Tag Archives: 1979

16 September 1979

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Eight people escape from East Germany to the west in a homemade hot air balloon.

This took place in 1979 during the Cold War, when two families from East Germany (the Strelzyks and the Wetzels) escaped to West Germany using a homemade hot air balloon.

The story begins in the communist German Democratic Republic (East Germany), where the government strictly controlled movement across the border to the West. Peter Strelzyk, a mechanic, and his friend Günter Wetzel, a bricklayer, came up with the daring plan to escape the oppressive regime. They spent over a year secretly constructing the hot air balloon using stitched-together pieces of nylon fabric and a makeshift gas burner.

On the night of September 15, 1979, after several failed attempts and modifications to the balloon, they launched the balloon from a secluded area in East Germany. The balloon carried eight people: both the Strelzyk and Wetzel families, including four children. They flew about 30 minutes across the heavily fortified border, eventually landing in a forest in Bavaria, West Germany. Once they realized they had crossed the border safely, they were overwhelmed with relief.

Their successful escape became one of the most famous and extraordinary defection stories from East Germany, symbolizing the desire for freedom and human ingenuity. The story was later adapted into a 1982 Disney film called Night Crossing.

9 June 1979

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The Ghost Train fire at Luna Park Sydney, Australia, kills seven.

The Ghost Train fire at Luna Park Sydney is a tragic event that occurred on the night of June 9, 1979. The fire broke out on the Ghost Train ride, a popular attraction at the amusement park.

The Incident:

Date and Time: The fire started on the night of June 9, 1979.
Location: Luna Park, an amusement park located in Milsons Point, Sydney, Australia.
The Ride: The Ghost Train was a dark ride that took visitors through a series of spooky scenes with special effects.

The Fire:

Cause: The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Various theories have been proposed, including an electrical fault, arson, or a discarded cigarette.
Spread: The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the wooden structure of the Ghost Train ride.
Response: Firefighters arrived quickly but were unable to save the ride. The intense heat and smoke made rescue efforts extremely challenging.

Casualties:

Deaths: Seven people died in the fire, including six children and one adult. The victims were trapped inside the ride and could not escape the flames.
Survivors: There were survivors who managed to escape the ride before the fire spread too far.

Investigation:

Initial Findings: An initial inquiry suggested the fire might have been caused by an electrical fault. However, the investigation was inconclusive.
Controversies: Over the years, various controversies and conspiracy theories have emerged. Some believe the fire was a deliberate act of arson, possibly linked to organized crime or other malicious intent.

Impact and Legacy:

Closure: Luna Park was closed for several years following the fire. The Ghost Train ride was completely destroyed.
Memorials: Memorials have been erected to honor the victims of the fire. The tragedy is remembered as one of Australia’s most significant amusement park disasters.
Safety Reforms: The fire led to increased scrutiny of safety standards and regulations for amusement parks in Australia.

28 March 1979

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A coolant leak at the Three Mile Island’s Unit 2 nuclear reactor outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania leads to the core overheating and a partial meltdown.

The Three Mile Island nuclear accident was a significant nuclear accident that occurred on March 28, 1979, at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States. It is considered one of the most serious nuclear accidents in U.S. history.

The accident began with a combination of mechanical malfunctions and human errors. A series of equipment failures, including a stuck open pilot-operated relief valve in the secondary system, caused a partial meltdown of the reactor core in Unit 2 of the power plant. This led to the release of radioactive gases and iodine into the atmosphere.

The accident sparked widespread fear and panic among the public, as there was uncertainty about the extent of the release and its potential health effects. Although the amount of radioactive material released was relatively small compared to other nuclear accidents like Chernobyl, the incident had a significant impact on public perception of nuclear power in the United States.

In the aftermath of the accident, a thorough investigation was conducted to understand its causes and consequences. It revealed flaws in the design of the reactor, as well as shortcomings in training and communication among plant operators. The incident prompted major improvements in nuclear safety regulations, emergency response protocols, and operator training standards in the U.S. nuclear industry.

Despite the accident’s significant impact on public perception and policy, there were no immediate fatalities or injuries directly attributed to radiation exposure from the Three Mile Island incident. However, it had long-lasting effects on the nuclear industry, leading to increased scrutiny of nuclear power plants and contributing to a slowdown in the construction of new nuclear facilities in the United States.

12 December 1979

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Coup d’état of December Twelfth occurs in South Korea.

The 1979 Coup d’état of December Twelfth, also known as the Coup on December 12 or the December 12th Incident, was a pivotal event in the political history of South Korea. The coup took place on December 12, 1979, and it marked a turning point in the country’s path toward democratization.

At the time, South Korea was under the rule of President Park Chung-hee, who had been in power since a military coup in 1961. Park’s regime was characterized by authoritarian rule and economic development policies, often at the expense of political freedoms.

On October 26, 1979, President Park Chung-hee was assassinated by the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA), Kim Jae-kyu. Following Park’s assassination, Major General Chun Doo-hwan, the head of the Defense Security Command, took control of the military and declared martial law on December 12, 1979. Chun and his loyalists used the military to suppress political opposition and consolidate power.

The coup was met with widespread protests from citizens demanding democracy and an end to military rule. In the city of Gwangju, citizens rose up against the military government in May 1980, leading to the Gwangju Uprising. The government responded with brutal force, resulting in numerous casualties and further galvanizing the pro-democracy movement.

In 1980, Chun Doo-hwan officially assumed the presidency after the military junta chose him as the new leader. However, it took several more years before South Korea transitioned to a more democratic system. Pro-democracy movements continued to gain momentum, and in 1987, mass protests led to the end of military rule, paving the way for free and fair presidential elections in 1988.

The events surrounding the 1979 Coup d’état of December Twelfth and its aftermath played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of South Korea and ultimately contributed to the establishment of a more democratic and civilian-led government.

3 December 1979

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Iranian Revolution: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini becomes the first Supreme Leader of Iran.

The Iranian Revolution, also known as the Islamic Revolution, was a series of events that led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of an Islamic republic in Iran. The revolution took place from 1978 to 1979 and had significant implications for the political landscape of the Middle East.

Pahlavi Dynasty and Mohammad Reza Shah:
Iran was ruled by the Pahlavi dynasty, and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was the last monarch. His rule was marked by modernization efforts, economic development, and ties with Western powers, particularly the United States.

Political Repression:
The Shah’s regime was criticized for its authoritarian rule and suppression of political opposition. The SAVAK, the Shah’s secret police, was notorious for human rights abuses and suppressing dissent.

Islamic Opposition:
The Islamic clergy, led by figures such as Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, became a focal point for opposition to the Shah’s rule. Khomeini, who was in exile in Iraq and later France, used cassette tapes and other means to communicate his messages to Iranians, calling for an Islamic republic.

Social and Economic Grievances:
There were widespread social and economic grievances, including high inflation, unemployment, and income inequality. Many Iranians felt marginalized by the rapid Westernization and modernization policies implemented by the Shah.

Protests and Uprising:
The revolution gained momentum in 1978 with a series of protests and demonstrations across the country. The movement drew support from various segments of society, including students, intellectuals, and the urban middle class.

Exile and Return of Khomeini:
In January 1979, the Shah fled Iran, and Ayatollah Khomeini returned triumphantly from exile. His return sparked mass celebrations, and he quickly assumed a leadership role in the revolutionary process.

Establishment of the Islamic Republic:
In April 1979, a national referendum resulted in overwhelming support for the establishment of an Islamic republic. The monarchy was officially abolished, and Iran became an Islamic republic with Khomeini as its Supreme Leader.

Consolidation of Islamic Rule:
After the revolution, Iran underwent significant political, social, and economic changes. The new government implemented Islamic law, and institutions such as the Revolutionary Guard were established to safeguard the revolutionary ideals.

4 November 1979

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Iran hostage crisis: A group of Iranian college students overruns the U.S. embassy in Tehran and takes 90 hostages.

The Iran hostage crisis, also known as the American hostage crisis, was a diplomatic standoff between the United States and Iran that lasted for 444 days from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981. It began when a group of Iranian militants, primarily students, stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, and took 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage.

The crisis had its roots in the complex and contentious history of U.S.-Iran relations. One major factor was the U.S. government’s support for Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the monarch of Iran, who was seen by many Iranians as a puppet of the United States and a symbol of oppression. The Shah’s regime was marked by widespread corruption, human rights abuses, and a lack of political freedoms, which fueled popular discontent in Iran.

Following the success of the Iranian Revolution in early 1979, which led to the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of an Islamic Republic, anti-American sentiment in Iran intensified. The U.S. government granted asylum to the Shah for medical treatment, which further infuriated Iranians. The embassy takeover was framed as a protest against the United States’ interference in Iranian affairs and its perceived role in propping up the deposed Shah.

The 52 hostages were held in captivity for more than a year, and negotiations to secure their release were protracted and complicated. The crisis strained U.S.-Iran relations and had significant domestic and international ramifications. The United States imposed economic sanctions on Iran and attempted a military rescue mission in April 1980, which ended in failure and the loss of American lives.

The crisis finally ended on January 20, 1981, coinciding with the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan. The hostages were released as part of an agreement known as the Algiers Accords, which involved the unfreezing of Iranian assets and a commitment by the United States not to interfere in Iranian affairs. The timing of the hostages’ release led to allegations that the Reagan campaign had made a secret deal with Iran to delay their release until after the 1980 U.S. presidential election, though these allegations were never conclusively proven.

The Iran hostage crisis had a profound impact on U.S.-Iran relations, contributing to the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations that persists to this day. It remains a significant historical event in both American and Iranian history and is often cited in discussions of international diplomacy, hostage situations, and the consequences of foreign policy decisions

9 June 1979

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The Ghost Train fire at Luna Park Sydney, Australia, kills seven.

Luna Park Sydney is an amusement park located in Milsons Point, Sydney, Australia. It is situated at the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, providing visitors with stunning views of the harbor and the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Luna Park Sydney opened its doors on October 4, 1935, and has since become a beloved attraction for both locals and tourists. The park retains a nostalgic charm with its classic amusement park aesthetics and iconic entrance, featuring the distinctive smiling face known as “Mr. Moon.”

The park offers a variety of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Some of the popular rides include the Ferris wheel, Wild Mouse roller coaster, Tango Train, Dodgem City, and the Hair Raiser. There are also various sideshows, arcade games, and carnival-style food stalls throughout the park.

Luna Park Sydney is known for hosting special events and entertainment throughout the year, including live performances, fireworks displays, and themed celebrations. The park’s location near Sydney’s vibrant central business district and its picturesque waterfront setting make it a popular destination for both daytime outings and evening adventures.