What Happened This Year 1981

Historical Events from This Year 1981 (View all 110)

Politics & Government

Greece Joins the European Community

January 1st, 1981 44 years ago

Greece officially became a member of the European Community, marking a significant step in its integration into European political and economic structures. This accession allowed Greece to participate fully in the Community's policies, while aiming to benefit from economic growth and stability. Efforts to join were driven by the desire for modernization and strengthened ties with European nations following years of political turmoil.

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Crime & Law

Arrest of Serial Killer Peter Sutcliffe

January 2nd, 1981 44 years ago

Peter Sutcliffe, infamously known as the Yorkshire Ripper, was arrested by police in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. His capture concluded one of the most extensive investigations by a British police force, which sought to apprehend the perpetrator responsible for a series of brutal murders of women across Northern England. This arrest marked a significant breakthrough in a case that had terrified communities and strained police resources for several years.

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Space Exploration

Local Farmer's UFO Sighting in Provence

January 8th, 1981 44 years ago

A farmer in Trans-en-Provence, France reported an extraordinary sighting of an unidentified flying object. During the incident, he observed a triangular craft hovering nearby, followed by a physical effect on his surrounding environment. The event was thoroughly documented and investigated, leading to a notable increase in UFO sightings across the region. This report is often regarded as one of the most credible and meticulously detailed UFO cases in history, highlighting the farmer's detailed observations and physical evidence collected at the scene.

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Military & Warfare

FMLN's Major Offensive in El Salvador

January 10th, 1981 44 years ago

The Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) executed a significant military campaign against the Salvadoran government in early October, capturing strategic territories in the Morazán and Chalatenango departments. This offensive marked a pivotal moment in the Salvadoran Civil War, showcasing the FMLN's growing military capabilities and their commitment to overthrowing the government. The operation involved coordinated attacks on several key locations, and it heightened the intensity of the ongoing conflict, influencing both national and international perceptions of the civil war.

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Religion & Philosophy

Pope John Paul II Meets Solidarity Delegation

January 15th, 1981 44 years ago

Pope John Paul II hosted a delegation from the Polish trade union Solidarity at the Vatican, led by Lech Wałęsa. This meeting was crucial as it reflected the Pope's support for the union during a time of political tension in Poland. The gathering highlighted the shared concerns for workers' rights and the quest for freedom in a communist state, further strengthening the ties between the Catholic Church and the Solidarity movement.

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Politics & Government

Ferdinand Marcos Lifts Martial Law in the Philippines

January 17th, 1981 44 years ago

Ferdinand Marcos officially lifted martial law, restoring civil liberties in the Philippines after over eight years of authoritarian rule. The announcement came amidst a climate of political repression and social inequality. Marcos justified the action by citing improved stability and the need for national progress, though critics viewed it as a tactical move to consolidate power. The lifting of martial law was celebrated by many but was also met with skepticism from opposition groups, which feared continued political manipulation.

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Born in 1981 (View all 833)

Zsolt Baumgartner

Hungarian racing driver and F1 competitor
Born
January 1st, 1981 44 years ago

Born in Hungary, this racing driver competed in Formula One, achieving significant milestones during his career. Debuted in Formula One at the 2003 Australian Grand Prix, becoming the first Hungarian to race in the series. Competed for the Minardi team during the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

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Eden Riegel

Actress, best known for daytime roles
Born
January 1st, 1981 44 years ago

An actress, recognized for work in daytime television. Riegel portrayed Bianca Montgomery on the soap opera 'All My Children' from 2000 to 2005 and reprised the role briefly in 2011. She also provided voice work for animated series and video games. Riegel participated in various stage productions and is credited with contributions to the industry through her performances.

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Mladen Petrić

Footballer with Bundesliga experience
Born
January 1st, 1981 44 years ago

Career in professional football spanned from 1998 to 2019, primarily playing as a forward. Played for teams such as Hamburger SV and FC Basel, achieving success in various leagues. Represented the Croatian national team, participating in major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2008 and FIFA World Cup 2014. Transitioned to coaching after retirement.

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Kirk Hinrich

Basketball player for Chicago Bulls
Born
January 2nd, 1981 44 years ago

Played professional basketball in the NBA, primarily for the Chicago Bulls. Played as a point guard and had a successful collegiate career at the University of Kansas, where he led the team to the NCAA Final Four in 2002 and 2003. Drafted 7th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2003 NBA Draft. Throughout his NBA career, contributed significantly to the team’s performance and was recognized for his skills as a defender and playmaker.

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Maxi Rodríguez

Argentine footballer, World Cup participant
Born
January 2nd, 1981 44 years ago

A professional footballer from Argentina, contributed significantly to the sport as a winger. Played for several clubs including Newell's Old Boys, Espanyol, Villarreal, Atlético de Madrid, and Liverpool. Achieved notable success with Liverpool, winning the FA Cup in 2006. Represented Argentina at multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup in 2006 and 2014, and the Copa América in 2004 and 2011. Scored a memorable extra-time goal against Mexico in the 2006 World Cup, enhancing reputation on the global stage.

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Eli Manning

American football quarterback, two-time Super Bowl MVP
Born
January 3rd, 1981 44 years ago

A former professional American football quarterback, played most of career for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL). In 2004, selected as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Giants. Achieved significant success during tenure, highlighted by victories in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots. Garnered Super Bowl MVP honors in both championship games. Retired from professional football in 2020 after 16 seasons in the league.

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People Who Died in 1981 (View all 264)

Sam Jones

American bassist and composer
Born
November 12th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1971 53 years ago — 46 years old

A distinguished bassist, cellist, and composer contributed significantly to jazz music. Worked with various prominent artists and ensembles, showcasing exceptional talent both as a performer and as a composer. Best known for collaborations with jazz greats including Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey. Gained recognition for uniquely blending jazz elements with classical techniques. Made significant contributions to the genre through both recorded works and live performances.

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Hephzibah Menuhin

Pianist and music educator
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1981 44 years ago — 61 years old

A celebrated pianist, she gained recognition for her performances and contributions to music education. Trained in the classical tradition, she showcased her talent across the United States and Australia. Aside from performing, she dedicated a significant portion of her life to teaching and mentoring young musicians. She was a prominent figure in the musical community and contributed to various educational programs aimed at fostering the next generation of artists.

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Princess Alice

Countess of Athlone
Born
February 25th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1981 44 years ago — 97 years old

Born into the British royal family, served as the last Governor-General of Ireland from 1922 to 1928. Engaged in various charitable activities during her tenure, focusing on social welfare and the arts. Active in the royal family, made contributions to public life and British society. Played a significant role in the republican transition in Ireland and was a key figure in social improvement initiatives throughout her life.

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Lanza del Vasto

Italian poet and philosopher known for founding the Community of the Ark
Born
September 29th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1981 44 years ago — 79 years old

An Italian poet and philosopher contributed significantly to literature and thought. Founded the Community of the Ark in 1948, a movement focused on non-violence and communal living. Explored themes of spirituality, pacifism, and social justice throughout works such as 'Il Mondo è una Casa' and 'La Sapienza del corpo'. Engaged in various social and political issues, advocating for peace and dialogue across cultures. Engaged with figures like Mahatma Gandhi and reflected these influences in writings and philosophies.

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Harold Urey

Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 29th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1981 44 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent American chemist and astronomer, contributions focused on isotopic chemistry and nuclear physics. Developed methods for separating isotopes and played a significant role in the Manhattan Project. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1934 for the discovery of deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen. Served as a professor at several universities, including Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley.

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A. J. Cronin

Scottish physician and author of novels
Born
July 19th, 1896 128 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1981 44 years ago — 84 years old

A Scottish physician and author gained recognition for writing novels that explored the medical profession. Practitioner experience informed literary works, often depicting the struggles and ethical dilemmas faced by doctors. The most notable work, 'The Citadel,' published in 1937, highlighted the challenges within the healthcare system and influenced future medical reforms. Other significant novels include 'Hatter's Castle' and 'Key Above the Door,' both of which contributed to the author's prominence in the literary field. Cronin's works received widespread acclaim and adaptations into film and theatre, solidifying a legacy in both literature and popular culture.

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