What Happened This Year 1990

Historical Events from This Year 1990

Politics & Government

Germans Vote in First Free Elections

March 18th, 1990 34 years ago

Citizens of the former East Germany participated in their first democratic elections. The election was critical in shaping the future of the German Democratic Republic, allowing the public to express their desire for reform and reunification with West Germany. The outcome paved the way for a significant political shift and reforms in Eastern Europe following the Cold War.

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Crime & Law

Massive Art Heist From Boston Museum

March 18th, 1990 34 years ago

In 1990, two men dressed as police officers entered the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and stole 12 artworks valued at approximately $500 million. The heist occurred in the early morning hours and remains unsolved, with the stolen pieces including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Degas. The museum's founder, Isabella Stewart Gardner, had stipulated that the collection be displayed as intended, making the loss particularly poignant for the institution.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Ethnic Clashes Erupt in Târgu Mureș

March 19th, 1990 34 years ago

In March 1990, Târgu Mureș witnessed violent clashes between ethnic Romanians and Hungarians. Triggered by tensions from the aftermath of the 1989 Romanian Revolution, the violence erupted in part due to the political changes impacting ethnic minorities. The unrest began as a peaceful gathering, but quickly escalated into confrontations involving stone-throwing and arson, leading to several injuries and heightened ethnic tensions in the region.

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Crime & Law

Imelda Marcos Faces Trial for Corruption Charges

March 20th, 1990 34 years ago

Imelda Marcos, the widow of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, began her trial for various corruption charges, including bribery, embezzlement, and racketeering. The trial took place in a context of heightened scrutiny over the Marcos family's finances following the fall of the Marcos regime. Imelda Marcos had been accused of amassing illicit wealth during her husband's tenure, and the legal proceedings aimed to address allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of power.

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Politics & Government

Namibia Achieves Independence from South Africa

March 21st, 1990 34 years ago

Namibia officially became independent from South African rule, marking the end of 75 years of colonial administration and apartheid policies. The transition was marked by a peaceful handover ceremony in the capital, Windhoek, led by Namibia's first President, Sam Nujoma. The event symbolized a significant shift in the region's political landscape, reflecting years of struggle for independence fueled by the Namibia Liberation Army and international pressure. This independence was celebrated by Namibians, who viewed it as a triumphant culmination of their fight for self-determination.

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Military & Warfare

End of Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka

March 24th, 1990 34 years ago

The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) concluded its operations in Sri Lanka, marking the end of India's military intervention in the Sri Lankan Civil War. The last ship carrying Indian troops departed, symbolizing India's withdrawal after years of engagement in the conflict. This operation began in 1987 under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, intended to enforce peace between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The departure was characterized by mixed sentiments among both Sri Lankan and Indian populations.

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Politics & Government

U.S. Launches TV Martí Anti-Castro Broadcasts

March 27th, 1990 34 years ago

TV Martí began broadcasting anti-Castro propaganda to Cuba, aiming to counter the information monopoly held by Fidel Castro's government. Operated by the U.S. government, the broadcasts provided news, culture, and entertainment, promoting democratic values and policies contrary to the Cuban regime. Broadcasting was facilitated by a combination of satellite and radio transmission to reach audiences within Cuba, especially targeting the youth, to present a different narrative than what was available locally. The operation became a significant element of the U.S. strategy towards Cuba amid ongoing tensions.

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Sports & Recreation

Jesse Owens Receives Congressional Gold Medal

March 28th, 1990 34 years ago

Jesse Owens was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George H. W. Bush. The ceremony recognized Owens' remarkable achievements as an Olympic athlete, particularly during the 1936 Berlin Games, where he won four gold medals amid the backdrop of Adolf Hitler's regime. The award highlighted Owens' legacy as a symbol of racial equality and perseverance and occurred at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. This honor emphasized the significant impact Owens had on sports and society at large.

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Politics & Government

Debate Over Czechoslovakia's Name Sparks 'Hyphen War'

March 29th, 1990 34 years ago

The Czechoslovak parliament faced a contentious debate over the official name of the country following the fall of Communism. This dispute, known as the Hyphen War, arose as parliamentarians struggled to reach a consensus between two proposed names: 'Czechoslovakia' and the dual 'Czech and Slovak Federal Republic.' The arguments stemmed from national identities and the desire to reflect the independence of both ethnic groups in the newfound political landscape.

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