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  • Pakistan
    1979
    Bin Laden

    Soviet–Afghan War

    Pakistan
    1979

    After leaving college in 1979, bin Laden went to Pakistan, joined Abdullah Azzam and used money and machinery from his own construction company to help the Mujahideen resistance in the Soviet–Afghan War.




  • Jeddah, Saudi Arabia K.S.A.
    1979
    Bin Laden

    Education

    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia K.S.A.
    1979

    He studied economics and business administration at King Abdulaziz University. Some reports suggest he earned a degree in civil engineering in 1979, or a degree in public administration in 1981.




  • Spain
    1979
    Visa Inc.

    Banco de Bilbao

    Spain
    1979

    In Spain, until 1979 the only issuer was Banco de Bilbao.




  • Cambridge, England
    1979
    Stephen Hawking

    Elected Lucasian Professor of Mathematics

    Cambridge, England
    1979

    In 1979, Hawking was elected Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge.




  • Bellevue, Washington, U.S.
    Jan, 1979
    Microsoft

    Microsoft Moved Its Headquarters To Bellevue

    Bellevue, Washington, U.S.
    Jan, 1979

    Microsoft moved its headquarters to Bellevue, Washington in January 1979.




  • Chittagong, Bangladesh
    1979
    Muhammad Yunus

    Divorce

    Chittagong, Bangladesh
    1979

    Yunus's marriage with Vera ended within months of the birth of their baby girl, Monica Yunus, in 1979 Chittagong, as Vera returned to New Jersey claiming that Bangladesh was not a good place to raise a baby.




  • Paris, France
    1979
    Bernard Arnault

    President of the Company

    Paris, France
    1979

    In 1979, Arnault succeeded his father as president of the company.


  • U.S.
    1979
    Rosa Parks

    Moving with her Mother into an apartment for Senior Citizens

    U.S.
    1979

    She decided to move with her mother into an apartment for senior citizens. There she nursed her mother Leona through the final stages of cancer and geriatric dementia until she died in 1979 at the age of 92.


  • U.S.
    1979
    Virtual reality

    Eric Howlett

    U.S.
    1979

    In 1979, Eric Howlett developed the Large Expanse, Extra Perspective (LEEP) optical system. The combined system created a stereoscopic image with a field of view wide enough to create a convincing sense of space. The users of the system have been impressed by the sensation of depth (field of view) in the scene and the corresponding realism.


  • USA
    1979
    June 1962 Alcatraz escape attempt: Escape from Alcatraz

    Escape from Alcatraz (film)

    USA
    1979

    Escape from Alcatraz is a 1979 American prison thriller film directed by Don Siegel. It is an adaptation of the 1963 non-fiction book of the same name by J. Campbell Bruce and dramatizes the 1962 prisoner escape from the maximum-security prison on Alcatraz Island. The film stars Clint Eastwood and features Patrick McGoohan, Fred Ward, Jack Thibeau, and Larry Hankin. Danny Glover appears in his film debut. Escape from Alcatraz marks the fifth and final collaboration between Siegel and Eastwood, following Coogan's Bluff (1968), Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970), The Beguiled (1971) and Dirty Harry (1971).


  • New York, U.S.
    1979
    Robin Williams

    Grammy award

    New York, U.S.
    1979

    Williams won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the recording of his 1979 live show at the Copacabana in New York, Reality ... What a Concept. Some of his later tours, after he became a TV and film star, include An Evening With Robin Williams, Robin Williams: At The Met and Robin Williams: Live on Broadway. The latter broke many long-held records for a comedy show. In some cases, tickets sold out within 30 minutes. In 1986, Williams released A Night at the Met.


  • Illinois, U.S.
    1979
    Microprocessor

    The Most Significant of The 32-bit Designs

    Illinois, U.S.
    1979

    The most significant of the 32-bit designs is the Motorola MC68000, introduced in 1979. The 68k, as it was widely known, had 32-bit registers in its programming model but used 16-bit internal data paths, three 16-bit Arithmetic Logic Units, and a 16-bit external data bus (to reduce pin count), and externally supported only 24-bit addresses (internally it worked with full 32 bit addresses). Motorola generally described it as a 16-bit processor. The combination of high performance, large (16 megabytes or 224 bytes) memory space and fairly low cost made it the most popular CPU design of its class.


  • Iran
    1979
    Qasem Soleimani

    Revolutionary Guard

    Iran
    1979

    Soleimani joined the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) in 1979 following the Iranian Revolution, which saw the Shah fall and Ayatollah Khomeini take power. Reportedly, his training was minimal, but he advanced rapidly. Early in his career as a guardsman, he was stationed in northwestern Iran, and participated in the suppression of a Kurdish separatist uprising in West Azerbaijan Province.


  • Nicaragua
    1979
    Nicaraguan Revolution

    The Organization of American States Supervised Negotiations between The FSLN and The Government

    Nicaragua
    1979

    In early 1979 the Organization of American States supervised negotiations between the FSLN and the government. However, these broke down when it became clear that the Somoza regime had no intention of allowing democratic elections to take place.


  • U.S.
    Jan, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    First emergency Crude Oil Buy-Sell Program allocations

    U.S.
    Jan, 1979

    First emergency Crude Oil Buy-Sell Program allocations.


  • Ahvaz, Iran
    1979
    Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis

    to Ahvaz

    Ahvaz, Iran
    1979

    After the activity of the Dawa Party was banned by Saddam Hussein, Jamal fled, in 1979, across the border to Ahvaz in Iran, where the Iranians had set up a camp to train Iraqi dissidents, with the aim of undermining Saddam.


  • Iran
    Monday Jan 15, 1979
    Ruhollah Khomeini

    Shah left the country

    Iran
    Monday Jan 15, 1979

    Khomeini was not allowed to return to Iran during the Shah's reign (as he had been in exile). On 16 January 1979, the Shah left the country (ostensibly "on vacation"), never to return.


  • Egypt
    Tuesday Jan 16, 1979
    Iranian Revolution

    Shah and his family left Iran for exile in Egypt

    Egypt
    Tuesday Jan 16, 1979

    On the morning of 16 January 1979, Bakhtiar was officially appointed prime minister. The same day, a tearful Shah and his family left Iran for exile in Egypt, never to return.


  • Egypt
    Tuesday Jan 16, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    Shah leaves Iran on vacation, never to return

    Egypt
    Tuesday Jan 16, 1979

    Shah leaves Iran on vacation, never to return. Bakhtiar government was established by the Shah to preside until unrest subsides.


  • K.S.A.
    Saturday Jan 20, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    Saudi Arabia announces a drastic cut in first-quarter production

    K.S.A.
    Saturday Jan 20, 1979

    Saudi Arabia announces a drastic cut in first-quarter production. 9.5 MMBD ceiling imposed. Although actual cuts never reach announced levels, spot prices of Middle East light crudes rise 36 percent.


  • Tehran, Iran
    Wednesday Jan 31, 1979
    Iranian Revolution

    Khomeini Returned To Tehran

    Tehran, Iran
    Wednesday Jan 31, 1979

    Bakhtiar invited Khomeini back to Iran, with the intention of creating a Vatican-like state in the holy city of Qom, declaring that "We will soon have the honor of welcoming home the Ayatollah Khomeini". On 1 February 1979 Khomeini returned to Tehran in a chartered Air France Boeing 747. The welcoming crowd of several million Iranians was so large he was forced to take a helicopter after the car taking him from the airport was overwhelmed by an enthusiastic welcoming crowd.


  • Iran
    Wednesday Jan 31, 1979
    Ruhollah Khomeini

    Return to Iran

    Iran
    Wednesday Jan 31, 1979

    Two weeks later, on Thursday, 1 February 1979, Khomeini returned in triumph to Iran, welcomed by a joyous crowd estimated (by the BBC) to be of up to five million people.


  • Tehran, Iran
    Thursday Feb 1, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    1 million Iranians march in Tehran

    Tehran, Iran
    Thursday Feb 1, 1979

    1 million Iranians march in Teheran in a show of support for the exiled Ayatollah Khomeini, fundamental leader.


  • Tehran, Iran
    Sunday Feb 4, 1979
    Iranian Revolution

    Khomeini appoints a new government

    Tehran, Iran
    Sunday Feb 4, 1979

    On the day of his arrival Khomeini made clear his rejection of Bakhtiar's government in a speech promising, "I shall kick their teeth in. I appoint the government, I appoint the government in support of this nation". On 5 February at Khomeini's headquarters in the Refah School in southern Tehran, he declared a provisional revolutionary government, appointed opposition leader Mehdi Bazargan (from the religious-nationalist Freedom Movement, affiliated with the National Front) as his own prime minister, and commanded Iranians to obey Bazargan as a religious duty.


  • Tehran, Iran
    Thursday Feb 8, 1979
    Iranian Revolution

    The Rebellion of pro-Khomeini air force Technicians

    Tehran, Iran
    Thursday Feb 8, 1979

    On 9 February, a rebellion of pro-Khomeini air force technicians broke out at the Doshan Tappeh Air Base. A unit of the pro-Shah Immortal Guards attempted to apprehend the rebels, and an armed battle broke out. Soon large crowds took to the streets, building barricades and supporting the rebels, while Islamic-Marxist guerillas with their weapons joined in support.


  • Iran
    Saturday Feb 10, 1979
    Ruhollah Khomeini

    Khomeini appointed his own competing interim prime minister

    Iran
    Saturday Feb 10, 1979

    On 11 February, Khomeini appointed his own competing interim prime minister, Mehdi Bazargan, demanding, "since I have appointed him, he must be obeyed." It was "God's government," he warned, disobedience against him or Bazargan was considered a "revolt against God".


  • Iran
    Saturday Feb 10, 1979
    Ruhollah Khomeini

    Military declared neutrality

    Iran
    Saturday Feb 10, 1979

    On 11 February, as revolt spread and armories were taken over, the military declared neutrality and the Bakhtiar regime collapsed.


  • Tehran, Iran
    Saturday Feb 10, 1979
    Iranian Revolution

    The Final Collapse of The Provisional non-Islamist Government

    Tehran, Iran
    Saturday Feb 10, 1979

    The final collapse of the provisional non-Islamist government came at 2 pm 11 February when the Supreme Military Council declared itself "neutral in the current political disputes... in order to prevent further disorder and bloodshed." All military personnel were ordered back to their bases, effectively yielding control of the entire country to Khomeini. Revolutionaries took over government buildings, TV and radio stations, and palaces of the Pahlavi dynasty, marking the end of the monarchy in Iran. Bakhtiar escaped the palace under a hail of bullets, fleeing Iran in disguise.


  • U.S.
    1979
    Internet

    UUCP

    U.S.
    1979

    In 1979, two students at Duke University, Tom Truscott and Jim Ellis, originated the idea of using Bourne shell scripts to transfer news and messages on a serial line UUCP connection with nearby University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following public release of the software in 1980, the mesh of UUCP hosts forwarding on the Usenet news rapidly expanded. UUCPnet, as it would later be named, also created gateways and links between FidoNet and dial-up BBS hosts. UUCP networks spread quickly due to the lower costs involved, ability to use existing leased lines, X.25 links or even ARPANET connections, and the lack of strict use policies compared to later networks like CSNET and Bitnet. All connects were local. By 1981 the number of UUCP hosts had grown to 550, nearly doubling to 940 in 1984.


  • New York, U.S.
    Monday Mar 12, 1979
    Robin Williams

    First appearance on Time's magazine

    New York, U.S.
    Monday Mar 12, 1979

    Mork became popular, featured on posters, coloring books, lunch-boxes, and other merchandise. Mork & Mindy was such a success in its first season that Williams appeared on the March 12, 1979, cover of Time magazine. The cover photo, taken by Michael Dressler in 1979, is said to have " his different sides: the funnyman mugging for the camera, and a sweet, more thoughtful pose that appears on a small TV he holds in his hands" according to Mary Forgione of the Los Angeles Times. This photo was installed in the National Portrait Gallery in the Smithsonian Institution shortly after his death to allow visitors to pay their respects.


  • Vienna, Austria
    Monday Mar 26, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    OPEC makes a full 14.5 percent price increase for 1979 effective on April 1

    Vienna, Austria
    Monday Mar 26, 1979

    OPEC makes a full 14.5 percent price increase for 1979 effective on April 1. Marker crude raised to $14.56 per barrel.


  • Iran
    Thursday Mar 29, 1979
    Iranian Revolution

    The Iranian Islamic Republic referendum

    Iran
    Thursday Mar 29, 1979

    On 30 and 31 March (Farvardin 10, 11) a referendum was held over whether to replace the monarchy with an "Islamic republic". Khomeini called for a massive turnout and only the National Democratic Front, Fadayan, and several Kurdish parties opposed the vote. The results showed that 98.2% had voted in favor of the Islamic Republic.


  • Iran
    Thursday Mar 29, 1979
    Ruhollah Khomeini

    Replace the monarchy

    Iran
    Thursday Mar 29, 1979

    On 30 and 31 March 1979, a referendum to replace the monarchy with an Islamic Republic passed with 98% voting in favour of the replacement, with the question: "should the monarchy be abolished in favour of an Islamic Government?".


  • London, England, United Kingdom
    Friday Mar 30, 1979
    The palace of Westminster England

    A Car bomb

    London, England, United Kingdom
    Friday Mar 30, 1979

    A Car bomb claimed the life of Airey Neave, a prominent Conservative politician, while he was driving out of the Commons car park in New Palace Yard. The attack occurred on 30 March 1979, one day after the announcement of that year's general election; both the Irish National Liberation Army and the Provisional IRA claimed responsibility for Neave's assassination, but it is now accepted that the former were responsible.


  • Worldwide
    1979
    1973 oil crisis

    Gasoline shortage/world oil glut

    Worldwide
    1979

    Gasoline shortage/world oil glut.


  • Washington, D.C U,S
    May, 1979
    Nuclear Power

    A march against nuclear power

    Washington, D.C U,S
    May, 1979

    In May 1979, an estimated 70,000 people, including then governor of California Jerry Brown, attended a march against nuclear power in Washington, D.C.Anti-nuclear power groups emerged in every country that had a nuclear power programme.


  • London, England
    Friday May 4, 1979
    Margaret Thatcher

    The First Female British Prime Minister

    London, England
    Friday May 4, 1979

    The Labour government then faced fresh public unease about the direction of the country and a damaging series of strikes during the winter of 1978–79, dubbed the "Winter of Discontent". The Conservatives attacked the Labour government's unemployment record, using advertising with the slogan "Labour Isn't Working". A general election was called after the Callaghan ministry lost a motion of no confidence in early 1979. The Conservatives won a 44-seat majority in the House of Commons and Thatcher became the first female British prime minister.


  • Iran
    Friday May 4, 1979
    Iranian Revolution

    The establishement of The Revolutionary Guard

    Iran
    Friday May 4, 1979

    The Revolutionary Guard, or Pasdaran-e Enqelab, was established by Khomeini on 5 May 1979, as a counterweight both to the armed groups of the left, and to the Shah's military. The guard eventually grew into "a full-scale" military force,becoming "the strongest institution of the revolution."


  • Manila, Philppines
    Monday May 7, 1979
    United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

    Manila Conference

    Manila, Philppines
    Monday May 7, 1979

    UNCTAD V in the wake of the Nairobi Conference, held in Manila 1979 focused on the key issues of protectionism in developing countries and the need for structural change, trade-in commodities and manufactures aid and international monetary reform, technology, shipping, and economic cooperation among developing countries. An Overseas Development Institute briefing paper written in 1979 focuses its attention on the key issues regarding the LDCs` role as the Group of 77 in the international community.


  • U.S.
    May, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    DOE announces a $5 per barrel entitlement to importers of heating oil

    U.S.
    May, 1979

    DOE announces a $5 per barrel entitlement to importers of heating oil. Saudi Arabia announces intention to increase direct sales and to sell less through Aramco. Both announcements send prices higher.


  • Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Tuesday May 22, 1979
    Justin Trudeau

    Father's government was defeated

    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Tuesday May 22, 1979

    Trudeau lived at 24 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, the official residence of Canada's prime minister, from his birth until his father's government was defeated in the federal election on May 22, 1979.


  • Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
    Friday May 25, 1979
    Plane Accidents

    American Airlines Flight 191

    Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
    Friday May 25, 1979

    American Airlines Flight 191, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10, crashed on May 25, 1979, shortly after lifting off the runway at Chicago O'Hare Airport after the number one (left) engine and pylon separated from the wing. This broke hydraulic lines, causing leading edge lift devices to retract on that side of the aircraft and resulted in an asymmetrical lift and loss of control. The accident was attributed to improper maintenance procedures. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 271 passengers and crew on board, as well as two people on the ground. It remains the deadliest commercial aircraft accident in United States history.


  • U.S.
    Jun, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    Phased oil price decontrol begins

    U.S.
    Jun, 1979

    Phased oil price decontrol begins. Involves gradual 28-month increase of "old" oil price ceilings, and a slower rate of increase of "new" oil price ceilings.


  • Nicaragua
    Jun, 1979
    Nicaraguan Revolution

    The FSLN Controlled all of The Country Except The Capital

    Nicaragua
    Jun, 1979

    By June 1979 the FSLN controlled all of the country except the capital.


  • Miami, Florida, U.S.
    Jun, 1979
    Ted Bundy

    Bundy stood trial for the Chi Omega homicides and assaults

    Miami, Florida, U.S.
    Jun, 1979

    Following a change of venue to Miami, Bundy stood trial for the Chi Omega homicides and assaults in June 1979. The trial was covered by 250 reporters from five continents and was the first to be televised nationally in the United States. Despite the presence of five court-appointed attorneys, Bundy again handled much of his own defense. From the beginning, he "sabotaged the entire defense effort out of spite, distrust, and grandiose delusion", Nelson later wrote. "Ted [was] facing murder charges, with a possible death sentence, and all that mattered to him apparently was that he be in charge". At trial, crucial testimony came from Chi Omega sorority members Connie Hastings, who placed Bundy in the vicinity of the Chi Omega House that evening, and Nita Neary, who saw him leaving the sorority house clutching the oak murder weapon. Incriminating physical evidence included impressions of the bite wounds Bundy had inflicted on Lisa Levy's left buttock, which forensic odonatologists Richard Souviron and Lowell Levine matched to castings of Bundy's teeth.


  • U.S.
    1979
    Joe Biden

    Congress failed to ratify the SALT II Treaty signed

    U.S.
    1979

    After Congress failed to ratify the SALT II Treaty signed in 1979 by Soviet premier Leonid Brezhnev and President Jimmy Carter, Biden met with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko to communicate American concerns and secured changes that addressed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's objections.


  • Vienna, Austria
    Tuesday Jun 26, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    OPEC raises prices on average of 15 percent

    Vienna, Austria
    Tuesday Jun 26, 1979

    OPEC raises prices on average of 15 percent, effective July 1.


  • United Kingdom
    Tuesday Jun 26, 1979
    James Bond

    Moonraker

    United Kingdom
    Tuesday Jun 26, 1979

    Moonraker is a 1979 spy film and the eleventh in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions, and the fourth to star Roger Moore as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond. The third and final film in the series to be directed by Lewis Gilbert, it co-stars Lois Chiles, Michael Lonsdale, Corinne Cléry, and Richard Kiel.


  • U.S.
    Friday Jun 29, 1979
    Audrey Hepburn

    Bloodline

    U.S.
    Friday Jun 29, 1979

    Hepburn reunited with director Terence Young in the production of Bloodline (1979), sharing top-billing with Ben Gazzara, James Mason, and Romy Schneider.


  • Tokyo, Japan
    Sunday Jul 1, 1979
    Sony Corporation

    The Walkman Brand

    Tokyo, Japan
    Sunday Jul 1, 1979

    In 1979, the Walkman brand was introduced, in the form of the world's first portable music player using the compact cassette format.


  • Tokyo, Japan
    Sunday Jul 1, 1979
    Akio Morita

    Releasing The Walkman

    Tokyo, Japan
    Sunday Jul 1, 1979

    In 1979, the Walkman was introduced, making it one of the world's first portable music players.


  • Houston, Texas, U.S.
    1979
    Juneteenth

    Al Edwards successfully sponsored legislation to make Juneteenth a paid Texas state holiday

    Houston, Texas, U.S.
    1979

    In 1979, Democratic State Representative Al Edwards of Houston, Texas successfully sponsored legislation to make Juneteenth a paid Texas state holiday. The same year he hosted the inaugural Al Edwards’ Prayer Breakfast and Commemorative Celebration on the grounds of the 1859 home, Ashton Villa. As one of the few existing buildings from the Civil War era and popular in local myth and legend as the location of Major General Granger’s announcement, Edwards’ annual celebration includes a local historian dressed as the Union general reading General Order No. 3 from the second story balcony of the home. The Emancipation Proclamation is also read and speeches are made.


  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
    Friday Jul 6, 1979
    Kevin Hart

    Birth

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
    Friday Jul 6, 1979

    Hart was born on July 6, 1979, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


  • Baghdad, Iraq
    Tuesday Jul 17, 1979
    Iran–Iraq War

    Saddam's Speech

    Baghdad, Iraq
    Tuesday Jul 17, 1979

    Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini called on Iraqis to overthrow the Ba'ath government, which was received with considerable anger in Baghdad. On 17 July 1979, despite Khomeini's call, Saddam gave a speech praising the Iranian Revolution and called for an Iraqi-Iranian friendship based on non-interference in each other's internal affairs. When Khomeini rejected Saddam's overture by calling for Islamic revolution in Iraq, Saddam was alarmed.


  • Managua, Nicaragu
    Tuesday Jul 17, 1979
    Nicaraguan Revolution

    President Somoza Resigned

    Managua, Nicaragu
    Tuesday Jul 17, 1979

    on 17 July President Somoza resigned and the FSLN entered Managua, giving full control of the government to the revolutionary movements.


  • Miami, Florida, U.S.
    Tuesday Jul 24, 1979
    Ted Bundy

    Edward Cowart imposed death sentences for the murder convictions

    Miami, Florida, U.S.
    Tuesday Jul 24, 1979

    The jury deliberated for less than seven hours before convicting him on July 24, 1979, of the Bowman and Levy murders, three counts of attempted first-degree murder (for the assaults on Kleiner, Chandler, and Thomas), and two counts of burglary. Trial judge Edward Cowart imposed death sentences for the murder convictions.


  • U.S.
    Friday Jul 27, 1979
    Muhammad Ali Clay

    Short live retirement

    U.S.
    Friday Jul 27, 1979

    Following this win, on July 27, 1979, Ali announced his retirement from boxing. His retirement was short-lived, however; Ali announced his comeback to face Larry Holmes for the WBC belt in an attempt to win the heavyweight championship an unprecedented fourth time. The fight was largely motivated by Ali's need for money.


  • Tokyo, Japan
    Aug, 1979
    Sony Corporation

    Sony Life

    Tokyo, Japan
    Aug, 1979

    Sony began a life insurance company in 1979, one of its many peripheral businesses.


  • New Delhi, India
    Jul, 1979
    Indira Gandhi

    Dissolving the Parliament

    New Delhi, India
    Jul, 1979

    Charan Singh was appointed Prime Minister, by President Reddy, after Indira and Sanjay Gandhi promised Singh that Congress would support his government from outside on certain conditions. The conditions included dropping all charges against Indira and Sanjay. Since Charan Singh refused to drop the charges, Congress withdrew its support and President Reddy dissolved Parliament in August 1979.


  • South Sudan
    Aug, 1979
    Ebola Most Major Outbreaks

    The Nzara and Maridi Outbreak in 1979

    South Sudan
    Aug, 1979

    This outbreak occurred in Nzara and Maridi. This was a recurrent outbreak at the same site as the 1976 Sudan epidemic. This outbreak had 34 infections and 22 deaths.


  • Jakarta, Indonesia
    1979
    KFC

    Indonesia

    Jakarta, Indonesia
    1979

    In 1979, The first outlet opened in Jakarta, Indonesia. Now, KFC is the largest Western restaurant chain with over 608 outlets.


  • Los Angeles, California, U.S.
    Monday Aug 20, 1979
    Johan Cruyff

    To Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, California, U.S.
    Monday Aug 20, 1979

    At the age of 32, Cruyff signed a lucrative deal with the Los Angeles Aztecs of the North American Soccer League (NASL).


  • New York, U.S.
    Thursday Aug 23, 1979
    Robin Williams

    Second appearance on Time's cover

    New York, U.S.
    Thursday Aug 23, 1979

    Williams also appeared on the cover of August 23, 1979, issue of Rolling Stone, photographed by Richard Avedon.


  • Havana, Cuba
    Monday Sep 10, 1979
    Fidel Castro

    NAM president

    Havana, Cuba
    Monday Sep 10, 1979

    In 1979, the Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was held in Havana, where Castro was selected as NAM president, a position he held until 1982.


  • South Africa
    Saturday Sep 22, 1979
    Nuclear Power

    First nuclear weapon test in South Africa

    South Africa
    Saturday Sep 22, 1979

    South Africa reached an understanding with the United States after signing a 50-year collaboration under the U.S.-sanctioned programme, Atoms for Peace. The treaty concluded the South African acquisition of a single nuclear research reactor and an accompanying supply of highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel, located in Pelindaba. South Africa was able to mine uranium ore domestically and used aerodynamic nozzle enrichment techniques to produce weapons-grade material.


  • Giza, Egypt
    Friday Sep 28, 1979
    Frank Sinatra

    Sinatra's Performance in Egypt

    Giza, Egypt
    Friday Sep 28, 1979

    He performed in front of the Egyptian pyramids for Anwar Sadat, which raised more than $500,000 for Sadat's wife's charities.


  • Finland
    Wednesday Oct 10, 1979
    Robert Fulton

    The Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant

    Finland
    Wednesday Oct 10, 1979

    The Olkiluoto plant consists of two boiling water reactors (BWRs), each producing 890 MW of electricity. A third reactor, Unit 3, is expected to be online in February 2022.


  • Finland
    Wednesday Oct 10, 1979
    Nuclear Power

    The Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant

    Finland
    Wednesday Oct 10, 1979

    The Olkiluoto plant consists of two boiling water reactors (BWRs), each producing 890 MW of electricity. A third reactor, Unit 3, is expected to be online in February 2022.


  • U.S.
    Oct, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    Buy-Sell Program sales average more than 400,000 bbl/d (64,000 m3/d) from October 1979 through March 1980

    U.S.
    Oct, 1979

    Buy-Sell Program sales average more than 400,000 bbl/d (64,000 m3/d) from October 1979 through March 1980 - the highest level since February 1976, due to emergency allocations.


  • Canada
    Oct, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    Canada eliminates light crude oil exports to U.S. refiners

    Canada
    Oct, 1979

    Canada eliminates light crude oil exports to U.S. refiners, except for those exports required by operational constraints of pipelines.


  • Iran
    Sunday Oct 21, 1979
    Ruhollah Khomeini

    Demanding the Shah's return to Iran for trial

    Iran
    Sunday Oct 21, 1979

    On 22 October 1979, the United States admitted the exiled and ailing Shah into the country for cancer treatment. In Iran, there was an immediate outcry, with both Khomeini and leftist groups demanding the Shah's return to Iran for trial and execution.


  • Iran
    Oct, 1979
    Ruhollah Khomeini

    The new constitution of the Islamic Republic

    Iran
    Oct, 1979

    In November 1979, the new constitution of the Islamic Republic was adopted by national referendum.


  • Tehran, Iran
    Saturday Nov 3, 1979
    Iranian Revolution

    The Fall of The provisional government and Bazargan's Resignation

    Tehran, Iran
    Saturday Nov 3, 1979

    The provisional government fell shortly after American Embassy officials were taken hostage on 4 November 1979. Bazargan's resignation was received by Khomeini without complaint, saying "Mr. Bazargan ... was a little tired and preferred to stay on the sidelines for a while." Khomeini later described his appointment of Bazargan as a "mistake."


  • Tehran, Iran
    Saturday Nov 3, 1979
    Jimmy Carter

    Iranian students took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran

    Tehran, Iran
    Saturday Nov 3, 1979

    On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian students took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The students belonged to the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line and were in support of the Iranian Revolution.


  • Tehran, Iran
    Saturday Nov 3, 1979
    Iranian Revolution

    Iran hostage crisis

    Tehran, Iran
    Saturday Nov 3, 1979

    On 4 November 1979 youthful Islamists, calling themselves Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line, invaded the US embassy compound in Tehran and seized its staff. Revolutionaries were angry because of how the Shah had fled abroad while the Embassy-based American CIA and British intelligence organized a coup d'état to overthrow his nationalist opponent who was a legitimately elected official. The students held 52 American diplomats hostage for 444 days, which played a role in helping to pass the constitution, suppressing moderates, and otherwise radicalising the revolution.


  • Tehran, Iran
    Saturday Nov 3, 1979
    Ruhollah Khomeini

    Iran hostage crisis

    Tehran, Iran
    Saturday Nov 3, 1979

    On 4 November, a group of Iranian college students calling themselves the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line, took control of the American Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 embassy staff hostage for 444 days – an event known as the Iran hostage crisis.


  • Benin
    Nov, 1979
    Dahomey Amazons

    Nawi is the last survivor of Dahomey

    Benin
    Nov, 1979

    The last survivor of the Dahomey Amazons is thought to have been a woman named Nawi. In a 1978 interview in the village of Kinta, a Beninese historian met Nawi, who claimed to have fought the French in 1892. Nawi died in November 1979, aged well over 100.


  • U.S.
    1979
    Xerox

    Xerox purchased Western Union International

    U.S.
    1979

    In 1979, Xerox purchased Western Union International (WUI) as the basis for its proposed Xerox Telecommunications Network (XTEN) for local-loop communications. However, after three years, in 1982, the company decided the idea was a mistake and sold its assets to MCI at a loss.


  • U.S.
    1979
    Xerox

    Steve Jobs made a deal with Xerox's venture capital division

    U.S.
    1979

    In 1979, Steve Jobs made a deal with Xerox's venture capital division: He would let them invest $1 million in exchange for a look at the technology they were working on. Jobs and the others saw the commercial potential of the WIMP (Window, Icon, Menu, and Pointing device) system and redirected development of the Apple Lisa to incorporate these technologies. Jobs is quoted as saying, "They just had no idea what they had". In 1980, Jobs invited several key PARC researchers to join his company so that they could fully develop and implement their ideas.


  • U.S.
    Nov, 1979
    Atari, Inc.

    Atari 800 and Atari 400

    U.S.
    Nov, 1979

    The development of a successor to the 2600 started as soon as it shipped. The original team estimated the 2600 had a lifespan of about three years; it then set forth to build the most powerful machine possible within that time frame. Mid-way into their effort the home computer revolution took off, leading to the addition of a keyboard and features to produce the Atari 800 and its smaller sibling, the 400. The new machines had some success when they finally became available in quantity in 1980.


  • New York, U.S.
    Tuesday Nov 13, 1979
    Ronald Reagan

    Announcement his candidacy for President of U.S.

    New York, U.S.
    Tuesday Nov 13, 1979

    Ronald Reagan announced his candidacy for President of the United States in New York City on November 13, 1979. On July 17, 1980, he became the nominee of the Republican Party for the 1980 presidential election.


  • U.S.
    Tuesday Nov 13, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    Carter orders cessation of Iranian imports to the U.S.

    U.S.
    Tuesday Nov 13, 1979

    Carter orders cessation of Iranian imports to the U.S.


  • Iran
    Nov, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    Iran cancels all contracts with U.S. oil companies

    Iran
    Nov, 1979

    Iran cancels all contracts with U.S. oil companies.


  • Karratha, Western Australia
    Wednesday Nov 21, 1979
    Red Dog (Pilbara)

    Poisoned

    Karratha, Western Australia
    Wednesday Nov 21, 1979

    Although Red Dog was well liked, it is believed that he was deliberately poisoned in 1979 with strychnine.


  • Roebourne, Western Australia
    Nov, 1979
    Red Dog (Pilbara)

    Red Dog was buried

    Roebourne, Western Australia
    Nov, 1979

    Red Dog was buried, by veterinarian Rick Fenny, in a secret unmarked grave around Roebourne, Western Australia.


  • Ross Island, Antarctica
    Wednesday Nov 28, 1979
    Plane Accidents

    Air New Zealand Flight 901

    Ross Island, Antarctica
    Wednesday Nov 28, 1979

    Air New Zealand Flight 901, an Antarctic sightseeing flight, on November 28, 1979, collided with Mount Erebus on Ross Island, Antarctica, killing all 237 passengers and 20 crew on board. The flight crew had not been informed that the computer coordinates for the flight path of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 had been changed the night before, directing the flight directly into Mount Erebus rather than the usual path down McMurdo Sound.


  • K.S.A.
    Thursday Dec 13, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    Saudi Arabia raises marker crude price to $24 per barrel

    K.S.A.
    Thursday Dec 13, 1979

    Saudi Arabia raises marker crude price to $24 per barrel.


  • Montreal, Canada
    Sunday Dec 16, 1979
    Trivial Pursuit

    Created

    Montreal, Canada
    Sunday Dec 16, 1979

    The game was created on December 15, 1979 in Montreal by Canadian Chris Haney, a photo editor for Montreal's The Gazette, and Scott Abbott, a sports editor for The Canadian Press.


  • Vienna, Austria
    Tuesday Dec 18, 1979
    1973 oil crisis

    OPEC decides on a 14.5 percent price increase for 1979

    Vienna, Austria
    Tuesday Dec 18, 1979

    OPEC decides on a 14.5 percent price increase for 1979, to be implemented quarterly.


  • Kentucky, United States
    1979
    Gary Webb

    Webb married Susan

    Kentucky, United States
    1979

    In 1979, Webb married Susan Bell; the couple eventually had three children.


  • Afghanistan
    1979
    September 11 (9/11) Attacks

    Al-Qaeda

    Afghanistan
    1979

    The origins of al-Qaeda can be traced to 1979 when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.


  • U.S.
    Saturday Dec 29, 1979
    Gulf War

    The developing US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism

    U.S.
    Saturday Dec 29, 1979

    The US disliked Iraqi support for many Arab and Palestinian militant groups such as Abu Nidal, which led to Iraq's inclusion on the developing US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism on 29 December 1979.


  • Kyoto, Japan
    1979
    Nintendo

    Nintendo launched Game & Watch

    Kyoto, Japan
    1979

    In 1980, Nintendo launched Game & Watch—a handheld video game series developed by Yokoi. These systems do not contain interchangeable cartridges and thus the hardware was tied to the game. The first Game & Watch game, Ball, was distributed worldwide. The modern "cross" D-pad design was developed in 1982, by Yokoi for a Donkey Kong version. Proven to be popular, the design was patented by Nintendo. It later earned a Technology & Engineering Emmy Award.


  • New Delhi, India
    1979
    Indira Gandhi

    Achieving her Son's Dream

    New Delhi, India
    1979

    In 1980, As a tribute to her son's dream of launching an indigenously manufactured car, Gandhi nationalized Sanjay's debt ridden company called Maruti Udyog for Rs. 4.34 crore and invited joint venture bids from automobile companies around the world.


  • Alcatraz, San Francisco, USA
    Monday Dec 31, 1979
    June 1962 Alcatraz escape attempt: Escape from Alcatraz

    FBI closing files

    Alcatraz, San Francisco, USA
    Monday Dec 31, 1979

    The FBI closed its file on December 31, 1979, after a 17-year investigation. Their official finding was that the prisoners most likely drowned in the cold waters of the bay while attempting to reach Angel Island, it being unlikely that they made it the 1.25 miles to shore with the strong ocean currents and the cold seawater temperatures ranging between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. They cited the remnants found of the raft as well as the personal effects of the men, as evidence to bolster the official line that the raft broke up and sank at some point after having launched from Alcatraz and that the three convicts tried to swim for it, but then surely succumbed to hypothermia, their bodies swept to sea by the rapid currents of the San Francisco Bay. However, the FBI did hand the investigation over to the U.S. Marshals Service, who have not closed theirs since. As Deputy U.S. Marshal Michael Dyke told NPR in 2009: "There's an active warrant, and the Marshals Service doesn't give up looking for people." Dyke also pointed out that the bodies of two out of every three people who go missing in San Fransisco Bay are eventually recovered.


  • Iran
    1979
    Gulf War

    Iraq's invasion of Iran

    Iran
    1979

    The US remained officially neutral after Iraq's invasion of Iran in 1980, which became the Iran–Iraq War, although it provided resources, political support, and some "non-military" aircraft to Iraq.


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