as part of a nationwide effort to address the energy crisis caused by the 1973 oil embargo. Highways that typically thrummed with vehicular traffic transformed into paths for cyclists and roller skaters. This initiative encouraged citizens to explore alternative modes of transport and prompted discussions on the sustainability of car dependency.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Congress Overrides Nixon's War Powers Veto

November 7th, 1973 51 years ago

Congress successfully overrode President Nixon's veto of the War Powers Resolution. This legislation aimed to limit the President's ability to engage U.S. forces in military conflicts without congressional approval. Following the Vietnam War, the resolution was driven by a desire to increase legislative oversight of war-making powers. The override was met with significant political implications amidst tensions of the time.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Kidnapping of John Paul Getty III

November 8th, 1973 51 years ago

John Paul Getty III, the grandson of billionaire J. Paul Getty, was kidnapped in Rome, Italy, by a group of Italian bandits. Following his abduction, the kidnappers sent a ransom note and severed his right ear as proof of their commitment to the demand, which totalled US$2.9 million. The shocking event received massive media attention, forcing Getty's father, J. Paul Getty Jr., to negotiate to secure his son's release. Eventually, after initially refusing to pay the ransom, Getty Jr. would acquiesce to the demands.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Students Revolt Against Greek Military Rule

November 14th, 1973 51 years ago

The Athens Polytechnic uprising marked a significant protest against the Greek military junta, led by students primarily from the Athens Polytechnic. Over several days, students staged demonstrations, culminating in a massive rally on November 14, 1973. This event was characterized by the occupation of the Polytechnic and the issuing of demands for democracy and freedom. The focus of the protests was largely on the regimes' oppressive measures and the systematic violations of human rights, which resonated deeply within the Greek populace at the time.

Continue Reading