What Happened This Year 1987

Historical Events from This Year 1987

Politics & Government

Major Pierre Buyoya Overthrows Jean-Baptiste Bagaza

September 3rd, 1987 37 years ago

Major Pierre Buyoya led a coup d'état in Burundi, deposing President Jean-Baptiste Bagaza. The coup occurred during a period of political instability marked by ethnic tensions and dissatisfaction with Bagaza's administration. Buyoya's forces swiftly took control, leading to significant changes in the government's structure and policies. This takeover aimed at restoring stability and addressing the underlying issues contributing to the unrest in the country.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Radioactive Theft Leads to Widespread Contamination

September 13th, 1987 37 years ago

A cesium-137 source was stolen from an abandoned hospital in Goiânia, Brazil, leading to significant contamination as individuals handled the object, unaware of its radioactivity. Over the coming weeks, many suffered from radiation poisoning, requiring medical treatment and causing several deaths due to excessive exposure. The incident raised significant concerns about the management of radioactive materials.

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Politics & Government

Montreal Protocol Signed to Combat Ozone Depletion

September 16th, 1987 37 years ago

The Montreal Protocol was signed to address the growing concerns over the depletion of the ozone layer caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances. This landmark agreement was reached on September 16, 1987, during a meeting of representatives from various countries in Montreal, Canada. The primary aim of the protocol is to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of substances responsible for its depletion. The signing marked a pivotal moment in international environmental cooperation.

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Politics & Government

Coup d'état Overthrows Fijian Governor-General

September 25th, 1987 37 years ago

Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka led a coup d'état that resulted in the overthrow of Fijian Governor-General Penaia Ganilau. Initiated on September 25, 1987, the coup was primarily driven by ethnic tensions between native Fijians and Indo-Fijians. The military seized power amid political instability, leading to significant changes in Fiji's governance and societal structure.

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Natural Disasters

Severe Whittier Narrows Earthquake Hits San Gabriel Valley

October 1st, 1987 37 years ago

A significant earthquake rattled the San Gabriel Valley, registering a magnitude of 5.9 Mw on the Richter scale. The quake resulted in eight fatalities and around 200 injuries. With a Mercalli intensity of VIII, it caused severe damage to buildings and infrastructure, impacting numerous communities. Response efforts were launched promptly to provide aid and assess the damage caused by the tremor. The region, known for its geological activity, faced aftershocks and concerns over future seismic events.

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Politics & Government

Fiji Transitions to Republic Status

October 6th, 1987 37 years ago

Fiji declared itself a republic as a significant shift in governance, following a military coup led by Sitiveni Rabuka. This change came after Fiji's first coup that ousted the elected government. The declaration was made in Suva, increasing tension within the nation and marking a decisive point in its political history. The new republic status sought to address long-standing ethnic disputes and national identity issues within Fiji.

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Politics & Government

Khalistan Independence Declaration by Sikh Nationalists

October 7th, 1987 37 years ago

Sikh nationalists proclaimed Khalistan as an independent state in India, aiming to create a separate country for Sikhs in Punjab. This declaration, issued by a faction of Sikhs, remained unrecognized by any international body. The call for Khalistan emerged from historical grievances, including perceived discrimination and violent oppression faced by the Sikh community during political unrest in India. The movement gained momentum in the 1980s amid rising tensions and violence in Punjab, leading to significant social and political upheaval in the region.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

First Display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt

October 11th, 1987 37 years ago

The AIDS Memorial Quilt was unveiled at the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, creating a powerful visual tribute to victims of AIDS. This event took place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where thousands gathered to honor those who had lost their lives to the disease. The quilt, composed of individual fabric panels, was designed to engage the public in the conversation about the AIDS crisis and its impact on the community. Over 1,900 panels were displayed, each representing a person who died from AIDS, making the event one of the largest and most impactful AIDS protests in American history.

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Military & Warfare

Operation Pawan Launched in Sri Lanka

October 11th, 1987 37 years ago

Operation Pawan was initiated by Indian forces in Sri Lanka to aid the Sri Lankan government in combating the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The operation followed an agreement between India and Sri Lanka aimed at ensuring peace in the region. The conflict saw thousands of civilians, insurgents, and soldiers lose their lives, emphasizing the operation's intense nature and the complexities involved in the Sri Lankan Civil War.

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