What Happened This Year 1983

Historical Events from This Year 1983

Science & Technology

Transition of ARPANET to TCP/IP Protocol

January 1st, 1983 42 years ago

The ARPANET transitioned to TCP/IP, marking a pivotal moment in the development of the Internet. This change established the framework for modern digital communications, allowing diverse computer networks to interconnect seamlessly. The decision to adopt TCP/IP was made to enhance reliability and facilitate growth, leading to a greater proliferation of networked systems. The transition involved collaboration among researchers and engineers across the United States, solidifying a foundation for a globally accessible network.

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Accidents & Tragedies

United Airlines Flight 2885 Crash After Takeoff

January 11th, 1983 42 years ago

United Airlines Flight 2885 was a domestic flight that crashed shortly after takeoff from Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The incident occurred due to an engine failure in the Boeing 737, which forced the crew to attempt an emergency return. Tragically, three of the 36 individuals on board lost their lives, highlighting the critical importance of aircraft safety protocols and engineering.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Turkish Airlines Flight 158 Plane Crash

January 16th, 1983 42 years ago

Turkish Airlines Flight 158 crashed while landing at Ankara Esenboğa Airport, resulting in the deaths of 47 individuals and injuries to 20 others. The Boeing 727 was attempting to land during poor weather conditions, which significantly affected visibility. The aircraft struck a hill near the airport shortly before touchdown. Investigations later revealed that the combination of pilot error and adverse weather conditions played a crucial role in the accident, raising questions about safety protocols and airport infrastructure.

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Sports & Recreation

Jim Thorpe's Olympic Medals Restored to Family

January 18th, 1983 42 years ago

The International Olympic Committee took a significant step by restoring Jim Thorpe's Olympic medals to his family. This decision came after several decades of controversy surrounding Thorpe's amateur status. Thorpe had originally won two gold medals in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics but was stripped of them due to a rules violation related to his brief professionalism in baseball. Following ongoing appeals and advocacy from his family and various supporters, the IOC acknowledged this wrong and formally reinstated his achievements in a ceremony.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Breakthrough of Seikan Tunnel's Pilot Shaft

January 27th, 1983 42 years ago

The pilot shaft of the Seikan Tunnel, a crucial infrastructure project connecting the Japanese islands of Honshū and Hokkaidō, successfully broke through. This milestone marked a significant advancement toward the completion of the world's longest sub-aqueous tunnel, designed to mitigate the disruption caused by frequent ferry cancellations due to harsh winter weather. Engineers celebrated this achievement at the construction site, highlighting the technical challenges overcome during the drilling process.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Singapore Cable Car Collision with Oil Rig

January 29th, 1983 42 years ago

A Panamanian-registered oil rig, Eniwetok, struck the cables of the Singapore Cable Car system, causing two cabins to plunge into the water. The incident resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and left thirteen others trapped for several hours. Emergency services responded quickly to rescue those stranded, while investigations into the accident commenced immediately, to understand how such a collision could occur on a popular tourist attraction.

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Natural Disasters

Severe Dust Storm Strikes Melbourne

February 8th, 1983 42 years ago

A severe dust storm blanketed Melbourne, plunging the city into murky orange skies and causing significant visibility issues. This meteorological phenomenon marked the beginning of one of the worst droughts in Australian history, with rainfall levels dropping sharply thereafter. Residents were caught off guard as the storm swept through, creating hazardous driving conditions and prompting health warnings due to airborne dust particles. The storm's roots were tied to prolonged periods of dry weather and high temperatures, leading to concerns over water supply and agricultural impacts in the region.

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Crime & Law

Shergar Kidnapping: A Notorious Horse Heist

February 8th, 1983 42 years ago

Irish race horse Shergar was stolen by armed men from the Ballymany Stud in Ireland in an audacious ransom attempt. Allegations arose that members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) were involved in the heist, demanding a ransom for the prized thoroughbred. Despite extensive efforts to locate Shergar, including media appeals and searches, the horse was never found, leading to widespread speculation about his fate. This incident captured public attention and highlighted the intersection of sport and crime during a tumultuous period in Irish history.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Women Protest Against Zia-ul-Haq's Law of Evidence

February 12th, 1983 42 years ago

A hundred women gathered in Lahore to protest against the proposed Law of Evidence by military dictator Zia-ul-Haq. They faced violent police repression, including tear gas and baton charges, before being locked up. The rally was organized to challenge the oppressive legal framework and assert women's rights in Pakistan. Ultimately, their efforts led to the repeal of the controversial law, marking a significant moment for women's activism in the country.

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