What Happened This Year 1997

Historical Events from This Year 1997

Economics & Industry

Digital Equipment Corporation Antitrust Charges

July 23rd, 1997 27 years ago

Digital Equipment Corporation filed antitrust charges against Intel, alleging that the chipmaker engaged in anti-competitive practices. The case highlighted tensions in the computer industry, particularly surrounding Intel's dominance in the microprocessor market. Digital Equipment claimed that Intel's actions stifled competition and innovation, impacting other firms dependent on chip technology. This legal conflict was part of a broader scrutiny of monopolistic behaviors in the tech sector during this era.

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Military & Warfare

Si Zerrouk Massacre Claims 50 Lives

July 27th, 1997 27 years ago

The Si Zerrouk massacre involved the killing of around 50 individuals in Algeria, marking a significant event in the country's civil conflict. Armed groups attacked the village of Si Zerrouk in the Bouira region, targeting mostly civilians, including women and children. The motives behind the massacre were linked to the ongoing struggle between the Algerian government and Islamist insurgents seeking to impose their interpretations of Islamic law. This incident highlighted the brutal nature of the Algerian Civil War, which was characterized by widespread violence and human rights abuses.

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Accidents & Tragedies

FedEx Express Flight 14 crashes at Newark Airport

July 31st, 1997 27 years ago

FedEx Express Flight 14, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, crashed while attempting to land at Newark International Airport. The aircraft, coming from the Fort Lauderdale airport, encountered difficulties during its landing approach due to severe thunderstorms. Despite the challenging conditions, the flight crew managed to survive, while five individuals on board were injured. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the accident prompted an investigation into operational protocols for severe weather conditions.

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Military & Warfare

Oued El-Had and Mezouara Villages Massacre

August 3rd, 1997 27 years ago

In Algeria, 116 villagers were killed as armed groups attacked the villages of Oued El-Had and Mezouara. The incidents resulted in the death of 40 villagers in Oued El-Had and 76 in Mezouara, drawing significant national and international attention. These killings mirrored ongoing violence in Algeria’s civil strife, highlighting the dangers faced by civilians amid the broader conflict.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Sky Tower Opens in Auckland After Construction

August 3rd, 1997 27 years ago

The Sky Tower in downtown Auckland, New Zealand, officially opened to the public after two-and-a-half years of construction, becoming the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Standing at 328 meters (1,076 feet), it was designed to be a new icon for the city, aiming to attract tourists and enhance the skyline. The tower features an observation deck and a revolving restaurant, providing stunning views of Auckland and beyond. Its construction was a significant engineering feat, integrating technology and design to withstand the area's seismic activity. The opening was celebrated with great fanfare, marking a new era for Auckland.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Korean Air Flight 801 Crash in Guam

August 6th, 1997 27 years ago

Korean Air Flight 801 was a scheduled international flight from Seoul, South Korea to Guam. On August 6, 1997, the aircraft, a Boeing 747-300, crashed into Nimitz Hill, near the airport in Guam, killing 229 of the 254 people aboard. The crash occurred while the plane was attempting to land in poor weather conditions, leading to a failure in navigation and descent management.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Fine Air Flight 101 crashes after takeoff

August 7th, 1997 27 years ago

Fine Air Flight 101, a cargo flight traveling from Miami, experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff from Miami International Airport. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8, crashed into a nearby industrial area, resulting in the deaths of all five individuals on board. The flight was primarily transporting cargo and lost altitude shortly after its ascent, prompting emergency responses but sadly leading to fatalities.

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Space Exploration

Space Shuttle Discovery Launches on STS-85

August 7th, 1997 27 years ago

The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-85 from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This mission was significant as it included important scientific research and the deployment of the Japanese satellite H-II. Discovery carried a six-member crew, who conducted experiments focusing on materials science and fluid dynamics in microgravity. The successful launch marked another step forward in NASA's efforts to foster international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Fatal Crash of Formosa Airlines Flight 7601

August 10th, 1997 27 years ago

Formosa Airlines Flight 7601 crashed near Beigan Airport, resulting in the deaths of sixteen individuals. The aircraft encountered severe weather conditions during its approach to the airport in the Matsu Islands of Taiwan. This tragic incident highlighted the challenges of aviation safety in adverse weather, particularly in remote locations like the Matsu Islands, which have limited access and infrastructure. The crash remains one of the notable aviation disasters in Taiwan's history.

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