What Happened This Year 1987

Historical Events from This Year 1987

Politics & Government

Tower Commission Rebukes Reagan Administration

February 26th, 1987 38 years ago

The Tower Commission issued a report criticizing President Ronald Reagan for his management of national security. The commission highlighted shortcomings in Reagan's oversight of his staff, particularly regarding the Iran-Contra affair that involved the illegal sale of arms to Iran. This event raised questions about presidential accountability and the operations of the National Security Council. By addressing the actions of his staff, the Commission aimed to provide a clear understanding of the events that transpired.

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Accidents & Tragedies

MS Herald of Free Enterprise Capsizes Near Zeebrugge

March 6th, 1987 38 years ago

The MS Herald of Free Enterprise, a roll-on/roll-off ferry, capsized shortly after departing from Zeebrugge, Belgium, bound for Dover, England. Within about 90 seconds, the vessel overturned due to water flooding into the car deck as a result of the bow doors being left open. Tragically, 193 people lost their lives in this maritime disaster, making it one of the deadliest in British waters. The incident raised serious questions about safety protocols and ferry operations in the shipping industry.

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Military & Warfare

Taiwanese Military Attacks Vietnamese Refugees

March 7th, 1987 38 years ago

On March 7, 1987, Taiwanese military forces conducted an operation in Donggang, Lieyu, Kinmen, resulting in the deaths of 19 unarmed Vietnamese refugees. The refugees were aboard a boat and were attempting to reach Taiwan when they were intercepted. The incident raised significant human rights concerns and drew international attention to Taiwan's treatment of refugees.

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Economics & Industry

Chrysler Acquires American Motors Corporation

March 9th, 1987 38 years ago

Chrysler Corporation announced its acquisition of American Motors Corporation (AMC), marking a significant shift in the automotive industry. This strategic move allowed Chrysler to expand its product lines and enhance competitiveness in the market. The acquisition was driven by Chrysler's interest in AMC's Jeep brand, which had a strong presence in the SUV segment. The deal was valued at approximately $1.5 billion and aimed to solidify Chrysler's position as a leading automobile manufacturer.

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Health & Medicine

FDA Approves First Anti-AIDS Drug, AZT

March 20th, 1987 37 years ago

The FDA approved zidovudine (AZT) as the first drug to treat HIV/AIDS. This marked a significant milestone in the fight against the disease, offering hope to those infected. The approval followed rigorous clinical trials that demonstrated AZT's efficacy in prolonging the lives of AIDS patients, paving the way for further research and development in anti-HIV treatments.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Garuda Indonesia Flight 032 crashes at Medan Airport

April 4th, 1987 37 years ago

Garuda Indonesia Flight 032, a Fokker F28 aircraft, crashed on approach to Medan Airport after a missed approach procedure. The flight, carrying 68 passengers and crew, lost control and crashed into a neighborhood near the airport. The incident resulted in 23 fatalities, including passengers and crew members. The crash was attributed to a combination of weather conditions and pilot error during landing attempts.

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Sports & Recreation

Al Campanis Resigns Over Racist Remarks

April 8th, 1987 37 years ago

Al Campanis, an executive for the Los Angeles Dodgers, resigned following controversy due to racist remarks made during an appearance on the television program Nightline. The comments ignited significant backlash, particularly for their implications about the racial barriers in baseball. Campanis indicated that African Americans were not suited for certain roles in baseball, leading to outrage from players, fans, and the media alike.

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Politics & Government

Secrecy Surrounds Peres-Hussein Agreement

April 11th, 1987 37 years ago

Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Shimon Peres and King Hussein of Jordan secretly signed an agreement aimed at promoting peace and cooperation between Israel and Jordan. The talks focused on mutual interests and stability in the region, addressing key issues and fostering diplomatic relations. This event marked an important step in the ongoing Israeli-Jordanian dialogue and was seen as a potential framework for future peace initiatives.

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Entertainment

The Simpsons Debut on The Tracey Ullman Show

April 19th, 1987 37 years ago

The Simpsons first appeared as animated shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show, starting with the episode titled 'Good Night.' Created by cartoonist Matt Groening, the series introduced viewers to the eccentric Simpson family. The popularity of these shorts led to the eventual development of a full-length series. The mixture of humor, satire, and relatable family dynamics captivated audiences, marking the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that would influence animated television for decades.

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