What Happened This Year 1984

Historical Events from This Year 1984

Politics & Government

Anti-Sikh Riots Following Indira Gandhi's Assassination

November 1st, 1984 40 years ago

Following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by two Sikh bodyguards, widespread anti-Sikh riots broke out across India. The unrest was fueled by anger and resentment towards the Sikh community, leading to violent clashes and significant loss of life. Thousands of Sikhs were targeted, their homes and businesses attacked, resulting in a humanitarian crisis that raised questions about law enforcement and governmental responsibilities.

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Crime & Law

Velma Barfield Becomes First Executed Woman Since 1962

November 2nd, 1984 40 years ago

Velma Barfield was executed in North Carolina, marking a significant moment in U.S. history as she became the first woman put to death since 1962. Barfield was convicted of murder, having poisoned her victims with arsenic. Amidst a national debate over capital punishment, her execution raised questions about the death penalty's application and its implications for women's roles in such cases. The event drew significant media attention, symbolizing a turning point in the discussion around the death penalty in America.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Zamboanga City Mayor Climaco

November 14th, 1984 40 years ago

Cesar Climaco, a vocal critic of President Ferdinand Marcos, was assassinated in Zamboanga City, Philippines, amidst a turbulent political climate. Known for his opposition to Marcos' regime and advocacy for local governance, Climaco's murder shocked the community and highlighted the dangers faced by political figures in the era of Martial Law. His assassination was a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for democracy in the Philippines during the 1980s.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Explosions at Pemex Facility in Mexico City

November 19th, 1984 40 years ago

A catastrophic series of explosions occurred at the Pemex petroleum storage facility in San Juan Ixhuatepec, Mexico City, resulting in a major fire and approximately 500 fatalities. The incident began when a storage tank under renovation exploded, leading to multiple failures of nearby tanks and subsequent blasts. The explosions caused widespread destruction in the surrounding area, with many residential blocks being severely impacted. Emergency services faced significant difficulties in controlling the fire due to the scale of the disaster and lack of immediate resources.

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Arts & Culture

Recording of Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'

November 25th, 1984 40 years ago

Thirty-six prominent musicians gathered in a Notting Hill studio to record 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', a charity single aimed at raising money for famine relief in Ethiopia. This initiative was spearheaded by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in response to the severe famine affecting the country at that time. The single featured a diverse ensemble of popular artists who united for a common cause, showcasing the power of music in philanthropy.

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Politics & Government

Brussels Agreement Initiates Talks on Gibraltar

November 27th, 1984 40 years ago

The Brussels Agreement marked a significant step in the diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Spain regarding Gibraltar. Signed by officials from both countries, it opened discussions about sovereignty over the territory. UK representatives agreed to discuss Gibraltar's future, as Spain sought to reclaim the land it ceded in 1713. The agreement underscored the historical tensions surrounding Gibraltar and set the stage for ongoing dialogue between the two nations concerning the fate of the strategically important territory.

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Science & Technology

NASA's Controlled Airliner Crash Test

December 1st, 1984 40 years ago

NASA conducted a pioneering experiment involving the deliberate crash of a retired airliner to assess new technologies aimed at improving passenger survivability during crashes. The incident took place at the impact site located in the Mojave Desert, California. With a focus on collecting data related to impact forces, seat efficacy, and cabin integrity, this initiative was a groundbreaking move towards enhancing aviation safety. The test aimed to simulate real-world conditions and provide insights for future aircraft design and safety protocols.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Methyl Isocyanate Leak at Union Carbide Plant

December 3rd, 1984 40 years ago

A major industrial accident occurred at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, leading to a catastrophic release of methyl isocyanate gas. This toxic leak directly killed over 3,800 individuals, with tens of thousands suffering from severe injuries and long-term health effects. The incident stands as one of the worst industrial disasters in history, highlighting the potential dangers of industrial chemicals and inadequate safety measures within facilities.

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Military & Warfare

Civilians Killed in Mannar by Sri Lankan Army

December 4th, 1984 40 years ago

In Mannar, Sri Lankan Army soldiers were implicated in the deaths of 107 to 150 civilians amidst ongoing conflict. The incident contributed to international scrutiny and criticism of the Sri Lankan government's military tactics against the Tamil population during the Sri Lankan Civil War, which had been intensifying since the early 1980s due to ethnic tensions and separatist aspirations.

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