What Happened This Year 1990

Historical Events from This Year 1990

Accidents & Tragedies

Airplane Tragedy in the Karabakh Range

August 1st, 1990 34 years ago

A Soviet passenger plane crashed in the Karabakh Range, resulting in the loss of 46 lives. The aircraft, a Yakovlev Yak-40, encountered difficulties soon after takeoff from the regional airport. Most passengers were military personnel returning home, while the cause was later linked to severe weather conditions.

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Military & Warfare

Iraq's Invasion of Kuwait Sparks Gulf Conflict

August 2nd, 1990 34 years ago

Iraq, led by President Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, citing economic grievances and boundary disputes. The invasion on this day resulted in widespread international condemnation and the swift involvement of a U.S.-led coalition. The region's stability was threatened, and the situation rapidly escalated into a major armed conflict, leading to the Gulf War. Hussein aimed to control Kuwait's oil reserves and assert dominance in the region.

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Politics & Government

UN Security Council Imposes Trade Embargo on Iraq

August 6th, 1990 34 years ago

The United Nations Security Council imposed a global trade embargo against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. This decision aimed to penalize Iraq for its aggressive actions and to compel it to withdraw from Kuwaiti territory. The embargo restricted trade and financial transactions with Iraq, significantly impacting its economy and military capabilities. The resolution garnered overwhelming international support and marked a pivotal moment in the UN's response to international aggression.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Military Forces Arrive in Saudi Arabia

August 7th, 1990 34 years ago

The first American soldiers arrived in Saudi Arabia to support Operation Desert Shield, following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. President George H.W. Bush made the decision to send troops to the region, aiming to deter further Iraqi expansion and protect Saudi territory. The deployment marked the beginning of a large-scale military presence in the Middle East, as the U.S. sought to build a coalition to respond to the Iraqi threat. The soldiers disembarked at Dhahran International Airport, a move that set the stage for the Gulf War.

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Military & Warfare

Iraq's Annexation of Kuwait Begins Tensions

August 8th, 1990 34 years ago

Iraq, under the leadership of President Saddam Hussein, launched a military invasion of Kuwait, citing economic grievances and historical claims to Kuwaiti territory. The invasion was swift, with Iraqi forces quickly overwhelming Kuwaiti defenses and declaring the annexation of the small but oil-rich nation. The international community responded with condemnation and the formation of a coalition opposing Iraq's actions, setting the stage for intense geopolitical conflict in the Arabian Gulf region.

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Space Exploration

Magellan Arrives at Venus for Mapping Mission

August 10th, 1990 34 years ago

The Magellan space probe, launched by NASA, successfully arrived at Venus in 1990, marking a significant achievement in planetary exploration. Equipped with synthetic aperture radar, Magellan aimed to map the surface of Venus with unprecedented detail, uncovering features such as mountains, valleys, and possible volcanic activity. This data was crucial for understanding Venusian geology and atmosphere. Once in orbit, Magellan began sending valuable information back to Earth, providing insights into the planet’s complex terrain and atmospheric conditions. Through this mission, scientists could enhance their knowledge about both Venus and the solar system.

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Exploration & Discovery

Discovery of Sue, the T. rex Skeleton

August 12th, 1990 34 years ago

In South Dakota, paleontologist Sue Hendrickson discovered a remarkably preserved Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, now named 'Sue'. The skeleton, measuring more than 40 feet long and over 13 feet tall at the hips, is hailed as the largest and most complete T. rex ever found. Sue's find revolutionized the understanding of the species' biology and behavior, providing invaluable insights into the life of one of the most iconic dinosaurs.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Collision of Min Ping Yu No. 5202 with Naval Vessel

August 13th, 1990 34 years ago

A collision occurred involving the mainland Chinese fishing boat Min Ping Yu No. 5202 and a Taiwanese naval vessel during a repatriation operation for Chinese immigrants. The incident resulted in the sinking of the boat and the tragic deaths of 21 individuals aboard. This happened less than one month after a similar incident involving another fishing vessel, Min Ping Yu No. 5540, which raised serious safety and operational concerns in the contentious waters between Taiwan and mainland China.

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Politics & Government

Saddam Hussein's Televised Diplomacy

August 23rd, 1990 34 years ago

Saddam Hussein appeared on Iraqi state television with several Western hostages, aiming to leverage their situation to dissuade international military action against Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait. This broadcast sought to influence global perceptions and deter the impending Gulf War by portraying Iraq as a victim of aggression, rather than an aggressor. The hostages included individuals from the U.S., the United Kingdom, and other nations, used as pawns in Saddam's strategic maneuvering.

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