1970s

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Timeline: 1970s

Years: 1970 - 1979	Subject: History, Contemporary History (post 1945)
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191735714

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Year	Event
1970	US author Maya Angelou publishes her autobiographical first novel, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Go to I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States The breakaway province of Biafra surrenders after three years of devastating civil war in Nigeria Go to Biafra in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Africa West Africa Germany Australian author David Malouf is first published as a poet, with his collection Bicycle and Other Poems Go to Malouf, David (1934– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry Australia and Oceania Australia Salvador Allende, heading a Socialist and Marxist coalition, is elected president in Chile Go to Allende, Salvador (b. 26 July 1908) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war China Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America Norodom Sihanouk is removed from power in Cambodia in a US-supported coup led by General Lon Nol Go to Lon Nol (b. 13 Nov. 1913) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Cold war Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 US film director Robert Altman launches a successful and long-running theme with his Vietnam black comedy, MASH* Go to Altman, Robert (1922–2006) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Qaboos bin Sa'id seizes the throne from his father, Sultan Sa'id, in a palace coup in Oman Go to Al-Said, Qaboos bin Said (18 Nov. 1940) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia West Asia President Nixon sends US troops into Cambodia to destroy Vietminh bases Go to Cambodia, invasion of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Rulers and politicians North America United States Four students are killed by National Guards during an anti-Vietnam War demonstration at Kent State University in Ohio Go to Kent State and Jackson State. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century North America United States Two students are killed at the all-black Jackson State College in Mississippi when police fire into a dormitory during a riot Go to Kent State and Jackson State. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century North America United States Australian feminist Germaine Greer publishes The Female Eunuch as a wake-up call to women Go to Greer, Germaine (1939) in A Dictionary of Critical Theory (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Literature in English Australia and Oceania Australia Australian tennis player Margaret Court achieves the grand slam in singles, adding it to her previous grand slam in doubles Go to Court, Margaret (1942– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Australia and Oceania Society Australia Edward Heath is prime minister after leading the Conservatives to UK election victory Go to Heath, Sir Edward Richard George (1916–2005) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Polish composer Andrzej Panufnik's Universal Prayer, a cantata setting poetry by Alexander Pope, has its premiere in New York Go to Panufnik, Sir Andrzej (24 Sept. 1914) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Papacy Europe Poland Italian playwright Dario Fo's black comedy Accidental Death of an Anarchist has its premiere in Milan Go to Accidental Death of an Anarchist in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature Italian literature Drama Europe Italy Ba'thist leader Hafiz al-Assad takes power in a military coup in Syria Go to Assad, Hafiz al (1928–2000) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria US feminist Kate Millett's Sexual Politics is her doctoral dissertation on the exploitation of women Go to Millett, Kate (1934) in A Dictionary of Critical Theory (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America United States Russian ballerina Natalia Makarova defects to the west while on tour with the Kirov company in London Go to Makarova, Natalia (21 Nov. 1940) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Russia Britain The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) is formed in northern Ireland as a coalition of Catholic nationalists and civil-rights campaigners Go to Social Democratic and Labour Party in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Polish composer Witold Lutoslawksi writes a cello concerto for Mstislav Rostropovich Go to Lutosławski, Witold (1913) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Poland Nasser dies of a sudden heart attack and is succeeded as Egypt's president by Anwar el-Sadat Go to Sadat, Muhammad Anwar al- (b. 25 Dec. 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa North Africa Egypt King Hussein of Jordan orders the disarming of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) after violent clashes with his own troops Go to PLO in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Alexander Solzhenitsyn wins the Nobel Prize for Literature but declines collecting it in Stockholm for fear of being denied re-entry to Russia Go to Solzhenitsyn, Alexander (1918–2008) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Europe Russia A Quebec government minister, Pierre Laporte, is murdered by the Front de Libération du Québec See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination North America Canada Japanese novelist Yukio Mishima commits suicide in the traditional Samurai manner Go to Mishima, Yukio (1925–70) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Asia East Asia Japan Michael Tippett's opera The Knot Garden has its premiere at Covent Garden Go to Knot Garden, The in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Mujibur Rahman and his Awami League win on an independence platform in the election in East Pakistan Go to Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh (b. 1920) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan In the Pakistan election, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto wins a clear majority in West Pakistan Go to Bhutto, Zulfiqar Ali (5 Jan. 1928) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan The outgoing Pakistan government, led by Yahya Khan, rejects the election result and sends troops to East Pakistan Go to Yahya Khan, Agha Mohammed (b. 4 Feb. 1917) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Persecution and repression War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan
1971	The Dance Theatre of Harlem, founded by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, gives its first performance at the Guggenheim Museum in New York Go to Dance Theatre of Harlem in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States Idi Amin leads a successful coup against the president of Uganda, Milton Obote Go to Amin, Idi (1925) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa East Africa US and South Vietnamese troops cross the border to invade Laos Go to Laos, raid into in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Joe Frazier becomes the first boxer to beat Muhammad Ali in a professional fight, at New York's Madison Square Gardens Go to Frazier, Joe (1944–2011) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States Hip-hop originates as a dance style in New York among young African Americans Go to hip-hop in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Social and domestic Society North America United States Indian sitar-player Ravi Shankar composes the first of his two concertos for sitar and orchestra Go to Shankar, Ravi (7 April 1920) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) The Soviets put into orbit the first space station, Salyut 1, but the crew of three die on returning to earth Go to Salyut in A Dictionary of Space Exploration (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Astronomy and space Europe Russia The 19-year-old Jean Claude Duvalier, succeeding his father as president of Haiti, becomes known as Baby Doc Go to Duvalier, Jean‐Claude (b. 3 July 1951) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Caribbean Duel, about a motorist terrorized by a truck driver, launches Stephen Spielberg's career as a film director in Hollywood Go to Spielberg, Steven (1947– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States With support from Moscow, Erich Honecker takes Walter Ulbricht's place as leader of East Germany Go to Honecker, Erich (b. 25 Aug. 1912) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Germany Wars since 1900 Ian Paisley and others in northern Ireland form the Democratic Unionist Party, as the intransigent wing of Ulster Unionism Go to Democratic Unionist Party in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain Awami League leader Mujibur Rahman declares unilaterally that Bangladesh (East Pakistan) is an independent state Go to Bangladesh in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Mobutu gives the Congo a new name, Zaire, deriving from an African word for river Go to Congo, Democratic Republic of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa Central Africa East Africa King Hussein, alarmed at the continuing power of Palestinian guerrillas within Jordan, expels the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Go to Hussein ibn Talal (b. 14 Nov. 1935) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Evidence of official deception concerning US involvement in Vietnam is published in the New York Times as the Pentagon Papers Go to Pentagon Papers in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War North America United States The arrest of Mujibur Rahman, together with brutal attempts at repression, turn resistance in East Pakistan into full-scale civil war Go to Bangladesh in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan 19-year-old Aboriginal tennis player Evonne Goolagong wins the singles title at Wimbledon Go to Cawley, Evonne Fay (1951– ) in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Australia and Oceania Society Australia Gerry Adams is imprisoned for suspected IRA links but is released for lack of evidence Go to Adams, Gerard (b. 6 Oct. 1948) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wins the Nobel Prize for Literature Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century China Latin America Chile South America In the Apollo 15 mission US astronauts David Scott and James Irwin drive the vehicle Rover-1 on the surface of the moon Go to lunar roving vehicle in A Dictionary of Space Exploration (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Astronomy and space North America United States Internment without trial, reintroduced in Ulster to deal with the developing crisis, is used at first only against Catholics suspected of terrorism Go to internment in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Stanley Kubrick directs Malcolm McDowell in a film of Anthony Burgess's novel A Clockwork Orange Go to Clockwork Orange, A in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States British artist David Hockney paints a striking triple portrait in Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy Go to Hockney, David (9 July 1937) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Greenpeace is founded in Canada to campaign against US nuclear testing Go to Greenpeace in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion North America Canada Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar is staged a year after being released as a record Go to Jesus Christ Superstar (1971) in The Oxford Companion to American Theatre (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain 95-year-old Spanish cellist Pablo Casals conducts in New York his Hymn to the United Nations Go to Casals, Pablo (1876) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Spain North America United States India intervenes in the Pakistan civil war on the side of East Pakistan, the future Bangladesh Go to Bangladesh in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Pakistan Peter Maxwell Davies moves to the Orkneys, where he founds (in 1977) the St Magnus Festival Go to Davies, Sir Peter Maxwell (1934– ) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), expelled from Jordan, makes a new base in Lebanon Go to PLO in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Libya's political bible is now the Green Book by Muammar al-Gaddafi Go to Gaddafi, Mu'ammer Muhammad al (1942–2011) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa North Africa Pakistan surrenders to India within a month of Indian intervention in the war to suppress East Pakistan Go to Indo‐Pakistan Wars in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Pakistan With the end of the war between Pakistan and India, East Pakistan becomes independent as Bangladesh Go to Bangladesh in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto takes over as president of Pakistan, now consisting only of its western half Go to Bhutto, Zulfiqar Ali (5 Jan. 1928) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan
1972	Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returns from prison in West Pakistan to become prime minister of the newly independent state of Bangladesh Go to Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh (b. 1920) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Aborigines pitch a Tent Embassy on Australia Day outside parliament in Canberra to highlight political injustices Go to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Australia and Oceania Australia British paratroops open fire on a civil rights march in Derry, killing thirteen, in what becomes known as Bloody Sunday Go to ‘Bloody Sunday’ (1887) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Society Rulers and politicians Britain The British government suspends the parliament at Stormont and imposes direct rule from Westminster Go to Stormont in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain An Equal Rights Amendment is passed by Congress but fails when not ratified in sufficient states Go to Equal Rights Amendment. (1923) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society North America United States In an orgy of ethnic slaughter in Burundi, Tutsis klll some 100,000 Hutus Go to Burundi in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Africa East Africa The SALT 1 treaty is signed by the US and USSR, limiting anti-ballistic missiles Go to Strategic Arms Limitation/Strategic Arms Reduction Talks in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Weapons Europe Russia North America United States Ultimos Ritos ('Last Rites'), an oratorio by John Tavener, has its first performance in Haarlem in the Netherlands Go to Tavener, John Kenneth (1944– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Bernardo Bertolucci directs Marlon Brando in the sexually explicit film Last Tango in Paris Go to Bertolucci, Bernardo (1940– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Europe Italy North America United States Jean-Marie Le Pen founds a neo-Fascist party in France, the National Front Go to Front National in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe France Five burglars are arrested breaking into the Democratic National Committee HQ at the Watergate office building in Washington Go to Watergate Scandal in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Spanish director Luis Buñuel satirizes social conventions in his film Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie Go to Buñuel, Luis (1900–1983) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Europe Spain Francis Ford Coppola writes and directs The Godfather, the first of three related films Go to Coppola, Francis Ford (1939– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Peter Maxwell Davies's opera Taverneris performed at Covent Garden Go to Davies, Sir Peter Maxwell (1934– ) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Eleven Israeli athletes are killed by Palestinian 'Black September' terrorists at the Munich Olympic Games Go to Black September in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Germany US swimmer Mark Spitz wins seven gold medals in the Munich Olympics Go to Spitz, Mark Andrew (1950– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States The Tuskegee syphilis experiment in Alabama becomes a major scandal after a whistle-blower reveals the details Go to Tuskegee Experiment. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Medicine Social and domestic Society North America United States Ferdinand Marcos declares martial law in the Philippines, citing the danger of a Communist takeover Go to Marcos, Ferdinand Edralin (11 Sept. 1917) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia East Asia Southeast Asia English dramatist Caryl Churchill's first play, Owners, is produced in London Go to Churchill, Caryl (1938– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The Washington Post publishes the first report that the Watergate break-in was linked to Richard Nixon's re-election campaign Go to Watergate Scandal in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States English poet James Fenton publishes his first collection, Terminal Moraine Go to Fenton, James (1949– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Richard Nixon is re-elected US president with a landslide victory over Democrat George McGovern Go to Nixon, Richard Milhous (1913–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Chess player Bobby Fischer defeats Boris Spassky to become the first US world champion Go to Fischer, Bobby (1943–2008) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States Gough Whitlam is Australia's prime minister after Labor party victory Go to Whitlam, Gough (b. 11 July 1916) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Australia and Oceania Australia Russian composer Alfred Schnittke's First Symphony alarms the Soviet authorities and is denied a Moscow premiere Go to Schnittke [Schnitke], Alfred (Garriyevich) (24 Nov. 1934) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Russia
1973	Prime minister Jack Lynch leads Ireland into the European Community Go to Lynch, Jack (1917–1999) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Prime minister Edward Heath takes Britain into the European Community, on the third attempt Go to Heath, Edward (9 July 1916) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Paris Peace Accords end the US combat role in Vietnam, with nothing achieved and millions dead Go to Paris Peace Accords (27 Jan. 1973) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians North America United States Elvis Presley performs in Honolulu in the Aloha Concert, the first programme to be broadcast live round the world by satellite Go to Presley, Elvis - Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States In the Calder case, the Supreme Court of Canada recognizes Aboriginal title to land Go to Aboriginal land claims, northern Canada in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics North America Canada A Little Night Music, with lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim, has its premiere in New York Go to Little Night Music, A (1973) in The Oxford Companion to American Theatre (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre North America United States Activists of the American Indian Movement survive a ten-week siege at Wounded Knee, winning international attention Go to American Indian Movement in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics American Indians North America United States British economist Ernst Friedrich Schumacher publishes an influential economic tract, Small is Beautiful Go to Schumacher, Ernst Friedrich (1911–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain US choreographer Twyla Tharp creates Deuce Coupe, set to songs by the Beach Boys Go to Tharp, Twyla (1 Jul. 1941) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States Roe v. Wade establishes in US law that prohibiting abortion violates a woman's right to privacy Go to Roev.Wade in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Society North America United States The last US troops leave Vietnam, ending American involvement in a continuing war between the north and south of the country Go to Vietnam War (1964–75) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians The Sears Tower opens in Chicago, displacing the Empire State as the tallest building in the world Go to Sears Tower in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture American architecture North America United States Paul Newman and Robert Redford star in the film The Sting Go to Redford, Robert (1936– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States The score of the film The Sting revives interest in Scott Joplin and ragtime Go to Joplin, Scott (1868–1917) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Music North America United States Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow conjures up weird events in wartime London Go to Pynchon, Thomas (1937–) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States The Polisario is formed to fight for the independence of Western Sahara Go to Polisario Front in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Winning power in a military coup, Juvenal Habyarimana begins a 21-year spell as dictator in Rwanda Go to Habyarimana, Juvénal (1937?–1994) in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa East Africa The career of virtuoso cellist Jacqueline du Pré's is cut short by multiple sclerosis Go to du Pré, Jacqueline (1945–1987) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The Watergate scandal claims its first senior victims with the resignation of two of Nixon's closest advisers, Bob Haldeman and John Ehrlichman Go to Watergate affair (1972–74) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States A military coup plunges democratic Uruguay into eleven years of repressive terror Go to Uruguay in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America South America A military coup deposes Zahir Shah and brings to an end the hereditary monarchy in Afghanistan Go to Afghanistan in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Likud is formed in Israel as an alliance of right-wing parties Go to Likud (‘Union’), Israel in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel US author Stephen King publishes Carrie, the first of his many best-selling horror novels Go to King, Stephen (1947) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States President Salvador Allende appoints Augusto Pinochet commander-in-chief of the Chilean army and brings him into the cabinet Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Cold war China Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America The 77-year-old Juan Perón, after returning to Argentina, is once again elected president Go to Perón, Juan (b. 8 Oct. 1895) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Argentina South America William Friedkin directs a horror movie, The Exorcist, from a novel by William Peter Blatty Go to Blatty, William Peter (1928– ) in A Dictionary of Writers and their Works (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Henry Kissinger, previously head of the National Security Council, is appointed US secretary of state Go to Kissinger, Henry Alfred (1923– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics North America United States Chilean president Salvador Allende dies in the Chilean capital, Santiago, in a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet Go to Allende, Salvador (b. 26 July 1908) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Cold war China Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America The first volume of Alexander Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago, an exposé of Stalin's labour camps, is published in Paris Go to Solzhenitsyn, Alexander (1918–2008) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Communism Europe Russia The Sydney Opera House opens with a performance by Australian Opera of Prokofiev's War and Peace Go to Sydney Opera House in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture Performing arts Music Opera Australia and Oceania Australia Egypt and Syria launch a surprise attack against Israel on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement Go to Yom Kippur War (Oct. 1973) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Africa North Africa Egypt Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel US vice-president Spiro Agnew resigns when convicted on charges of bribery Go to Agnew, Spiro (9 Nov. 1918) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Richard Nixon appoints Gerald Ford as his vice-president in place of the disgraced Spiro Agnew Go to Ford, Gerald R(udolph) (1913–2006) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Arab oil-exporting countries cause an economic crisis by denying oil to western countries supporting Israel Go to oil crisis in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Africa North Africa Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Society North America US author Erica Jong publishes her first novel, Fear of Flying Go to Jong, Erica (1942) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States A cease-fire brokered by the USA and UN brings the Yom Kippur War to and end after 18 days Go to Yom Kippur War (Oct. 1973) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Patrick White is the first Australian to win the Nobel Prize for Literature Go to White, Patrick (1912–90) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Literature in English Australia and Oceania Australia Martin Amis, son of Kingsley Amis, publishes his first novel, The Rachel Papers Go to Amis, Martin (1949– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1974	Alexander Solzhenitsyn is deported from the USSR to West Germany for publishing The Gulag Archipelago Go to Solzhenitsyn, Alexander (1918–2008) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Europe Russia Antoinette Sibley and Anthony Dowell dance together in the premiere of Kenneth MacMillan's Manon Go to Manon in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain British physicist Stephen Hawking describes how black holes can emit radiation, a process now known as 'Hawking radiation' Go to Hawking, Stephen William (1943– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain More than 7000 life-size terracotta solders are unearthed at Xi'an, placed to guard the tomb of the third century BC Chinese emperor Shi Huangdi Go to Sian in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Asia East Asia China A military coup in Portugal ends four decades of Salazar's and Caetano's dictatorial New State Go to Caetano, Marcello José das Neves Alves (17 Aug. 1906) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe Portugal Augusto Pinochet takes sole power in Chile, at the head of a junta which governs with extreme brutality Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Cold war China Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America Donald Johanson and Tom Gray find an almost complete Australopithecus female skeleton at Hadar in Ethiopia, and nickname her Lucy after the Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Life sciences Africa East Africa Ethiopia Willy Brandt resigns and is succeeded by Helmut Schmidt, as leader of the SDP and chancellor of Germany Go to Schmidt, Helmut (b. 23 Dec. 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany Former prime minister Harold Wilson returns to Downing Street as leader of a minority government, but wins a second general election later in the year Go to Wilson, Harold, Baron Wilson of Rievaulx (b. 11 Mar. 1916) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Valéry Giscard d'Estaing defeats François Mitterrand in the French presidential election Go to Giscard D'Estaing, Valéry (1926– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe France Golda Meir resigns and Yitzhak Rabin succeeds her as leader of the Labour party and Israeli prime minister Go to Rabin, Yitzhak (b. 1 Mar. 1922) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel US tennis player Chris Evert wins the first of three victories at Wimbledon and of seven in the French Open Go to Evert, Chris(tine Marie) (1954– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States Jimmy Connors wins both Wimbledon and the US Open, on each occasion defeating the veteran Ken Rosewall Go to Connors, Jimmy (1952– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States German-born British art historian Nikolaus Pevsner completes his monumental 46-volume Buildings of England Go to Pevsner, Sir Nikolaus (30 Jan. 1902) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture British architecture Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Isabel Perón becomes president of Argentina on the death of her husband Juan Perón Go to Perón, Isabel (b. 5 Feb. 1931) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Argentina South America An uprising organized in Ethiopia by the Dergue results in the arrest of Haile Selassie and his murder a year later Go to Haile Selassie I, Emperor (27 Jul. 1882) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Africa East Africa Ethiopia Turkish troops invade and occupy northeast Cyprus, causing the island to be divided for decades to come Go to Cyprus in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Europe The US Supreme Court orders President Nixon to hand over White House tapes of conversations relevant to Watergate Go to Watergate Scandal in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States The House Judiciary Committee takes the first steps in the process of impeaching President Nixon, citing obstruction of justice Go to Nixon, Richard Milhous (1913–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Soviet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov defects from the Kirov company while on tour in Canada Go to Baryshnikov, Mikhail Nikolaievich (1948– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Europe Russia North America Canada Faced by the prospect of impeachment over Watergate, President Nixon resigns Go to Nixon, Richard Milhous (1913–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Richard Nixon is succeeded as US president by his vice-president, Gerald Ford Go to Ford, Gerald Rudolph (14 July 1913) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States President Ford pardons ex-president Nixon for his part in the Watergate affair, thus removing the possibility of criminal charges Go to Nixon, Richard Milhous (1913–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Muhammad Ali regains the world heavyweight title, beating George Foreman in Zaire in a fight that becomes known as the Rumble in the Jungle Go to Ali, Muhammad (1942– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States Portuguese Guinea becomes independent as Guinea-Bissau, with Luís Cabral as president Go to Guinea-Bissau in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Kenneth MacMillan uses Scott Joplin as his score for a ragtime ballet, Elite Syncopations Go to Elite Syncopations in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Britain The SNP achieves a surge in Scottish nationalism, winning eleven seats at Westminster on 30% of the Scottish vote Go to Scottish National Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Canadian province of Quebec introduces Bill 22, making French the province's sole official language Go to Quebec language laws in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics North America Canada Cyclone Tracy devastates the Australian city of Darwin on Christmas Day, destroying 80% of the domestic buildings Go to Cyclone Tracy in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Australia and Oceania Society Australia
1975	Internment is ended in Ulster after the Gardiner Report states that it brings the law into disrepute Go to internment in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Britain The independence of Angola is established in the Alvor agreement between Portugal and three rival guerrilla groups, the MPLA, FNLA, and UNITA Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Europe Empires The MPLA, controlling the capital but not the country, declares itself the government of newly independent Angola Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Africa South Africa Richard Burton marries Elizabeth Taylor for the second time, five years after divorcing Go to Burton, Richard (1925–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain North America United States The republic of Dahomey changes its name to one already famous in African history – Benin Go to Benin in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa West Africa UNITA and the FNLA join forces to set up a rival Angolan government at Huambo, in the south of the country Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Africa South Africa Chiang Kai-shek dies and is succeeded by his son, Chiang Ching-Kuo, as leader of the republic of China in Taiwan Go to Chiang Ching-kuo (18 Mar. 1910) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia East Asia Anatoly Karpov becomes world chess champion by default when Bobby Fischer fails to defend his title Go to Karpov, Anatoly Yevgenyevich (1951– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Europe Russia Society The king of Morocco sends 350,000 settlers across the border into Western Sahara Go to bin Mohammed, Hassan Moulai (9 Jul. 1929) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires The South Vietnamese capital, Saigon, is taken by North Vietnamese forces Go to Saigon, fall of (30 Apr. 1975) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians South Vietnam surrenders, as President Duong Van Minh broadcasts an order to all South Viernames forces to lay down their arms Go to Vietnam War (1964–75) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam The Willis Faber building, by English architect Norman Foster, is completed in Ipswich Go to Foster, Sir Norman Robert (1935– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Khmer Rouge guerrillas, led by Pol Pot, take Phnom Penh and launch a genocidal reign of terror in Cambodia Go to Khmer Rouge in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia East Asia Southeast Asia US author E.L. Doctorow sets his novel Ragtime in the early years of the 20th century Go to Doctorow, E[dgar] L[awrence] (1931–) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States The first series of Fawlty Towers, co-written by and starring John Cleese, is broadcast on British TV Go to Cleese, John Marwood (1939– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Yakubu Gowon, who united Nigeria after the Biafran war, is thrown out in a military coup Go to Gowon, Yakubu (19 Oct. 1934) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa West Africa Germany Milos Forman directs Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, based on a novel by Ken Kesey Go to Forman, Miloš (1932– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States David Hockney begins a new career as a set designer, with The Rake's Progress by Stravinksky at Glyndebourne Go to Hockney, David (1937– ) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Portuguese East Africa becomes independent as Mozambique, with Frelimo as the only political party Go to Mozambique in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa South Africa Europe Empires The Cape Verde islands, off the west coast of Africa, become independent as the republic of Cape Verde Go to Cape Verde in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Astronauts Tom Stafford and Aleksei Leonov shake hands when their Apollo and Soyuz craft successfully dock in space Go to Apollo–Soyuz Test Project in A Dictionary of Space Exploration (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Astronomy and space Europe Russia North America United States Czech choreographer Jiri Kylián becomes director of the Netherlands Dance Theatre in The Hague Go to Kylián, Jiří (21 Mar. 1947) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Europe Netherlands US director Steven Spielberg has a major success with his second feature film, Jaws Go to Spielberg, Steven (1947– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Mujibur Rahman, with most of his family, is assassinated by junior officers in a coup in Bangladesh Go to Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh (b. 1920) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) The island of Papua New Guinea wins independence from Australia Go to Papua New Guinea in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Australia and Oceania Australia School friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen found a software firm, calling it Microsoft Go to Microsoft in A Dictionary of Computing (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America United States Excavation of the 5200-year-old passage grave at Newgrange in Ireland is completed Go to Newgrange, Co. Meath, Ireland in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Austrian racing driver Niki Lauda wins the first of three Formula One world championship titles Go to Lauda, Niki (1949– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Austria Society The British group the Sex Pistols launch punk rock, with their first gig at St Martin's School of Art in London Go to Sex Pistols in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain There is political turmoil in Australia after the governor-general, Sir John Kerr, dismisses prime minister Gough Whitlam Go to Whitlam, Gough (b. 11 July 1916) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Australia and Oceania Australia Australian governor-general Sir John Kerr appoints Liberal leader Malcolm Fraser as caretaker prime minister Go to Fraser, Malcolm (1930– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Australia and Oceania Australia Franco dies and is succeeded as Spanish head of state by Juan Carlos, heir to the Bourbon throne Go to Juan Carlos I (b. 5 Jan. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Spain English author Ruth Prawer Jhabwala wins the Booker Prize with her novel Heat and Dust Go to Jhabvala, Ruth Prawer (1927– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Surinam wins independence from the Dutch, with Johan Ferrier as the first president Go to Surinam in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Latin America South America Robert Muldoon is prime minister of New Zealand after a National Party ;election victory Go to Muldoon, Robert David (25 Sept. 1921) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Australia and Oceania New Zealand In Angola the USA and USSR fund rival guerrilla groups, MPLA and UNITA Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Cold war Africa South Africa Wars since 1900 The invasion of East Timor by Indonesia begins decades of guerrilla resistance and brutal repression Go to Timor Leste in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Canadian novelist Robertson Davies completes his semi-autobiographical Deptford Trilogy Go to Davies, Robertson (1913–95) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America Canada Malcolm Fraser becomes the Australian prime minister, winning the first of three general election victories Go to Fraser, Malcolm (1930– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Australia and Oceania Australia Cuban troops, sent by Castro to Angola, clash with South African forces attempting to combat communism Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Africa South Africa Wars since 1900 Latin America Cuba
1976	Mikhail Baryshnikov dances in the New York premiere of Twyla Tharp's ballet Push Comes to Shove Go to Baryshnikov, Mikhail Nikolaievich (1948– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States Nkomo and Mugabe merge their guerrilla troops in a more effective disruptive force, to be known as the Patriotic Front Go to Mugabe, Robert Gabriel (1924– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Zimbabwe Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs design and market a personal computer, calling it the Apple Go to Apple Inc. in A Dictionary of Computing (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Technology Communication Society North America United States Portugal adopts a democratic constitution after 43 years of dictatorship Go to Portugal in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe Portugal Frederick Ashton creates a ballet based on Turgenev's play A Month in the Country, to music by Chopin Go to Ashton, Sir Frederick William Mallandaine (1904–1988) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Harold Wilson unexpectedly resigns as the British prime minister and is succeeded by James Callaghan Go to Callaghan, (Leonard) James, Baron (1912–2005) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain 14-year-old Jodie Foster stars as a drug-addicted child prostitute in Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver Go to Foster, Jodie (1962– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Mary Leakey and her team find footprints, about 3.6 million years old, of bipedal hominids walking upright at Laetoli in Tanzania Go to Leakey, Mary (1913–1996) in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Africa East Africa The UN entrusts the Western Sahara to joint administration by Morocco and Mauritania Go to Western Sahara in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires The British public is outraged to discover that the Tate Gallery has spent money purchasing Carl Andre's arrangement of bricks, Equivalent VIII Go to Andre, Carl (16 Sept. 1935) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain A guerrilla movement, with Rhodesian backing, launches a long civil war against Frelimo in Mozambique Go to Mozambique in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Africa South Africa A military coup in Argentina brings to an end the two-year presidency of Juan Perón's widow, Isabelita Go to Argentina in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Argentina South America Polish composer Henryk Górecki completes his Third Symphony Go to Górecki, Henryk (1933) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Poland The Polisario, as a government-in-exile in Algeria, proclaim the independence of Western Sahara as the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic Go to Western Sahara in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Britain's new National Theatre, designed by Denys Lasdun, opens on the South Bank in London, Go to National Theatre in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Pierre Boulez establishes in Paris IRCAM, an advanced institute for research into the techniques of modern music Go to Boulez, Pierre (1925) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe France Hundreds of deaths and casualties result from police firing on a demonstration by schoolchildren in the black township of Soweto Go to Soweto in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Mario Soares becomes Portugal's first democratically elected prime minister in half a century Go to Soares, Mário Alberto Nobre Lopes (29 Dec. 1924) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe Portugal In a daring raid on Entebbe airport, Israeli troops rescue hostages hijacked on a flight from Tel Aviv to Paris Go to Entebbe Raid in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Africa East Africa Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Society The Swedish tennis player Björn Borg wins the first of five consecutive singles titles at Wimbledon Go to Borg, Björn (1956– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Europe Sweden Society The landing section of the US spacecraft Viking 1 detaches from the orbiter and makes a successful landing on Mars Go to Viking in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Astronomy and space North America United States Liverpool football player Kevin Keegan begins six years as captain of England Go to Keegan, (Joseph) Kevin (1951– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Black American author Alex Haley traces his family origins in Africa in Roots Go to Haley, Alex (1921–1992) in The Concise Oxford Companion to African American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America United States 333 days after leaving Earth, the landing section of the US spacecraft Viking 2 touches down on Mars and begins sending back photographs Go to Viking in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Astronomy and space North America United States Mao Zedong dies in Beijing, at the age of 82, and lies in state in the Great Hall of the People Go to Mao Zedong (b. 26 Dec. 1893) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia East Asia China Bulgarian-born US artist Christo (Christo Javacheff) constructs a 24-mile Running Fence in California Go to Christo (13 June 1935) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts American art North America United States The much-hated Gang of Four are arrested in China within weeks of Mao Zedong's death Go to Gang of Four in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia East Asia China The incumbent president Gerald Ford is defeated by Democrat Jimmy Carter in the US election Go to Carter, Jimmy (1924– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States 19-year-old Spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros ends the year as number one in Europe Go to Ballesteros, Severiano (1957–2011) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Europe Spain Society
1977	Mengistu Haile Mariam seizes control of Ethiopia's ruling Dergue (military council) in a violent coup Go to Mengistu Haile Mariam (1940) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa East Africa Ethiopia Royal tombs are excavated at Vergina, in Macedonia, probably including that of Philip of Macedon Go to Vergina, Macedonia, Greece in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Europe Greece Jacques Chirac, leader of a recently formed neo-Gaullist party, is elected mayor of Paris Go to Chirac, Jacques René (b. 29 Nov. 1932) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe France Steven Spielberg writes and directs an influential science fiction movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind Go to Spielberg, Steven (1947– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Likud leader Menachem Begin, at the head of a coalition government, becomes Israel's first non-socialist prime minister Go to Begin, Menachem (b. 16 Aug. 1913) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel A treaty provides for the gradual transfer of the Canal Zone from US to Panamanian control Go to Panama Canal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Latin America Central America North America United States George Lucas writes and directs a science fantasy, Star Wars, launching a narrative that will be expanded in a further five films Go to Lucas, George (1944– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States The French Territory of Afars and Issas becomes independent as Djibouti, with Hassan Gouled Aptidon as president Go to Djibouti in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa French empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires German author Botho Strauss's play Three Acts of Recognition wins him an international audience Go to Strauss, Botho (1944) in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature German literature Drama Germany Zia ul-Haq, the Chief of Army Staff, takes power in a bloodless coup against the government of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Go to Zia‐ul‐Haq, General Mohammed (b. 1924) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan Estonian composer Arvo Pärt completes his choral work Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten Go to Pärt, Arvo (1935) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Elvis Presley dies, aged 42, at his home in Memphis, Tennessee Go to Presley, Elvis Aaron (1935–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States After making several films together, Woody Allen and his partner Diane Keaton have an Oscar-winning success with Annie Hall Go to Allen, Woody (1935– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States The Pompidou Centre, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, opens in Paris Go to Pompidou Centre in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture French architecture Europe France Steve Biko, founder of Black Consciousness, dies of head wounds received in police custody in Pretoria Go to Biko, Steve (b. 18 Dec. 1946) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Anwar el-Sadat, the Egyptian president, travels to Jerusalem to propose a peace plan to the Israelis Go to Sadat, Anwar Mohammed (25 Dec. 1918) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Jerusalem Africa North Africa Egypt Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel In a multi-million dollar ceremony, Jean-Bédel Bokassa proclaims himself emperor of the Central African Republic Go to Bokassa, Jean Bédel (b. 22 Feb. 1921) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa Central Africa East Africa
1978	Kenneth MacMillan turns a double suicide of 1889 into a ferociously dramatic ballet, Mayerling Go to MacMillan, Sir Kenneth (1929–1992) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain US author John Irving has wide success with his novel The World According to Garp Go to Irving, John (1942–) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Hungarian composer György Ligeti's opera Le Grand Macabre has its premiere in Stockholm Go to Ligeti, György (1923) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Hungary John Mortimer's Rumpole of the Bailey, with Leo McKern in the title role, begins its first series of six episodes on British TV Go to Mortimer, John (1923–2009) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Former Italian prime minister Aldo Moro is abducted and assassinated by the terrorist Red Brigades Go to Moro, Aldo (b. 23 Sept. 1916) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe Italy Iris Murdoch publishes The Sea, the Sea, and wins the 1978 Booker Prize Go to Murdoch, Dame Iris (1919–99) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain English author Andrew Motion publishes his first collection of poems, The Pleasure Steamers Go to Motion, Andrew (1952– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Muhammad Ali is the first boxer to become world heavyweight champion three times, defeating Leon Spinks in a return match a year after losing the title Go to Ali, Muhammad (1942– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States Shining Path and Tupac Amaru emerge as left-wing guerrilla groups in Peru Go to Sendero Luminoso in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Latin America Peru South America Douglas Adams creates Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy as a science fiction comedy series for BBC's Radio 4 Go to Adams, Douglas (1952–2001) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Czech-born US tennis player Martina Navratilova wins the first of nine singles titles at Wimbledon Go to Navratilova, Martina (1956– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain North America United States English cricketer Ian Botham sets a new Test record, scoring a century and taking eight wickets against Pakistan at Lord's Go to Botham, Ian (Terence) (1955– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Louise Brown, born in England, is the first test-tube baby, having been conceived by IVF (In vitro fertilization) Go to in vitro fertilization in Concise Medical Dictionary (8 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Medicine Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Jomo Kenyatta dies in office as Kenya's president and is succeeded by his deputy, Daniel arap Moi Go to Moi, Daniel Toroitich arap (b. 2 Sept. 1924) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa East Africa Italian cardinal Albino Luciani is elected pope and takes the name John Paul I Go to John Paul I (28 Sept. 1978) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Sandinista guerrillas make a surprise attack on the National Palace in Nicaragua, taking more than 1000 people hostage Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination Latin America Central America Anwar el-Sadat and Menachem Begin sign an Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty at Camp David in the USA Go to Camp David Accords (Sept. 1978) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Africa North Africa Egypt Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Rulers and politicians North America United States British author Ian McEwan publishes his first novel, The Cement Garden Go to McEwan, Ian (1948– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Pope John Paul I dies, after a pontificate of only 33 days Go to John Paul I (28 Sept. 1978) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Italy A Catholic-Orthodox joint commission acknowledges the long-term aim of re-establishing full communion between the two churches Go to Catholic Church, Roman in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Christianity Catholic and orthodox Italy David Attenborough writes and presents Life on Earth, a television series on evolution – the first of his many surveys of natural history Go to Attenborough, Sir David Frederick (1926– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Polish cardinal Karol Wojtyla is elected pope and takes the name John Paul II Go to John Paul II (1920–2005) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Belgian cyclist Eddie Merckz retires after a 14-year career with a record 445 victories Go to Merckx, Eddy (1945– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Europe Belgium Society Demonstrations take place throughout Iran, demanding Islamic rule under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini Go to Khomeini, Ayatollah Ruhollah (1900–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Islam Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat share the Nobel Peace Prize Go to Sadat, Mohammed Anwar al (1918–1981) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa North Africa Egypt Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Vietnamese forces invade Cambodia, driving out Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge Go to Cambodia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam There are so many strikes in Britain this winter that it becomes known as the 'winter of discontent' Go to winter of discontent in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1979	An Islamic revolution forces the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to flee from Iran Go to Pahlavi, Muhammad Reza (1919–80) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Religion Islam Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Morocco annexes the Mauritanian part of the Western Sahara, thus taking control of the entire region Go to Western Sahara in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Ayatollah Khomeini receives a rapturous welcome on his return to Iran to head the Islamic Revolutionary Committee Go to Khomeini, Ayatollah Ruhollah (1900–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Islam Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Francis Ford Coppola directs Marlon Brando and Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now Go to Coppola, Francis Ford (1939– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Idi Amin flees from Uganda as Tanzanian troops reach his capital, Kampala Go to Amin, Idi (1925) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa East Africa Partial meltdown of a US nuclear power station at Three Mile Island, near Harrisburg, spreads radioactive steam over a large surrounding area Go to Three Mile Island in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Society North America United States Ex-president Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is executed in Pakistan for allegedly authorizing the murder of a political opponent Go to Bhutto, Zulfikar Ali (b. 5 Jan. 1928) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan The first multiracial elections held in Rhodesia are won by bishop Abel Muzorewa Go to Muzorewa, Abel Tendekayi (b. 14 Apr. 1925) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics British empire Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Empires Communist measures in Afghanistan provoke a Muslim jihad and the murder of more than 100 Russians in Herat Go to Afghanistan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion Religion Islam Asia Central Asia Afghanistan The Conservative party wins the general election and Margaret Thatcher becomes Britain's first female prime minister Go to Thatcher, Margaret Hilda, Baroness (1925– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The emergency measures underpinning military rule are repealed in Brazil, and an amnesty restores political rights Go to Brazil in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Brazil South America John Paul II makes an emotional and influential return to Poland, the country of his birth Go to John Paul II (1920–2005) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Christianity Europe Poland Young officers, led by flight lieutenant Jerry Rawlings, take power in a coup in Ghana Go to Rawlings, Jerry John (22 June 1947) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa West Africa Peter Shaffer's play about Mozart, Amadeus, has its premiere in London Go to Shaffer, Peter Levin (1926– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain A Sandinista junta, headed by Daniel Ortega, takes power in Nicaragua – bringing to an end four decades of brutal rule by the Somoza dynasty Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Central America Daniel Ortega leads the Sandinistas to electoral victory in Nicaragua Go to Shaffer, Peter Levin (1926) in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Central America Lord Mountbatten is killed by an IRA bomb that explodes on his boat in the bay of Donegal Go to Mountbatten of Burma, Louis, 1st Earl (1900–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Opponents of the Sandinistas flee from Nicaragua into Honduras, where they become known as the Contras Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Latin America Central America Saddam Hussein begins a reign of terror in Iraq, reading out at a meeting the names of fellow Ba'thists who are to be taken out and shot Go to Hussein, Saddam (28 Apr. 1937) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Terrorism and assassination Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq 20-year-old US tennis player John McEnroe wins the singles title in the US Open for the first of four times Go to McEnroe, John Patrick (1959– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States British artist Richard Long lays out his Slate Circle at the Tate Gallery in London Go to Long, Richard (2 June 1945) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain French paratroops bring to an end the savage rule of Bokassa in the Central African Republic Go to Bokassa, Jean Bédel (b. 22 Feb. 1921) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa Central Africa East Africa Supporters of Ayatollah Khomeini seize the US embassy in Tehran, taking hostage 66 US citizens Go to Iran hostage crisis (4 Nov. 1979–20 Jan. 1980) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination Religion Islam US presidents Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Rulers and politicians Soviet troops invade Afghanistan to suppress anti-communist anarchy Go to Afghanistan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Communism War Asia Central Asia Afghanistan A conference in London, at Lancaster House, finally achieves agreement on Southern Rhodesia Go to Zimbabwe in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Britain Britain agrees to fund the purchase of land of British farmers in Southern Rhodesia willing to sell, for a much-needed land distribution programme Go to Zimbabwe in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Zimbabwe The Global Commission for the Eradication of Smallpox announces that the world is free of the disease Go to smallpox in Concise Medical Dictionary (8 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Medicine
1979 April 29	The first flight by a solar-powered piloted aircraft is achieved when Larry Mauro's Solar Riser is able to climb to about 40 feet and glide for half a mile Go to solar energy in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology

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date: 17 May 2025

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Timeline: 1970s