What Happened This Year 1990

Historical Events from This Year 1990

Politics & Government

Germany Plans Reunification Announcement

August 23rd, 1990 34 years ago

On August 23, 1990, leaders from West and East Germany revealed their intention to reunite, with an official date set for October 3 of that year. The announcement highlighted ongoing discussions surrounding the unification process, reflecting the favorable political climate in both German states following the fall of the Berlin Wall and widespread support for reunification among their citizens. This historical move set the stage for major socio-economic reforms in the region, aiming to integrate two distinct political and economic systems into one cohesive nation.

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Politics & Government

Armenia Declares Independence from Soviet Union

August 23rd, 1990 34 years ago

Armenia proclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union amid rising nationalist sentiments. The declaration was signed by the Armenian parliament following months of political and social upheaval. Economic difficulties and the desire for self-determination fueled this movement. Armenia was one of the first Soviet republics to declare independence, marking a significant turn in the region's political landscape.

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Natural Disasters

F5 Tornado Strikes Plainfield and Joliet

August 28th, 1990 34 years ago

An F5 tornado descended upon the Illinois locales of Plainfield and Joliet, unleashing devastation and taking the lives of 29 individuals. Originating in the early evening, the tornado traveled a significant path, destroying homes and infrastructure in its wake. With winds estimated at over 261 mph, it left a lasting mark on the community, leading to extensive damage assessments and developments in tornado safety protocols.

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Military & Warfare

Iraq Annexes Kuwait as New Province

August 28th, 1990 34 years ago

Iraq, under the leadership of President Saddam Hussein, proclaimed Kuwait as its newest province in a decisive move to assert territorial claims. This proclamation followed Iraq's military invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, which sparked widespread condemnation and concerns of regional stability. The announcement solidified Iraq's intentions to fully integrate Kuwait, amid escalating tensions and international scrutiny, particularly from the United States and its allies.

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Politics & Government

Transnistria Declares Independence from Moldavia

September 2nd, 1990 34 years ago

Transnistria, a region in Moldova, proclaimed itself a Soviet republic claiming independence from Moldova. This declaration faced immediate scrutiny as Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet president, declared it null and void, emphasizing the integrity of Soviet borders. The historical context involves rising national sentiments in various Soviet republics and the struggle for autonomy.

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Military & Warfare

Sri Lankan Army Soldiers Kill 158 Civilians

September 5th, 1990 34 years ago

On September 5, 1990, Sri Lankan Army soldiers conducted a brutal attack that resulted in the deaths of 158 civilians in the village of Kokkadicholai. This event occurred during the ongoing civil strife between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The military operation was part of a broader campaign against Tamil insurgents, yet it resulted in significant civilian casualties, raising concerns about human rights violations. Eyewitness accounts described the scene as chaotic and horrific, with soldiers rounding up villagers and assessing their loyalty to the government under intense scrutiny.

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Military & Warfare

Massacre of Tamil Civilians in Batticaloa

September 9th, 1990 34 years ago

The Batticaloa massacre involved the killing of 184 Tamil civilians by the Sri Lankan Army during the ongoing civil conflict. This incident occurred amidst an intense period of violence and repression against the Tamil population in Sri Lanka, which sought autonomy. Civilians were allegedly rounded up and executed, highlighting the brutal tactics used during the conflict. The massacre has been documented as a significant event in the Sri Lankan civil war, exemplifying the severe human rights violations that occurred during this time.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Faucett Boeing 727 Vanishes in Atlantic

September 11th, 1990 34 years ago

A Faucett Airlines Boeing 727 disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean while on a flight from Malta to Peru, with a total of 38 people on board, including passengers and crew. The flight faced difficulties due to weather conditions, which contributed to its loss of contact. Despite extensive search efforts, no wreckage or survivors were found, leading to unanswered questions regarding the cause of the incident and the fate of those onboard.

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Politics & Government

China and Taiwan Sign Kinmen Agreement

September 12th, 1990 34 years ago

In Kinmen, representatives of the Red Cross organizations from mainland China and Taiwan reached a significant agreement addressing the repatriation of illegal immigrants and criminal suspects. Following two tragic incidents related to repatriation that occurred in the preceding months, the talks aimed to establish a more humane and efficient process for handling such cases. This agreement marks a pioneering effort by non-governmental organizations to resolve cross-strait issues, symbolizing a rare instance of cooperation.

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