1979
Eight people escape from East Germany to the west in a homemade hot air balloon.
Eight people escape from East Germany to the west in a homemade hot air balloon.
1979 in History
57 events found for 1979
1979
The Sugarhill Gang released their first single, Rapper's Delight.
The Sugarhill Gang released their first single, Rapper's Delight.
1979
A French-supported coup d'état in the Central African Empire overthrows Emperor Bokassa I.
A French-supported coup d'état in the Central African Empire overthrows Emperor Bokassa I.
1979
A bright flash, resembling the detonation of a nuclear weapon, is observed near the Prince Edward Islands. Its cause…
A bright flash, resembling the detonation of a nuclear weapon, is observed near the Prince Edward Islands. Its cause…
1979
Equatorial Guinean dictator Francisco Macías Nguema is executed by soldiers from Western Sahara.
Equatorial Guinean dictator Francisco Macías Nguema is executed by soldiers from Western Sahara.
1979
Pope John Paul II begins his first pastoral visit to the United States.
Pope John Paul II begins his first pastoral visit to the United States.
1979
The MTR, Hong Kong's rapid transit railway system, opens.
The MTR, Hong Kong's rapid transit railway system, opens.
1979
Pope John Paul II becomes the first pontiff to visit the White House.
Pope John Paul II becomes the first pontiff to visit the White House.
1979
Swissair Flight 316 crashes at Ellinikon International Airport in Athens, Greece, killing 14.
Swissair Flight 316 crashes at Ellinikon International Airport in Athens, Greece, killing 14.
1979
The Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant began operations in Eurajoki, Satakunta, Finland.
The Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant began operations in Eurajoki, Satakunta, Finland.
1979
Typhoon Tip becomes the largest and most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded.
Typhoon Tip becomes the largest and most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded.
1979
The first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights draws approximately 100,000 people.
The first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights draws approximately 100,000 people.
1979
Supporters of the Malta Labour Party ransack and destroy the Times of Malta building and other locations associated…
Supporters of the Malta Labour Party ransack and destroy the Times of Malta building and other locations associated…
1979
A coup d'état in El Salvador overthrows President Carlos Humberto Romero and begins the 12 year-long Salvadoran Civil…
A coup d'état in El Salvador overthrows President Carlos Humberto Romero and begins the 12 year-long Salvadoran Civil…
1979
Mother Teresa is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mother Teresa is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
1979
The Department of Education Organization Act creates the U.S. Department of Education.
The Department of Education Organization Act creates the U.S. Department of Education.
1979
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) begins allowing people to have home satellite earth stations without a…
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) begins allowing people to have home satellite earth stations without a…