What Happened This Year 1985
Historical Events from This Year 1985
First British Mobile Phone Call Made
Michael Harrison placed the first mobile phone call from the UK to his father, Sir Ernest Harrison. This milestone occurred at Vodafone's headquarters in Newbury, marking a significant advancement in telecommunications technology. The call was made using an early model of the mobile phone, showcasing the new technology that would revolutionize communication in the years to come.
Continue ReadingEastern Air Lines Flight 980 crashes in Bolivia
Eastern Air Lines Flight 980, a scheduled flight from Asunción, Paraguay, to Miami, Florida, crashed into Mount Illimani in Bolivia, killing all 29 people aboard. The plane encountered severe weather conditions as it was approaching the capital of La Paz. Despite the crew's efforts to navigate safely, they inadvertently flew into the mountain's side, resulting in a catastrophic accident. The tragedy highlighted the dangers of flying in mountainous regions and the need for improved navigation technology.
Continue ReadingJapan Launches Sakigake, Its First Deep Space Probe
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched the Sakigake spacecraft, marking Japan's first foray into interplanetary exploration. This groundbreaking mission commenced from the Tanegashima Space Center, using the powerful H-II rocket. Designed to study comets, Sakigake was significant not only as Japan's inaugural deep space probe but also as the first such spacecraft launched by a country other than the United States or the Soviet Union. As it journeyed towards Halley's Comet, the probe aimed to conduct detailed scientific observations, paving the way for advancements in astrobiology and space sciences.
Continue ReadingDaniel Ortega's Socialist Transformation Vow
In January 1985, Daniel Ortega was inaugurated as the president of Nicaragua, reaffirming his commitment to socialism and solidifying alliances with the Soviet Union and Cuba. Under his leadership, the Nicaraguan government sought to implement socialist reforms aimed at redistributing wealth and power among its citizens. As Ortega's administration advanced its agenda, the United States continued to support Contra rebels opposing his regime. This conflict not only shaped Nicaragua's internal landscape but also significantly influenced Cold War dynamics in Central America, with the U.S. fearing the spread of communism in the region and taking active measures against it.
Continue ReadingEthiopian Train Disaster Claims 428 Lives
A passenger train derailed and plunged into a ravine near Sodo, Ethiopia, resulting in the deaths of 428 individuals, marking it as the most devastating railroad disaster in Africa. Factors contributing to the accident included the poor state of the infrastructure and the challenging weather conditions. The incident shocked the nation and drew attention to the urgent need for improvements in the rail system to ensure passenger safety.
Continue ReadingGalaxy Airlines Flight 203 crashes near Reno
Galaxy Airlines Flight 203 crashed shortly after takeoff from Reno–Tahoe International Airport in Nevada, resulting in the deaths of 70 people on board. The flight was en route to San Diego when it experienced catastrophic engine failure, leading the pilots to lose control of the aircraft. Witnesses reported seeing the plane struggle to gain altitude before descending rapidly. Emergency responders were dispatched promptly, but the severity of the incident left no survivors.
Continue ReadingUSA for Africa Records 'We Are the World'
Musicians from various genres collaborated to record 'We Are the World', with proceeds aimed at alleviating famine in Ethiopia. The song featured prominent names, creating a powerful anthem for humanitarian aid. This major effort took place in Los Angeles, uniting artists for a common cause, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility and global awareness.
Continue ReadingTreaty of Friendship Between Rome and Carthage
Ugo Vetere, the mayor of Rome, and Chedli Klibi, the mayor of Carthage, met in Tunis to sign a treaty of friendship that officially ended the Third Punic War, a conflict dated to have lasted 2,131 years. This unprecedented treaty symbolically marked the reconciliation between the two historic cities, which had been rivals since ancient times. The signing occurred at a ceremonial event, highlighting the importance of international relations and cultural exchange between modern Italy and Tunisia.
Continue ReadingEmergence of Hezbollah as a Political Force
Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and militant group, was founded in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Emerging from a coalition of various Shiite groups, Hezbollah sought to resist foreign intervention and promote Shiite rights in Lebanon. Its ideologies incorporated elements from Iran's Islamic Revolution, and it aimed to establish an Islamic state in Lebanon. Over time, Hezbollah gained significant influence both politically and militarily, impacting Lebanon and the wider region.
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