What Happened This Year 1981
Historical Events from This Year 1981
Brixton Riot Leads to Hundreds of Injuries
A significant riot occurred in Brixton, south London, characterized by clashes between local youths and police. It erupted following tensions regarding police practices and community frustrations, leading to extensive violence. The fallout resulted in almost 300 police injuries and 65 serious civilian injuries, showcasing deep-rooted social issues within the community. The riot was marked by burning cars and riots within the streets, drawing considerable media attention and community outrage.
Continue ReadingFirst Launch of Space Shuttle Columbia
The STS-1 mission marked a milestone in space exploration with the launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia on April 12, 1981. This historic mission was the first operational flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program, which aimed to develop a reusable spacecraft. The launch was conducted from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and the shuttle was commanded by John Young, a veteran astronaut. The mission's objectives included testing the shuttle's systems and conducting various experiments, demonstrating the capabilities of the spacecraft for future missions.
Continue ReadingColumbia's Inaugural Flight as Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle Columbia completed its first test flight, STS-1, marking a significant milestone in human spaceflight. Launching from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the shuttle, including its ability to orbit Earth and land back safely. The shuttle carried a two-person crew, including Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen. The flight lasted just under three days, showcasing the technological advancements in reusable spacecraft.
Continue ReadingRadiation Exposure Incident at Tsuruga Plant
During routine repairs at the Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant in Japan, over 100 workers were inadvertently exposed to low levels of radiation due to a failure in safety protocols. The incident raised serious concerns about worker safety and the adequacy of radiation monitoring systems in place at the facility. Emergency protocols were activated, and an investigation was launched to determine the extent of exposure and potential health risks for the affected workers.
Continue ReadingFirst Human Open Fetal Surgery by Dr. Harrison
Dr. Michael R. Harrison successfully performed the world's first open fetal surgery at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. This groundbreaking procedure involved correcting a life-threatening condition in a fetus. Using advanced medical techniques, Dr. Harrison and his team managed to perform the surgery while the fetus was still in the mother's womb, marking a significant advancement in medical care for unborn children. The occurrence not only showcased technological innovation but also raised ethical and medical considerations regarding fetal treatments and maternal health.
Continue ReadingBobby Sands' Death in Prison Hospital
Bobby Sands, an Irish nationalist and member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), died in Long Kesh prison hospital after enduring a hunger strike for 66 days. Sands was protesting against the British government's refusal to grant political prisoner status to IRA inmates, a demand reflective of the broader conflict surrounding Northern Ireland. His death garnered international attention and highlighted the complexities of the political situation in Northern Ireland, galvanizing support for the Republican cause.
Continue ReadingAttempted Assassination of Pope John Paul II
Mehmet Ali Ağca attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square, Rome. During a public audience, Ağca fired several shots, hitting the Pope in the abdomen and hand. He was quickly rushed to the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, where he underwent emergency surgery. Despite the severity of his injuries, the Pope survived the assassination attempt, which led to a surge of support for him from around the world.
Continue ReadingTransamerica sells United Artists to MGM
Transamerica Corporation agreed to sell United Artists to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for $380 million after the disappointing box office performance of the 1980 film Heaven's Gate, which had significant financial implications for the studio. The sale was finalized as part of Transamerica's strategy to divest from the film industry and refocus on its core businesses. This marked a turning point for United Artists, which had once been an influential independent studio.
Continue ReadingRevelation of Propaganda Due Membership
The Italian government publicly released the membership list of Propaganda Due, a clandestine pseudo-Masonic lodge accused of significant criminal activities, including political corruption and conspiracies. The release sparked considerable media attention, revealing the extensive connections the lodge had within Italian society and government institutions. This action underscored the pervasive influence of secret societies in Italy, particularly during the post-war years, and highlighted the struggle against corruption and crime at high levels of power.
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