What Happened This Year 1981
Historical Events from This Year 1981
DeLorean Sports Car Production Begins
Production of the DeLorean DMC-12 sports car commenced in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. The vehicle, designed by John DeLorean, became iconic for its distinctive gull-wing doors and stainless-steel body. The factory aimed to create a revolutionary car that represented both innovation and a new manufacturing era in the region, providing jobs and economic benefits in a time of social and political unrest in Northern Ireland.
Continue ReadingReagan Ends Domestic Petroleum Price Controls
Ronald Reagan lifted remaining controls on domestic petroleum prices and allocation, facilitating the end of the 1979 energy crisis. This significant policy shift allowed market forces to dictate prices, leading to fluctuations in gas prices and contributing to the onset of an oil glut in the early 1980s. The deregulation was part of Reagan's broader economic strategy aimed at stimulating growth and addressing the energy shortages experienced in the previous years.
Continue ReadingTrevor Chappell's Controversial Underarm Bowl
In a tense finish to a limited-overs match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australian cricketer Trevor Chappell bowled underarm on the last delivery against New Zealand, a decision that sparked widespread controversy and led to outrage among players and fans alike. The incident occurred as New Zealand needed six runs to win, and the underarm delivery was perceived as unsportsmanlike. The Australian team's choice to use this bowling style has since become a significant talking point in cricket history, highlighting ethical boundaries in sports.
Continue ReadingPolice Raids Target Gay Bathhouses in Toronto
On February 5, 1981, the Metropolitan Toronto Police conducted a series of raids on four gay bathhouses in Toronto, Ontario. This operation resulted in the arrests of nearly 300 individuals, a move that sparked widespread protests and rallies among the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The raids were seen as a significant act of police discrimination against homosexuals, leading to a powerful reaction from activists calling for reform and change in societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights. The events of this day became a pivotal moment in the fight against anti-gay legislation in Canada.
Continue ReadingNRA Attacks Ugandan Army Installation
In a bold move, the National Resistance Army (NRA) launched a surprise attack on a Ugandan Army installation in the centrally located Mubende District. This marked a critical early engagement in the Ugandan Bush War, a protracted conflict that would reshape the nation over the coming years. The NRA operated under the leadership of Yoweri Museveni, seeking to overthrow the government of Milton Obote. The attack was characterized by ambush tactics and aimed to assert the NRA's presence in the region and gather military resources.
Continue ReadingPlane Crash at Pushkin Airport Claims 50 Lives
A tragic plane crash occurred at Pushkin Airport, resulting in the loss of 50 lives, including 16 members of the Pacific Fleet. The incident shocked the local community and highlighted issues surrounding aviation safety during that period. The aircraft was reportedly experiencing technical difficulties before the catastrophic event. Eyewitness reports indicate a chaotic scene as emergency services rushed to the site to assist victims and initiate rescue operations.
Continue ReadingSewer explosions devastate Louisville streets
More than two miles of streets in Louisville were destroyed due to a series of sewer explosions that occurred on February 13, 1981. The explosions were caused by a combination of gas buildup in the sewer system, which ignited when exposed to an open flame, leading to a dramatic and destructive outcome. No fatalities were reported, but the infrastructure damage forced local authorities to undertake extensive repairs to the urban landscape.
Continue ReadingAntonio Tejero's Attempted Coup in Spain
Antonio Tejero, a lieutenant colonel of the Civil Guard, led an armed coup by storming the Spanish Congress of Deputies in Madrid. On that day, Tejero and a group of armed soldiers took control of the building during a parliamentary session, holding lawmakers hostage, including Prime Minister Adolfo Suárez. The coup was a response to political instability in Spain during the transition to democracy following Franco's dictatorship. Tejero's actions were intended to undermine the democratic process and return Spain to authoritarian rule, but the attempt ultimately failed.
Continue ReadingGulf of Corinth earthquake devastates Central Greece
A powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Central Greece, particularly affecting the Gulf of Corinth region. With a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII, the quake resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. Twenty-two individuals were killed, while approximately 400 were reported injured. The economic impact was profound, with damages totaling around $812 million. Buildings, infrastructure, and local communities faced devastating consequences, leading to extensive recovery efforts in the aftermath.
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