What Happened This Year 1975

Historical Events from This Year 1975

Sports & Recreation

Muhammad Ali claims victory over Joe Frazier

October 1st, 1975 49 years ago

Muhammad Ali faced Joe Frazier in a grueling boxing match in Manila. Known as the 'Thrilla in Manila,' this bout was the third and final meeting between the two legendary heavyweights, both vying for dominance in the boxing world. The fight was marked by its intense heat and back-and-forth action, ultimately leading to Frazier's corner halting the match after the 14th round, allowing Ali to retain his heavyweight title.

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Politics & Government

Papua New Guinea Becomes a UN Member State

October 10th, 1975 49 years ago

Papua New Guinea officially joined the United Nations, marking a significant step in its international recognition and diplomatic relationships. This event followed Papua New Guinea gaining independence from Australia a few months prior, symbolizing its emergence as a sovereign state. The application to join was motivated by a desire for international cooperation, development assistance, and representation on the global stage. The acceptance into the UN represented a commitment to uphold international peace and security.

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Accidents & Tragedies

RAF Avro Vulcan Bomber Crash in Malta

October 14th, 1975 49 years ago

An RAF Avro Vulcan bomber crashed in Żabbar, Malta, during an attempted landing, resulting in the loss of five crew members and one civilian. The bomber was reportedly in distress before the crash and had to abandon its landing attempt. The explosion of the aircraft led to significant destruction, further impacting the local community.

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Military & Warfare

Indonesian Troops Kill Five Australian Journalists

October 16th, 1975 49 years ago

In 1975, Indonesian troops killed five Australian journalists in Balibo, Portuguese Timor, during the Indonesian invasion of East Timor. The journalists, known as the Balibo Five, were reporting on Indonesia's military actions and the political situation ahead of the invasion. They were captured by Indonesian forces while trying to document the violence and were subsequently executed. Their deaths raised international concerns over press freedom and human rights abuses occurring during the conflict in East Timor.

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Politics & Government

Australian Coalition Defers Budget Funding

October 16th, 1975 49 years ago

The Australian Coalition in Parliament voted to defer funding for the government's annual budget, creating significant political tension. This action challenged Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's administration, raising concerns over government stability. The decision to defer was met with fierce opposition from the government and led to a constitutional crisis regarding financial control and parliamentary privilege. The implications of this vote reverberated throughout the political landscape of Australia.

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Health & Medicine

Last Naturally Occurring Smallpox Case Recorded

October 16th, 1975 49 years ago

Rahima Banu, a three-year-old girl from Bangladesh, was diagnosed with smallpox in 1975, marking the last known case of naturally occurring smallpox. Her case occurred in a rural area, where health workers were combating outbreaks of the disease. After being identified, she received treatment, and subsequent efforts ensured that there were no further cases, confirming smallpox's global eradication. Rahima's survival and the response from public health led to increased efforts for vaccination and disease control.

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Space Exploration

Venera 9 Successfully Lands on Venus

October 22nd, 1975 49 years ago

The Soviet uncrewed spacecraft Venera 9 achieved a historic milestone by landing on the surface of Venus. Launched earlier, Venera 9 transmitted data back to Earth, revealing crucial information about Venus' atmosphere and surface conditions. It was the first spacecraft to send back images from the planet, allowing scientists to study its features and environment directly. This mission marked a significant advancement in planetary exploration and emphasized the Soviet space program's capabilities in the early stages of exploring our solar system.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Icelandic Women's Strike Against Inequality

October 24th, 1975 49 years ago

In a landmark protest against gender inequality, 90% of Icelandic women participated in a national strike on October 24, 1975. The strike involved women from various professions, including educators, doctors, and housewives, who left their workplaces and duties to draw attention to unfair treatment and disparities in pay and opportunity. The event took place in Iceland, a small island nation in the North Atlantic, and was both a statement of solidarity and a powerful call for change towards greater gender equality in the workforce and society.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Inex-Adria Aviopromet Flight 450 Crash

October 30th, 1975 49 years ago

Inex-Adria Aviopromet Flight 450, a Douglas DC-9, crashed into Suchdol, Prague while approaching Prague Ruzyně Airport. The accident resulted in the deaths of forty-five people including passengers and crew. The crash occurred due to adverse weather conditions and pilot error during the approach. The aircraft was operating a domestic flight from the city of Split in Croatia to Prague when it encountered difficulties, culminating in the tragedy.

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