Greek EEC Membership Takes Effect
Serves as president when Greece enters the European Communities as their tenth member state.
Historical events in 1981
704 historical records
January 198150 historical events
Greece Joins European Communities
Heads the government when Greece becomes the tenth member of the European Communities.
Treaty of Accession
Serves as Foreign Minister when Greece's membership of the European Communities formally begins.
European Community Membership
Greece becomes a member of the European Communities during Rallis's premiership.
Treaty of Accession
Heads Greece when the accession treaty enters into force and the country becomes the tenth Community member.
President Takes Office
Diouf becomes President after Senghor resigns
Prime Minister Takes Office
Habib Thiam becomes Prime Minister under President Diouf
Appointment as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, adding responsibility for the Duchy office while taking a central role in managing government business in Parliament.
Leader of House of Commons
Appointed Leader of the House of Commons
Appointment as Paymaster General
Appointed Paymaster General during the January 1981 government changes, holding the Treasury post alongside his other responsibilities until September.
Cabinet
Pym becomes leader of the Commons, Nott Defence Secretary & Britain Chief Sec
Prime Minister of Great Britain
St John Stevas & Maude leave the Government
Business of the House
As Leader of the House, announces the following week's Commons business, including legislation, opposition debates and scheduled parliamentary proceedings.
Select Committee Debate
Addresses the Commons on the developing departmental Select Committee system and reiterates support for stronger parliamentary monitoring of the Executive.
Liverpool Ministerial Visit
Answers a parliamentary question concerning a ministerial visit to Liverpool.
Commission Departure
Completes his term as President of the European Commission.
Commission Presidency Ends
Ends four years as President of the European Commission.
Federal Vice Chancellor
Appointed Federal Vice Chancellor
International Agreement at Algiers
Iranian assets are transferred under the Algiers agreements, including movement through a Bank of England account
International Agreement at Tehran
All 52 American hostages are released after the Algiers agreements take effect on Reagan's inauguration day
Government
Inaugurated President of the USA, 40th President, 1st term. Fifty two American hostages are released from Iran
Hostages
The day after Jimmy Carter leaves Office the US hostages in Iran are released
Siege of US Embassy
The day after Jimmy Carter leaves Office the US hostages in Iran are released
SDP
One of the "Gang of Four", former Labour Minister's who found the SDP
Demonstrations
700,000 students & workers go on strike against Party priveleges
Trial
Maos widow is sentenced to death, suspended for 2 yrs
Trial
Sentenced to death, suspended for 2 yrs, "Gang of Four" members recieve long sentences
Trial of Gang of Four
Jiang Qing receives a suspended death sentence for counter-revolutionary crimes connected to the Cultural Revolution
SDP
One of the "Gang of Four", former Labour Minister's who found the SDP
SDP
One of the "Gang of Four", former Labour Minister's who found the SDP
SDP
One of the Gang of Four, former Labour ministers who found the SDP.
Gang of Four
Helps form the SDP as one of the Gang of Four.
Gang of Four
Helps found the SDP with Jenkins, Shirley Williams and Bill Rodgers.
Limehouse Declaration
Signs the Limehouse Declaration with other Labour defectors launching the SDP project.
Gang of Four
Joins Jenkins, David Owen and Bill Rodgers in the SDP breakaway.
Purchase of Times
Buys the English newspapers the Times & the Sunday Times
Planning Appeals System
Answers a parliamentary question concerning the planning appeals system.
Siege of Maputo
A South African commando unit enters Mozambique & lays siege to a houe with ANC members
Social Democratic Alliance
Appointed President of the Social Democratic Alliance
Invasion of Iran
Iraq beats back Irans 1st major counteroffensive
Demonstrations
Dismissed as Prime Minister after the Warsaw demonstrations & replaced by Jaruzelski
Dismissal
Dismissed as Prime Minister after the Warsaw demonstrations & replaced by Jaruzelski
Demonstrations
Visits Brezhnev & gives assurances he will end "anarchy & disarray" in Poland
Demonstrations
Solidarity agree to a 3 month moratorium on strikes
Reform of Labour Law
Jaruzelski makes concessions to Solidarity including the right to strike
Solidarity
Solidarity agree to a 3 month moratorium on strikes. Jaruzelski makes concessions to Solidarity including the right to strike
Demonstrations
Solidarity agree to a 3 month moratorium on strikes
Meeting with Lech Walesa at the Vatican
John Paul II meets Lech Walesa at the Vatican
Reform of Labour Law
Jaruzelski makes concessions to Solidarity including the right to strike
Meeting with Lech Walesa at the Vatican
John Paul II meets Lech Walesa at the Vatican
February 198124 historical events
Duchy Patronage Responsibilities
Explains his Duchy patronage duties, including appointments connected with church livings, educational governing bodies, chaplaincies and charitable homes.
Duchy of Lancaster Staffing
Answers Commons questions on the Duchy of Lancaster office, stating that its staff included administrators, surveyors, accounts personnel and clerical employees.
New Towns
Addresses Commons questions on policy and expenditure for the new towns.
Partnership Committees
Addresses Commons questions on inner-city partnership committees.
First Gro Harlem Brundtland Government
Begins the First Gro Harlem Brundtland Government in Oslo and serves as Prime Minister of Norway.
Prime Minister of Norway
Appointed Prime Minister of Norway, 1st term, Norways 1st woman Prime Minister
Odvar Nordli Government
The Odvar Nordli Government ends in Oslo, concluding this term as Prime Minister of Norway.
Resignation of Josef Pinkowski
Forced to resign after 5 months of unrest
Strike
Thatchers Conservative Government withdraws plans to close 23 pits in its first major u-turn since coming to power 2 years ago
World Record
Breaks the indoor mile record, 3 mins 50.6 secs
Strike
Miners vote in favour of a 9.3 per cent pay rise
Twenty-Sixth CPSU Congress Opens
Opens his final Communist Party Congress with a lengthy report on domestic and international policy.
New Arms Control Proposal
Uses the Twenty-Sixth Party Congress to call for another round of arms-control negotiations.
Coup
Holds 300 members of the Cortes at gunpoint in a failed coup
Coup
Leads 200 civil guards in a takeover of the Cortes. Holds 300 members of the Cortes at gunpoint in a failed coup
Grammy Award
John Lennon and Yoko Onos Double Fantasy wins Album of the Year for 1981 at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards
John Lennon and Yoko Onos Double
John Lennon and Yoko Onos Double Fantasy wins Album of the Year for 1981 at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards
Constitution of Spain
The attempted military coup fails when the King supports Constitutional Government
Coup
The attempted military coup fails when the King supports Constitutional Government
Commons Business Programme
Announces Commons business including a scheduled debate on the independent strategic deterrent, legislation and opposition supply business for the following week.
Constitution of Spain
Forms a Cabinet, the 1st in Spain since 1939 without generals
You Better You Bet
Release You Better You Bet.
Twenty-Sixth CPSU Congress Speech
Addresses the Twenty-Sixth Communist Party Congress before joining the party's Central Committee.
Prime Minister of Spain
Appointed Prime Minister of Spain
March 198126 historical events
Budget Debate Schedule
Sets out the Commons programme surrounding the March Budget, including continuation of the Budget debate and other government and opposition business.
Government
Announces plan to cut federal employment by 37,000
Government
Announces plan to link welfare benits to work requirements
President of Chile
Begins the constitutional presidential period established by the 1980 Constitution.
Government
The US will send 15 Green Berets to El Salvador as military advisers
Face Dances Album
Release Face Dances with Kenney Jones on drums.
Arrest of Maria Estela Martinez Cartas de Peron
Arrested for 8 yrs for corruption
Maastricht European Council
Represents newly admitted Greece at its first year of European Council participation.
Canvey Island Planning Inquiry
Addresses the Commons concerning the Canvey Island planning inquiry.
Provisional Constitutional Order
Zia issues a Provisional Constitutional Order requiring judges to take a new oath.
Social Democratic Party Launch
Helps launch the Social Democratic Party as a centrist alternative to Labour.
SDP Launch
Helps launch the Social Democratic Party with other Labour defectors.
Solidarity
Solidarity holds a 4 hour national strike
Strike
Solidarity holds a 4 hour national strike
Strike
Solidarity holds a 4 hour national strike
President of Argentina
Appointed de facto President of Argentina after Jorge Rafael Videla
Assassination of President Reagan
Wounded alongside President Reagan in an assassination attempt
Government
Attempts to assassinate President Reagan. Arrested for shooting President Reagan & 2 of his aides
Government
President Reagan & 3 aides are shot in an assassination attempt in Washington
First to Fourth Martens Governments
The First to Fourth Martens Governments ends in Brussels, concluding this period as Prime Minister of Belgium.
Greater London Council Housing Transfer
Takes part in Commons proceedings on transfer of Greater London Council housing.
Minister of Education
Serves as Minister of Education before becoming prime minister under Mohammad Ali Rajai
Revolution of Iran
Bahonar backs revolutionary cultural policy aimed at removing secular influence from universities
Solidarity
The militia beats up Solidarity borough council members & provokes a strike
Strike
The militia beats up Solidarity borough council members & provokes a strike
Twenty-Sixth Congress Leadership Confirmation
The Communist Party leadership is reconfirmed after the Twenty-Sixth Congress.
April 198119 historical events
Third Force
Paisley establishes another paramilitary group, 3rd Force
Ulster Resistance
Establishe the paramilitary group Ulster Resistance
Fighting breaks out between Lebanese christian militia & Syrian peacekeeping troops
Fighting breaks out between Lebanese christian militia & Syrian peacekeeping troops
Constitution of Philippines
Voters approve the new constitution giving sweeping powers to President Marcos
Death of Omar Nelson Bradley
Death of Omar Nelson Bradley
Parliamentary Business Statement
Announces the following week's Commons timetable, covering the Finance Bill, Transport Bill, regional policy debate and several consolidation measures.
Demonstrations
!st day of a weekend of riots in Brixton. Lord Scarman is later appointed to review the causes of the riots
Government
Returns to the Whitehouse 12 after being shot
Demonstrations
Visits Brixton & expresses "extreme distress & horror"
Death of Joe Louis
Death of Joe Louis
Reform of Trade
Polish farmers win the right to form an independent trades union
Strike
Clashes worsen as Sands hunger strike reaches its 52st day
Government
Says that Russia is the primary source of danger to the world
Government
Ends curbs on grain exports to Russia
Revised Commons Business
Makes a revised business statement scheduling a timetable motion on the British Nationality Bill and further government legislation for 29 April.
Syria installs Russian made surface-to-air missiles in Lebanon
Syria installs Russian made surface-to-air missiles in Lebanon
General Election Victory
Leads the National Party to another parliamentary election victory.
National Party Majority Retained
Retains a commanding white parliamentary majority.
Resignation of Joe Gormley
Joe Gormley resigned as President of the NUM to be replaced by leftwinger Arthur Scargill
May 198149 historical events
Khan Research Laboratories
Zia-ul-Haq renames the Engineering Research Laboratories as Khan Research Laboratories in recognition of A. Q. Khan's work.
Death of Nargis Dutt
Death of Nargis Dutt
Death of Bobby Sands
Death of Bobby Sands, on 66th day of hunger strike
Vacant and Under-used Land
Answers a parliamentary question concerning vacant and under-used land.
Government
Expels all Libyan Diplomats due to Libyas support for terrorists
GLC
Livingstone calls a caucus of his supporters. announcing his intent to challenge Mc Intoshs leadership, he invited those assembled to stand for other GLC posts.
GLC
Livingstone defeated him by 30 votes to 20 & the entire left caucus slate is then elected.
GLC
Mc Intosh proclaims the GLC coup illegitimate, asserting that Labour was in danger from a leftist take-over.
GLC
the meeting ends having agreed on a full slate of candidates then Mc Intosh holds a GLC Labour meeting. the attendees called an immediate leadership election, in which.
GLC
Livingstone calls a caucus of his supporters; announcing his intent to challenge McIntoshs leadership, he invited those assembled to stand for other GLC posts, the meeting ends having agreed on a full slate of candidates then McIntosh holds a GLC Labour meeting; the attendees called an immediate leadership election, in which Livingstone defeated him by 30 votes to 20 & the entire left caucus slate is then elected
Withdrawal Negotiations at Damascus
Syria tells Israel it will not withdraw missiles in Lebanon
Election
Wins 51.7% of the vote, 48.3% for Valery Giscard dEstaing
President of France
Appointed President of France, 1st term
Election
Defeated by Mitterand in the 2nd round of the Presidential election
Computer World
Shapes Computer World's computerised speech, rhythm and information-age themes.
Computer World
Contributes percussion and songwriting to Computer World.
Computer World
Releases Computer World, predicting everyday life shaped by data, networks and machines.
Computer World
Performs electronic percussion on Computer World.
Election
The Social Democrats sustain heavy losses in West Berlin
Death of Bob Marley
Death of Bob Marley
KGB (Committee for State Security)
Mehmet Ali Agca claims he was working for the KGB
Plot
Shot in the Vatican Sqr by a Turk, Mehmet Ali Agca. Mehmet Ali Agca claims he was working for the KGB
GLC
Deputy leader Illtyd Harrington said the administration was challenging the absurd cosmetic approach to Armageddon.
GLC
The GLC published the names of 3,000 politicians and administrators designated to survive a nuclear attack on London in underground bunkers.
GLC
The Livingstone administration declared London a nuclear-free zone and stopped the GLC's annual ยฃ1 million spending on nuclear-war defence plans.
GLC
Deputy leader Illtyd Harrington said the administration was challenging the absurd cosmetic approach to Armageddon.
GLC
The GLC published the names of 3,000 politicians and administrators designated to survive a nuclear attack on London in underground bunkers.
GLC
The Livingstone administration declared London a nuclear-free zone and stopped the GLC's annual ยฃ1 million spending on nuclear-war defence plans.
Prime Minister of France
Appointed Prime Minister of France
Assassination of Jaime Roldos Aguilera
Death of Jaime Roldos Aguilera, killed by terrorists in an air-crash
Death of Jaime Roldos Aguilera
Death of Jaime Roldos Aguilera, killed by terrorists in an air-crash
President of Ecuador
Appointed President of Ecuador after the death of Jaime Roldos
Gulf Cooperation Council Founded
Supports Saudi diplomacy during the council's creation.
Gulf Cooperation Council Founded
Joins the leaders establishing the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Resignation of Arnaldo Frolani
Resigns after top officials are linked to the "P2" masonic lodge
European Cup
Leads Liverpool to European Cup victory over Real Madrid.
Coup
Shot dead during a military coup
Death of Ziaur Rahman
Shot dead during a military coup
The Wall
Pink Floyd play Earls Court, the performance is filmed for inclusion in the film of "The Wall"
The Wall
Pink Floyd play Earls Court, the performance is filmed for inclusion in the film of "The Wall"
Pink Floyd
Nick Mason releases his solo album, "Fictitious Sports" with help from Carla Bley and Robert Wyatt
Election
A Labour GLC election victory, with McIntosh installed as Head of the GLC; within 24 hours he would be deposed by members of his own party, replaced by Livingstone
GLC
A Labour GLC election victory, with McIntosh installed as Head of the GLC; within 24 hours he would be deposed by members of his own party, replaced by Livingstone
Election
Livingstone turns his attention to achieving a GLC Labour victory, exchanging his safe-seat in Hackney North for the marginal Inner London seat at Paddington; wins the seat by 2,397 votes. A Labour GLC election victory, with McIntosh installed as Head of the GLC; within 24 hours he would be deposed by members of his own party, replaced by Livingstone
GLC
A Labour GLC election victory, with McIntosh installed as Head of the GLC; within 24 hours he would be deposed by members of his own party, replaced by Livingstone
GLC
Cutler and the Conservatives learn of Livingstones plans, proclaiming that a GLC Labour victory would lead to a Marxist takeover of London and then Britain; the rightist press pick up the story, with the Daily Express using the headline of "Why We Must Stop These
GLC
Livingstone turns his attention to achieving a GLC Labour victory, exchanging his safe-seat in Hackney North for the marginal Inner London seat at Paddington; wins the seat by 2,397 votes.
GLC
Red Wreckers".
Plot
John Paul II visits Mehmet Ali Agca & forgives him
June 198146 historical events
Local Authority Expenditure
Takes part in a substantial Commons debate on local-authority expenditure.
Somewhere in England
Releases Album, "Somewhere in England"
Prime Minister of Poland
Appointed Prime Minister of Poland
French Open
Wins 6th French Open title. Winner of the French Menss Singles Tennis Championship, 6th time
Bombing of Osirak
Bombed by Israel to prevent Iraq developing nuclear weapons
Bombing of Iraq
Israeli planes bomb a nuclear power plant near Iraq, the act is condemned by the UN
Inner City Private Enterprise
Addresses Commons questions on increasing private-enterprise involvement in inner-city areas.
Merseyside Development Corporation
Addresses the Commons on the Merseyside Development Corporation.
Rating Review
Addresses the Commons on review of the domestic rating system.
Commander-in-Chief
Khomeini removes Banisadr from command of the armed forces as the political struggle with clerical leaders deepens
Constitution of Poland
Proposes a major reconstruction of the Government to tackle economic problems
Dismissal
Dismisses 5 cabinet ministers
Fourth Strougal Government
Begins the Fourth Strougal Government in Prague and serves as Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia.
Third Strougal Government
The Third Strougal Government ends in Prague, concluding this term as Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia.
APPLE
Under Satish Dhawan, APPLE is launched as India's experimental geostationary communication satellite.
June Demonstrations
PMOI supporters join major demonstrations against clerical rule as the confrontation with the Islamic Republic turns violent
Impeachment
Majles votes that Banisadr is politically incompetent after his conflict with Khomeini and Islamic Republic Party leaders
Armed Opposition
PMOI conflict with the authorities escalates after Banisadr's impeachment and the suppression of opposition demonstrations
Dismissal of Banisadr
Khomeini dismisses Banisadr from the presidency after the parliamentary vote against him
Bombing of Osirak
Israeli F-16 fighter-bombers destroy a nuclear power plant in Iraq at Osirak, Iraq, before it goes into operation, a facility the Israelis charged could have been used to make nuclear weapons
Ceasefire
Israel & the PLO endorse ceasefire agreements
Peace
Israel & the PLO endorse ceasefire agreements
Historical Resolution
Hu Yaobang leads the party as it formally reassesses Mao's errors and the Cultural Revolution
Historical Resolution
The party adopts a historical resolution condemning the Cultural Revolution as a grave error
Assassination Attempt
Khamenei is badly wounded when a bomb hidden in a tape recorder explodes during a speech in Tehran
State Council Presidency
Heng Samrin becomes President of the Council of State
Appointed Prime Minister
Pen Sovan is appointed Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Kampuchea
Hafte Tir Bombing
Beheshti is killed in the bombing of the Islamic Republic Party headquarters
Hafte Tir Bombing
Mohammad Montazeri is among the parliamentarians and officials killed in the Islamic Republic Party headquarters bombing
Islamic Republic Party
Bahonar becomes secretary general of the Islamic Republic Party after Mohammad Beheshti is assassinated
Islamic Republic Party
Bahonar rises to party leadership after Beheshti is killed in the Hafte Tir bombing
Secretary General
Bahonar becomes secretary general after Mohammad Beheshti is killed in the Islamic Republic Party bombing
Islamic Republic Party
Bahonar becomes secretary general of the Islamic Republic Party after Beheshti's assassination
Secretary General
Bahonar takes over Islamic Republic Party leadership after Beheshti is killed
Prime Minister of Italy
Appointed Prime Minister of Italy
New State Structure
Council of State replaces the earlier revolutionary council framework
Council of Ministers Lead
Pen Sovan begins leading the Council of Ministers
Chairman
Hua Guofeng is replaced by Hu Yaobang (an ally of Deng Xiaoping) as as Party Chairman of Communist China
Party Secretary
Appointed Party Secretary of the Communist Party
Taoiseach of Ireland
FitzGerald takes office leading a coalition between Fine Gael and Labour.
Election
Elections for the tenth Knesset are held despite last minute polls suggesting a victory for Shimon Peres' Alignment
Election
Menachem Begin's Likud wins by just one seat, voter turnout is 77.8%
Election
Elections for the tenth Knesset are held in Israel, despite last minute polls suggesting a victory for Shimon Peres Alignment, Menachem Begins Likud win by just one seat, voter turnout is 77.8%
First European Council as President
Mitterrand represented France at a European Council soon after becoming President and reaffirmed France's role in Community affairs.
Economy of Great Britain
First spell as Thatchers full-time economic adviser between 1981 and 1983, expands the frontiers of influence for public servants, and maintaines the first Thatcher Governments adherence to monetarism
Voyager 2 Saturn Science Phase Begins
Voyager 2 begins long-range Saturn observations ahead of its August encounter.
July 198120 historical events
Marriage
Diannas engagement to Charles becomes official
Government Programme
Pen Sovan's government begins reconstruction under the PRK
Dismissal
Dismisses 8 cabinet ministers
Parliamentary Recess Arrangements
Answers questions about parliamentary sitting periods and summer recess dates, noting that numerous practical factors had to be considered when arranging the Commons calendar.
Demonstrations
Moss Side in Manchester experiences its first of 2 days disorder
Demonstrations
Visits Liverpool and drives through the scene of the riots in Toxteth
Warrington By-election
Finishes a close second at the Warrington by-election for the new SDP.
Humber Bridge
Humbar Estuary Bridge, worlds longest span, 1.4 km, opens
Bombing of Beirut
Israeli bombers destroy PLO/al-Fatah headquarters in Beirut
Bombing of Beirut
Israeli bombers destroy PLO/al-Fatah headquarters in Beirut
NCRI
Banisadr becomes associated with the National Council of Resistance of Iran as an opposition coalition forms against the government
NCRI
Rajavi helps form the National Council of Resistance of Iran as an umbrella opposition organisation
NCRI
Banisadr joins opposition efforts around the National Council of Resistance of Iran
NCRI
Rajavi helps establish the National Council of Resistance of Iran as an opposition coalition
Presidential Election
Rajai wins the presidential election held after Banisadr's removal from office
Israel-PLO Lebanon Ceasefire
Arafat accepts a United States-brokered ceasefire intended to halt cross-border fighting between Israel and PLO forces based in Lebanon.
Death of William Wyler
Death of William Wyler
Liverpool Regeneration Response
After the Toxteth riots, becomes closely involved in developing a programme of regeneration for Liverpool.
Toxteth Riots
Her government faces major unrest in Toxteth during inner-city riots.
Handsworth Disturbances
Serious disturbances in Handsworth expose tensions involving policing, unemployment and deprivation.
August 198142 historical events
Rajai Presidency
Khomeini confirms Rajai as president during the rapid transfer of power after Banisadr's dismissal
President of Iran
Rajai takes office as President of Iran after winning the July election
Resignation of Luis Garcia Meza Tejada
Garcia Meza resigns as military support for his dictatorship collapses.
Islamic Republic Party
Bahonar serves as prime minister and secretary general of the Islamic Republic Party
Islamic Republic
Bahonar becomes the second prime minister of the Islamic Republic after the 1979 revolution
Prime Minister of Iran
Bahonar becomes prime minister and leads the government until his assassination later in August
Rajai Government
Bahonar becomes prime minister under President Mohammad Ali Rajai
Rajai Government
Bahonar is appointed prime minister under President Mohammad Ali Rajai
Islamic Republic Party
Bahonar combines senior government office with leadership of the Islamic Republic Party
Islamic Republic
Bahonar serves as prime minister in the Islamic Republic government
Prime Minister of Iran
Bahonar takes office as prime minister before being assassinated later that month
Rajai Government
Bahonar becomes prime minister under President Mohammad Ali Rajai
PATCO Strike
Reagan dismisses striking air traffic controllers who refuse to return to work.
Ken Patten Demo Session
Records a four-song Pulp demo at Studio Electrophonique that later helps secure a BBC session.
Shot of Love
Releases Shot of Love.
Economic Recovery Tax Act
The Act reduces individual income-tax rates and accelerates business depreciation allowances.
Give the People What They Want
The Kinks release Give the People What They Want.
Party and State Role
Pen Sovan combines senior party status with the prime ministership
First Gulf of Sidra Air Clash
United States aircraft shoot down two Libyan fighters during naval exercises.
Lola
Directs Lola.
Tattoo You
The Rolling Stones release Tattoo You.
Trident Review
The Government reviews Trident after the United States decides to accelerate development of Trident II D5
Trident II D5
The Reagan administration indicates willingness to make the newer Trident II D5 missile available to Britain
Saturn Ring Spokes
Studies Voyager observations of strange spoke-like markings in Saturn's rings.
Saturn Ring Structure
Uses Voyager 2 imagery to examine fine structure in Saturn's rings.
Voyager 2 Saturn Flyby
Voyager 2 flies past Saturn and extends studies of the planet, rings and moons.
Saturn Moons
Interprets Voyager observations of Saturn's moons and ring environment.
Government Appointment
Al-Khasawneh participates in government appointment connected with Jordanian political and historical developments.
Assassination of Mohammad Ali Rajai
Rajai is killed in the Prime Minister's office bombing
Assassination of Mohammad Javad Bahonar
Bahonar is killed when a bomb explodes at the prime minister's office in Tehran
Assassination of Mohammad Javad Bahonar
Bahonar is assassinated in the bombing of the prime minister's office
Death of Mohammad Javad Bahonar
Death of Mohammad Javad Bahonar after the prime minister's office bombing
Peoples Mojahedin of Iran
Iranian authorities blame the Peoples Mojahedin of Iran for the bombing that kills Bahonar
Prime Minister's Office Bombing
Keshmiri is identified by Iranian authorities as the infiltrator who carried the bomb into the prime minister's office
Assassination of Mohammad Javad Bahonar
Bahonar is assassinated in the prime minister's office bombing
Death of Mohammad Javad Bahonar
Death of Mohammad Javad Bahonar after the 30 August bombing in Tehran
Peoples Mojahedin of Iran
The PMOI is blamed by Iranian authorities for the bombing that kills Bahonar
Foreign Minister
Mousavi serves as foreign minister in the turbulent period before becoming prime minister
Saturn Ringlet Fine Structure
Voyager 2 imagery resolves numerous narrow ringlets and changing structures within Saturn's rings.
Dione Wispy Terrain Imaging
Voyager 2 photographs bright wispy terrain across Dione's trailing hemisphere.
Tethys Ithaca Chasma Imaging
Voyager 2 images reveal the immense Ithaca Chasma canyon system crossing Tethys.
Saturn Atmospheric Wind Speeds
Voyager 2 observations map fast zonal winds and persistent atmospheric features on Saturn.
September 198137 historical events
Death of Berthold Konrad Hermann Albert Speer
Death of Berthold Konrad Hermann Albert Speer
President of Uruguay
Appointed president during the final phase of the civic-military dictatorship
Interim Government
Mahdavi-Kani becomes interim prime minister after the deaths of Rajai and Bahonar
Interim Government
Mahdavi-Kani is appointed interim prime minister after the deaths of Rajai and Bahonar
Prime Minister of Iran
Mahdavi-Kani serves as prime minister during the short interim government after the August bombing
Interim Government
Mahdavi-Kani leads an interim government after the Rajai-Bahonar assassination
Prime Minister of Iran
Mahdavi-Kani serves as prime minister during the emergency transition after August 1981
Military Presidency
Torrelio succeeds Garcia Meza as head of the military government.
Paymaster General Tenure
Completes his tenure as Paymaster General as ministerial responsibilities are reorganised during the September 1981 government changes.
Appointment as Lord President and Commons Leader
Appointed Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, formally taking responsibility for coordinating government business in the Commons.
Secretary
Nigel Lawson is promoted to Secretary of State for Energy on 14 September 1981.
Cabinet
Lawson, Tebbit & Parkinson join the Cabinet & Prior becomes the Northern Ireland Sec
Resignation of Gilmour, Carlisle & Soames
Gilmour, Carlisle & Soames leave the Government
Abacab
Plays on Abacab as Genesis adopts a cleaner and more modern early-1980s sound.
IRGC Command
Rezaei becomes commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the war
IAEA Director General Inauguration
Is inaugurated as Director General of the IAEA.
IAEA Leadership Begins
Begins sixteen years leading the international nuclear agency.
Deputy Leadership Challenge
Healey retains the Labour deputy leadership after defeating Tony Benn in the electoral-college ballot.
Election
Healey defeats Tony Benn with just over 50 percent of the electoral-college vote.
Tony Benn Challenge
Healey defeats Tony Benn by a narrow margin and retains the Labour deputy leadership.
Operation Samen-ol-A'emeh
Fakouri supports the Abadan offensive through Iranian air force command
Operation Samen-ol-A'emeh
Khomeini backs the offensive that breaks the Iraqi siege of Abadan
Operation Samen-ol-A'emeh
Fallahi helps direct the Iranian operation to relieve Abadan
Operation Samen-ol-A'emeh
Jahanara is associated with IRGC field activity in Khuzestan during the operation to break the Abadan siege
Operation Samen-ol-A'emeh
Namjoo is involved in the command review of the successful Abadan operation
Siege of Abadan
Iran relieves its besieged port of Abadan
Death of Bill Shankly
Bill Shankly died at the age of 68, prompting tributes from Liverpool supporters and the wider football community for his achievements as a player and manager.
C-130 Crash
Fakouri is killed in the Iranian Air Force C-130 crash after returning from the front
C-130 Crash
Fallahi is killed when a returning Iranian military C-130 crashes near Kahrizak
C-130 Crash
Jahanara is killed in the C-130 crash while returning from the southwest war front
C-130 Crash
Namjoo is killed in the C-130 crash with other senior military commanders
Commonwealth
Arrives in Melbourne for the Commonwealth Conference
Conference of Commonwealth
Arrives in Melbourne for the Commonwealth Conference
European Cup Debut
Villa begins its first European Cup campaign with a decisive victory over Valur.
Chairman
Appointed Chairman of Solidarity
Congress of Solidarity
Solidaritys 1st national congress
Phoebe Close Imaging
Voyager 2 obtains the mission's first useful close spacecraft views of distant Phoebe.
October 198139 historical events
Transfer
Signs for Manchester Utd, for a British record transfer fee of ล1.5 million
Presidential Election
Khamenei wins the presidential election following the assassination of Mohammad Ali Rajai
Assassination of Anwar Sadat
Is assassinated by Islamist army officers during a military parade in Cairo.
Death of Anwar Sadat
Dies after being shot during the annual military parade commemorating the October War.
Death of Anwar Sadat
Death of Anwar Sadat
Assassination of Anwar Sadat
Assassinated by extremist Muslim soldiers
Death of Anwar Sadat
Assassinated by extremist Muslim soldiers
Demo Given to John Peel
Gives Pulp's demo tape to John Peel at a Sheffield Polytechnic roadshow.
Jerusalem Policy
Al-Khasawneh participates in jerusalem policy connected with Jordanian political and historical developments.
Presidential Referendum
Wins confirmation as President in a national referendum after Sadat's assassination.
Khamenei Presidency
Khomeini installs Khamenei as President of Iran after the October election
President of Iran
Khamenei takes office as president during wartime and internal political repression
President of Egypt
Assumes the presidency after a national referendum following Sadat's assassination.
Presidential Succession
Becomes acting President after Sadat's assassination and is confirmed by referendum.
Chairman
Appointed Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP)
First Gro Harlem Brundtland Government
The First Gro Harlem Brundtland Government ends in Oslo, concluding this term as Prime Minister of Norway.
Prime Minister of Norway
Appointed Prime Minister of Norway
Kรฅre Willoch Government
Begins the Kรฅre Willoch Government in Oslo and serves as Prime Minister of Norway.
Death of Moshe Dayan
Death of Moshe Dayan
PASOK Election Victory
PASOK wins the election and prepares Greece's first socialist-led government.
Privatization
Lawson announces plans to transfer BNOC's oil-producing business to the private sector and to dispose of selected British Gas Corporation oil interests as part of wider energy-market reform.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Karolos Papoulias is appointed Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister of Greece
Andreas Papandreou is sworn in as Prime Minister after PASOK's election victory.
Under Pressure
Releases Under Pressure with Queen, creating a major collaboration built around a memorable bass line.
Duchy Chancellorship
Completes his tenure as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster after combining the office with wider cabinet and parliamentary responsibilities during 1981.
Resignation of Urho Kaleva Kekkonen
Resigns due to ill health
Majles Approval
Majles approves Mousavi as prime minister after Khomeini accepts him as a compromise candidate
Metallica
Metallica is formed by guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield and Danish-born drummer Lars Ulrich, after both had placed classified advertisements in the publication The Recycler about forming a band
Metallica
Metallica is formed by guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield and Danish-born drummer Lars Ulrich, after both had placed classified advertisements in the publication The Recycler about forming a band
Khamenei Government
Mousavi becomes Prime Minister of Iran under President Ali Khamenei
Prime Minister of Iran
Appointed Prime Minister of Iran after Majles approval and Khomeini's backing
Prime Minister of Iran
Mousavi becomes Prime Minister of Iran and begins a wartime premiership lasting until 1989
Khamenei Government
Mousavi becomes prime minister within the Islamic Republic's clerical political order
Prime Minister of Iran
Mousavi begins his premiership under President Ali Khamenei during the Iran-Iraq War
Economic Policy Criticism
Criticises aspects of monetarist economic policy and the direction of Thatcherism.
Prime Minister Nomination
Khamenei nominates Ali Akbar Velayati for prime minister, but the Majles does not approve him
Majles Rejection
Velayati fails to secure a parliamentary vote of confidence as Khamenei searches for a prime minister
NCRI
Banisadr helps establish the National Council of Resistance of Iran in exile
NCRI
Rajavi helps establish the National Council of Resistance of Iran as an exile opposition coalition
November 198127 historical events
Legislative Election
Tunisia held a legislative election allowing opposition lists to compete, although the ruling front won every seat.
Mob Rules
Sings on Mob Rules, the second studio album of the Dio-fronted Black Sabbath line-up.
Public Accounts Committee Service Ends
Ends his recorded membership of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee after serving during the early years of the Conservative government.
Congratulates Reagan on his election victory & invites him to Britain for
Congratulates Reagan on his election victory & invites him to Britain for discussions
Election
Congratulates Reagan on his election victory & invites him to Britain for discussions
Genscher-Colombo Plan
Helps submit the German-Italian Draft European Act proposing stronger political cooperation and progress toward European Union.
Tonight I'm Yours
Releases Tonight I'm Yours as his sound moves toward early-1980s new wave pop.
International Agreement at London
Agrees with Garret FiitzGerald to establish an Anglo-Irish inter-Governmental Council
International Agreement at Dublin
Agrees with Margaret Thatcher to establish the Anglo-Irish inter-Governmental Council
Genscher-Colombo Initiative
Co-authors the German-Italian initiative calling for progress toward European Union.
Genscher-Colombo Initiative
Heads the Italian government as the Genscher-Colombo initiative proposes stronger European political cooperation.
First John Peel Session
Records Pulp's first John Peel session at BBC Maida Vale studios.
Presidency Ends
Ne Win steps down as President while retaining party dominance
President Takes Office
San Yu becomes President of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma
Government
Offers to cancel Cruise & Pershing in Europe if Russia removs missiles on Europe
London European Council
Represents Germany as leaders discuss the Community budget, agriculture and renewed European integration.
London European Council
Represents Greece at his first European Council after taking office as prime minister.
London European Council
Represents Ireland as leaders consider budget disputes and renewed European integration.
European Political Cooperation
Supports stronger European political cooperation during the London European Council.
Operation Tariq al-Quds
Sayad Shirazi supervises army planning for the Bostan offensive
Operation Tariq al-Quds
Khomeini supports the offensive that helps Iran retake Bostan from Iraqi forces
Operation Tariq al-Quds
Rezaei supervises Revolutionary Guard planning for Operation Tariq al-Quds
Operation Tariq al-Quds
Rashid is assigned an operational command role in the offensive to retake Bostan
Invasion of Iran
Iran launches a major offensive on the central front with Iraq
Death of Natalie Wood
Death of Natalie Wood
Bonn Missile and Arms Talks
Discusses nuclear missiles, European security and arms negotiations with Helmut Schmidt.
Bonn Visit with Schmidt
Travels to West Germany for discussions with Chancellor Helmut Schmidt during renewed East-West tensions.
December 198147 historical events
Premiership Crisis
Pen Sovan's position weakens before his removal from office
Public Expenditure Statement
Announces public-expenditure plans for 1982-83 and links them to the Government's continuing strategy for reducing inflation and borrowing.
Bryukhanov Unit Three Commissioning
Directs the station when Unit 3 is commissioned and the Chernobyl generating complex expands to three operating reactors.
Acting PM Appointed
Chan Sy becomes Acting Prime Minister after Pen Sovan's removal
Removed as Prime Minister
Pen Sovan is removed from the prime ministership after a short term
Party Leadership Consolidated
Heng Samrin consolidates senior state and party leadership after Pen Sovan's removal
Nobel Prize in Medicine
Shares the medicine prize for discoveries about visual information processing.
Visual Cortex Research
Reveals how cortical cells organize and respond to visual stimuli.
Electron Spectroscopy Recognition
Receives recognition for methods revealing atomic and molecular energy levels.
Nobel Prize in Physics
Shares the physics prize for high-resolution electron spectroscopy.
Confederation President
Diouf becomes President of the Senegambia Confederation with Gambia
Arrest of Solidarity leadership
Arrests 3/4 of the Solidarity leadership
Martial Law
The Council of National Salvation comes to power & declares martial law. The borders are sealed, a curfew imposed, broadcasting controlled. Strikes & assemblies are banned
Solidarity
Jaruzelski bans Solidarity. Arrests 3/4 of the Solidarity leadership
Strike
Strikes are banned
Martial Law
The Government attempts to destroy the union with the martial law of 1981 and several years of repression, but in the end it had to start negotiating with the union. Jaruzelski declares martial law
Capture of Golan Heights
Israel annexes the Golan Heights, seized from Syria in 1967, Parliament approves the annexation of the Golan Heights with legislation in one day
Golan Heights Law Introduced
The government of Menachem Begin advanced legislation extending Israeli law, jurisdiction, and administration to the Golan Heights, despite continuing Syrian claims.
Knesset Enacts Golan Heights Law
The Knesset enacted the Golan Heights Law, applying Israeli civil law to the occupied plateau in a move widely treated internationally as annexation.
Rule of Golan Heights
Israel annexes the Golan Heights, seized from Syria in 1967, Parliament approves the annexation of the Golan Heights with legislation in one day
Party Renamed
Communist Party of Kampuchea renamed Party of Democratic Kampuchea
Privatization
The Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Bill is published on 17 December 1981, providing for the transfer of BNOC's oil-producing business and wider private-sector participation in oil and gas.
GLC
The GLC appeal the "Fares Fair" court verdict, taking the case to the House of Lords but five Law Lords unanimously rule in favour of Bromley Borough Council, putting a permanent end to the Fares Fair policy, GLC transport chairman Dave Wetzel labelled the judges "Vandals in Ermine" while Livingstone maintained his belief that the judicial decision was politically motivated
Fares Fair
"Vandals in Ermine" while Livingstone maintained his belief that the judicial decision was politically motivated.
Fares Fair
Livingstone got on board with a campaign known as "Keep Fares Fair" in order to bring about a change in the law that would make the Fares Fair policy legal; an alternate movement, "Cant Pay, Wont Pay", accused Livingstone of being a sell-out and insisted
Fares Fair
The GLC appeal the "Fares Fair" court verdict, taking the case to the House of Lords but five Law Lords unanimously rule in favour of Bromley Borough Council, putting a permanent end to the Fares Fair policy, GLC transport chairman Dave Wetzel labelled the judges
Fares Fair
that the GLC proceed with its policies regardless of their legality
GLC
"Vandals in Ermine" while Livingstone maintained his belief that the judicial decision was politically motivated.
GLC
Livingstone got on board with a campaign known as "Keep Fares Fair" in order to bring about a change in the law that would make the Fares Fair policy legal; an alternate movement, "Cant Pay, Wont Pay", accused Livingstone of being a sell-out and insisted
GLC
The GLC appeal the "Fares Fair" court verdict, taking the case to the House of Lords but five Law Lords unanimously rule in favour of Bromley Borough Council, putting a permanent end to the Fares Fair policy, GLC transport chairman Dave Wetzel labelled the judges
GLC
that the GLC proceed with its policies regardless of their legality
UN Rejects Change in Status
United Nations Security Council Resolution 497 declared the Israeli decision to impose its laws on the occupied Syrian Golan null and void and without international legal effect.
Invasion of South Georgia
An unauthorised landing on South Georgia by Argentine scrap-metal merchant Constantino Davidoff
Invasion of South Georgia
An unauthorised landing on South Georgia by Argentine scrap-metal merchant Constantino Davidoff
South Georgia Landing
His workers land at Leith without proper permission.
President of Argentina
Appointed President of Argentina
President of Argentina
Appointed de facto President of Argentina after Roberto Eduardo Viola
President of Argentina
Appointed President of Argentina
Government
Introduces economic sanctions against Russia for making Poland to adopt martial law
Third Republic Overthrown
Limann's elected government is overthrown by a military coup led by Jerry Rawlings, bringing the Third Republic to an end.
Syrian and International Opposition
Israel faced diplomatic condemnation after its unilateral extension of domestic law to the Golan Heights, which Syria continued to claim as its territory.
United States Travel Restrictions
The United States invalidates passports for travel to Libya amid worsening bilateral relations.
Arrest of Lech Walesa
Walesa is arrested by Jaruzelski, who fears Polish invasion
Arrest of Lech Walesa
Walesa is arrested by Jaruzelski, who fears Polish invasion
Solidarity
Solidarity goes underground. Jaruzelski bans Solidarity
Support for Polish Martial Law
Supports the Polish Communist government's suppression of Solidarity after martial law is imposed.
Fourth Hero of Soviet Union Award
Receives a fourth Hero of the Soviet Union title late in his political career.
Party Congress
Leads the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party through its third congress
Government Reorganization
Karmal reorganizes ministries and relies increasingly on Soviet advisers to administer the country.
National Fatherland Front
Karmal establishes the National Fatherland Front to widen the political base of the state.
Bertoni Joins Fiorentina's Ambitious Attack
Daniel Bertoni brings World Cup-winning experience and direct attacking play to Fiorentina's challenge for higher league positions.
1981 FA Cup Replay Winning Goal
Scores a celebrated solo goal as Tottenham defeat Manchester City 3-2 in the replay.
Prime Minister of Belgium
Appointed Prime Minister of Belgium, 2nd term
Bulgarian Socialist Party
Appointed Member of Bulgarian Socialist Party
Rough Layout
Publication of Rough Layout
Grandfather Letter Begins
Allende began writing a letter to her dying grandfather that grew into her first novel.
Economy of China
The Communist Party formally condemns Mao for the economic disasters from 1957 till his death
Minister of Electric Power
Appointed Minister of Electric Power, 2nd term
Economy of China
Deng Xiaoping seizes power and launches pseudo-capitalistic economic reforms
Diva
Directs Diva.
Curie Commemoration
Scientific institutions commemorate Curie family contributions.
Election
Comes 3rd in the 1st round of the Presidential elections
Minister of Planning
Appointed Minister of Planning
Secretary of State for Agriculture
Appointed Minister of Agriculture
Louvre
Decides to create the "Grande Louvre" & restore it as a museum
Arrest of Jean-Marc Ruillan
Arrested ibut quickly released by the new Socialist Government of Francois Mitterand
Mayor
Splits the centre-right vote, Chirac & Giscard were defeated by Socialist Mitterrand
Circle of Deceit
Directs Circle of Deceit.
Numbers
Records Numbers, a track that becomes influential in electro and hip hop.
Pocket Calculator
Releases Pocket Calculator, presenting technology as both musical tool and pop subject.
Scanning Tunneling Microscope
With Heinrich Rohrer, develops a microscope that maps surfaces atom by atom by measuring electron tunnelling current.
Back-to-Back Bundesliga Championships
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge helps Bayern defend their Bundesliga title in 1980-81 and establishes himself among Europeโs leading attackers.
Rummenigge Retains European Honour
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claims the 1981 Ballon dโOr for a second straight year as his consistency in front of goal helps Bayern Munich retain the German league title.
Annie
Appears in "Annie"
Before I Forget
Autobiography, "Before I Forget"
Time Bandits
John Cleese & Michael Palin appear in "Time Bandits", directed by Terry Gillam
Escape to Victory
Stars in Escape to Victory
Time Bandits
John Cleese & Michael Palin appear in "Time Bandits", directed by Terry Gillam
Time Bandits
John Cleese & Michael Palin appear in "Time Bandits", directed by Terry Gillam
Only Fools and Horses
Derek Del-Boy Trotter in the BBC situation comedy Only Fools and Horses (created by John Sullivan)
Brideshead Revisited
Mortimer is credited with the adaptation of Evelyn Waughs Brideshead Revisited for Granada Television
Only Fools and Horses
Appears in Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003)
Hello America
Publication of "Hello America"
Introduction to American Studies
Bradbury coedited a collection introducing the interdisciplinary study of the United States.
The Chariot of Israel
Publication of "The Chariot of Israel"
Rocket 88
Joins a "supergroup", Rocket 88, a project led by Ian Stewart based around boogie-woogie keyboard players, which featured a rhythm section comprising Jack Bruce and Charlie Watts
Magazine
Simons replacement, Ben Mandelson, is on hand for Magazines final original album, Magic, Murder and the Weather
Love
Releases the album Love Is Only Feeling
Magazine
Simons replacement, Ben Mandelson, is on hand for Magazines final original album, Magic, Murder and the Weather. Devoto leaves the band, more or less ending the band since it was so closely identified with him
Spasticus Autisticus
The song "Spasticus Autisticus," intended to mark the International Year of the Disabled, is banned by the BBC
Rock Against Unemployment
Rock Against Unemployment benefit concert, part of the Peoples March For Jobs campaign
Dare
The Human League release the Album, "Dare"
Morning Train
Records "Morning Train", reaches no 1 in the UK
Wishbone Ash
Bolder joins Wishbone Ash
Diary of a Madman
Blizzard of Ozz release the Album, "Diary of a Madman"
Blizzard of Oz
Appointed Member of Blizzard of Oz
Blizzard of Oz
Appointed Member of Blizzard of Oz
Blizzard of Oz
Appointed Member of Blizzard of Oz
Blizzard of Oz
Ozzy releases Diary Of A Madman with the hits "Flying High Again," "Over the Mountain," and "You Cant Kill Rock & Roll. Blizzard of Ozz tours after the release of "Diary of a Madman.", during a performance, a bat is thrown onto the stage by a fan and Osbourne bites its head off while supposedly thinking its fake
Clash
The band come out with a single, "This Is Radio Clash", that further demonstrates their ability to mix diverse influences such as dub and hip hop
Clash
The band come out with a single, "This Is Radio Clash", that further demonstrates their ability to mix diverse influences such as dub and hip hop
Duran Duran
Duran Durans 1st album, "Duran Duran", is released
Abacab
Uses streamlined keyboard textures on Abacab as Genesis moves away from dense progressive arrangements.
Meninblack
Records The Gospel According to the Meninblack, using keyboards and concept themes more heavily.
La Folie
Releases La Folie, the album that includes Golden Brown.
Too Late the Hero
Releases solo album Too Late the Hero
Breakup
Sees Yes disband temporarily after the Drama line-up ends.
Departure
Leaves Yes after the Drama tour and later joins Asia.
Young Turks
Releases Young Turks, one of his defining early MTV-era singles.
Face Dances
The Who release Face Dances.
Economists' Budget Criticism
Defends the Government's economic strategy after 364 economists publicly criticise the fiscal tightening introduced in the 1981 Budget.
Excise Duty Increases
Raises excise duties sharply in the 1981 Budget as part of a fiscal tightening intended to support the Government's monetary strategy.
Personal Allowances Freeze
Freezes personal income-tax allowances in cash terms in the 1981 Budget, increasing the real tax burden during a period of high inflation.
Economy of Great Britain
Alan Arthur Walters plays a major part in discussions that almost causes Geoffrey Howes monetary targets for sterling M3, the government's chosen measure, to be replaced by a purer variant, known as monetary base control.
Economy of Great Britain
Alan Arthur Walters was the first spell as Thatchers full-time economic adviser between 1981 and 1983, expands the frontiers of influence for public servants, and maintains the first Thatcher government's adherence to monetarism.
Economy of Great Britain
Through a sleight of hand, the extra revenue Walters wished to raise was secured by freezing income tax thresholds.
Income Tax
Through a sleight of hand, the extra revenue Walters wished to raise was secured by freezing income tax thresholds
Budget Policy
The 1981 Budget under Geoffrey Howe sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.
Budget
Geoffrey Howe presents the 1981 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Chief Secretary
Appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Privy Council
Nigel Lawson becomes a member of the Privy Council in 1981.
Minister of State
Appointed Minister of State for the Dept of Trade & Industry
Economy of Great Britain
As Secretary of State for Energy, Lawson promotes greater competition and private-sector participation in energy, helping establish policies that precede later gas and electricity privatisations.
Nationalization
As Energy Secretary, Lawson oversees contingency planning for the possibility of a major coal dispute while the Government considers the future of uneconomic pits.
Privatization
Lawson's energy policy promotes competition and asset sales that help establish the policy framework later used for major gas and electricity privatisations.
Strike
Lawson oversees preparations for the possibility of a national coal dispute while serving as Secretary of State for Energy.
Secretary of State for Employment
Appointed Minister of Employment
Secretary
Appointed Trade Secretary
Demonstrations
Visits Brixton Police Station
Privatization
Cable & Wireless is sold for ล224 million
Trident II D5
Thatcher considers replacing the earlier Trident C4 plan with the more capable Trident II D5 system
British Nationality Act
British Nationality Act 1981 restructures British citizenship and nationality categories
Supreme Court Act
Supreme Court Act 1981 consolidates law on the Supreme Court of Judicature
Wildlife and Countryside Act
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 strengthens nature conservation and countryside protections
Sullom Voe
Opens Sullom Voe, the largest oil terminal of its kind in Europe costing 1200M
University of Leeds
Starmer begins studying law at the University of Leeds.
Cantril Farm Intervention
Supports a new approach at the deeply troubled Cantril Farm estate involving private financial institutions, new management and mixed-tenure housing.
London Docklands Development Corporation
Advances the London Docklands Development Corporation, giving a dedicated development body substantial planning and land powers to accelerate regeneration.
Merseyside Development Corporation
As Environment Secretary, advances the creation of the Merseyside Development Corporation to regenerate extensive redundant dockland through land reclamation and private investment.
Merseyside Ministerial Focus
After the Toxteth disturbances, develops a sustained ministerial focus on Merseyside and argues for stronger coordination of government action in major urban areas.
Private Investment in Inner Cities
Changes the emphasis of inner-city policy toward strengthening local economies, improving the environment and attracting private investment alongside public programmes.
Urban Regeneration Spending
Sets out increased inner-city regeneration provision, including major funding for the urban programme and the new development corporations.
Election
Secures 40% Union votes & 30% for the Party & Constituencies for leadership elections
Reform of Electoral System
Secures 40% Union votes & 30% for the Party & Constituencies for leadership elections
Benn Challenge
Healey survives Tony Benn's challenge for the deputy leadership by a narrow margin.
Election
Healey narrowly defeats Tony Benn for the Deputy Leadership.
SDP
28 MPs defect to the Social Democratic Party
Gang of Four
Faces the Labour split after leading moderates leave to create the Social Democratic Party.
NUM
Appointed President of the NUM
Party Leader
Appointed Party Leader of the Social Democratic Party
Gang of Four
Forms the SDP with Shirley Williams, David Owen and Bill Rodgers.
SDP-Liberal Alliance Formation
Helps establish electoral cooperation between the SDP and the Liberal Party.
Evolution from Space
Publishes Evolution from Space with Chandra Wickramasinghe, extending their panspermia arguments.
South Docks Renewal Agency Established
The Merseyside Development Corporation was established and began a programme of waterfront rehabilitation. It linked the salt trade with new waterfront capacity.
Hughes Medal
Shares the Royal Society Hughes Medal with Tom Kibble for contributions to theoretical physics.
World Record
Breaks the 800m World record. Breaks the 1000m World record
FA Cup
Spurs win the FA Cup for the sixth time, defeating Manchester City in a memorable replay.
Transfer
Sold to Manchester City for 1.2 million
League Championship Captaincy
Mortimer captains Aston Villa to the First Division championship.
Real Madrid European Final Winner
Alan Kennedy scored the only goal against Real Madrid in Paris, giving Liverpool a third European Cup in 1981.
Aston Villa 1981 First Division Title - Allan Evans
Allan Evans served in the defensive unit of the championship team as Aston Villa secured the 1980โ81 Football League First Division title. The defender combined marking and positional discipline with support for passing from the back.
Evans Helps Maintain League Title Defence
Evans forms part of the hard-working Aston Villa defence that holds its nerve through the 1980โ81 championship race.
Experienced European Campaign Defender
Allan Hunter contributes his experience as a defender to Bobby Robsonโs Ipswich Town squad during the clubโs successful 1980โ81 UEFA Cup campaign.
Ormsby Develops in Villa First Team
Ormsby gains valuable experience in Aston Villa's first-team environment after emerging from the club's youth ranks.
Gibson Championship Squad Member
Gibson provides additional options for Saunders's first-team group during Villa's historic First Division title season.
Williams Aston Villa Title Role
Williams provides left-back cover and defensive width as Villa become English champions under Saunders.
Aston Villa 1981 First Division Title - Ken McNaught
The 1981 English league championship was earned by Aston Villa with Ken McNaught among the defenders associated with the team. Ken McNaught served in the defensive unit of the championship team and participated in a side that finished above its top-flight rivals.
McNaught Title-Winning Centre Half
McNaught wins aerial duels and organises the back line in Villa's first league championship in more than seven decades.
Aston Villa 1981 First Division Title - Kenny Swain
Kenny Swain represented Aston Villa during the season ending in 1981, when the club won the Football League First Division. As a defender, Kenny Swain combined marking and positional discipline with support for passing from the back.
Swain Championship Full-Back
Swain's positional play offers Saunders defensive consistency in Villa's league-winning campaign.
Ray Stewart Penalty in League Cup Final
Ray Stewart converts a late penalty in the League Cup final against Liverpool, earning West Ham United a 1-1 draw before the replay.
Defender in European Cup Run
Russell Osman strengthens Ipswich Townโs defence through the 1980โ81 season, helping the team compete successfully in Europe while challenging for domestic honours.
Kendall Begins First Managerial Spell
Howard Kendall becomes Everton manager and starts assembling the squad that will deliver the clubโs most successful modern period.
Burkinshaw Delivers Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup
Victory over Manchester City by 3-2 completes an FA Cup-winning campaign for Burkinshaw and Tottenham Hotspur.
Solo Goal Against Fort Lauderdale
Best scores a celebrated individual goal for San Jose against Fort Lauderdale, dribbling past multiple opponents before finishing.
Twenty League Goals
Withe scores twenty league goals during Villa's championship-winning season.
European Winning Squad Forward
Alan Brazil forms part of the Ipswich Town attacking group in the 1980โ81 season when the club wins the UEFA Cup and contests the league title.
Geddis Villa Attacking Depth
Geddis contributes to Aston Villa's first-team resources as Saunders navigates a successful championship campaign with a compact squad.
Aston Villa 1981 First Division Title - Gary Shaw
The 1981 English league championship was earned by Aston Villa with Gary Shaw among the forwards associated with the team. Gary Shaw was part of the attacking unit that won the league and participated in a side that finished above its top-flight rivals.
Shaw PFA Young Player of the Year
Shaw receives the PFA Young Player of the Year award after his performances help Saunders's Aston Villa win the championship.
Southampton Second Season Attack
Keegan leads Southampton's forward play with intelligent runs and combination work, demonstrating the technical influence he can exert beyond traditional centre-forward goalscoring.
Aston Villa 1981 First Division Title - Peter Withe
Peter Withe represented Aston Villa during the season ending in 1981, when the club won the Football League First Division. As a forward, Peter Withe provided runs into scoring positions and attacking pressure during the championship season.
Withe Joint Leading League Scorer
Withe finishes the First Division season with 20 league goals, sharing the division's scoring lead as Villa win the title.
Aston Villa 1981 First Division Title - Jimmy Rimmer
With Aston Villa crowned English First Division champions in 1981, Jimmy Rimmer was part of the title-winning side as goalkeeper in the squad. The title followed a campaign in which the side built its success through sustained results and teamwork, with Jimmy Rimmer contributing to that collective effort.
Rimmer Villa Champion Goalkeeper
Rimmer anchors the team that wins Aston Villa's first English league title since 1910, making crucial saves across the season.
Phil Parkes Hammer of the Year
Phil Parkes receives the Hammer of the Year award following a season in which West Ham earn Second Division promotion and reach a League Cup final.
Clemence Completes Liverpool Spell
Ray Clemence ended his Liverpool career in 1981 after more than a decade of outstanding goalkeeping and a collection of domestic and European trophies.
First Division Championship
Saunders leads Villa to its first league championship for seventy-one years.
European Champions' Trophy Defence Ends
Brian Clough sees Nottingham Forest's attempt at a third consecutive European Cup end early in the 1980-81 competition. The setback follows an extraordinary run of two successive titles.
Second Division Championship and Promotion
John Lyall leads West Ham United to the 1980โ81 Second Division title with a dominant league record and restores the club to the top flight.
Ken Brown Takes Norwich Charge
Ken Brown became Norwich City manager in 1980 and oversaw a period that would include promotion and the club's second League Cup triumph.
Promotion Back to Second Division
Bailey guides Charlton Athletic to promotion from the Third Division after the club's previous season of relegation.
Aston Villa 1981 First Division Title - Ron Saunders
With Aston Villa crowned English First Division champions in 1981, Ron Saunders was part of the title-winning side as manager in the squad. The title followed a campaign in which the side built its success through sustained results and teamwork, with Ron Saunders contributing to that collective effort.
Villa Wins First Title Since 1910
Saunders guides Aston Villa to the 1980โ81 First Division championship, using a remarkably small core of players over the season.
Ball Joins Southampton Keegan Era
Alan Ball adds experience and incisive passing to Southampton's midfield during Kevin Keegan's time at the club, connecting the established internationals in Lawrie McMenemy's squad.
Aston Villa 1981 First Division Title - Dennis Mortimer
With Aston Villa crowned English First Division champions in 1981, Dennis Mortimer was part of the title-winning side as midfielder in the squad. The title followed a campaign in which the side built its success through sustained results and teamwork, with Dennis Mortimer contributing to that collective effort.
Mortimer Captains 1981 League Champions
Mortimer leads Aston Villa to the First Division championship, combining energetic midfield play with assertive captaincy.
Bremner Midfield Work in Title Season
Bremner gives Saunders's team tireless ball recovery and defensive running as Villa secure the top-flight championship.
UEFA Cup Attacking Support
Eric Gates supplies attacking support in Ipswich Townโs 1980โ81 European campaign, linking midfield and forward play as the club secures the UEFA Cup.
Aston Villa 1981 First Division Title - Gordon Cowans
Gordon Cowans featured in the midfield of the league champions as Aston Villa secured the 1980โ81 Football League First Division title. The midfielder linked defence and attack and contributed to the sideโs control of important fixtures.
Cowans Villa Title Midfield Director
Cowans supplies composed passing and set-piece quality throughout Aston Villa's championship campaign under Saunders.
Ipswich European Success Squad Member
Steve McCall is part of the Ipswich Town squad during the 1980โ81 season, gaining experience in a side that finishes with the UEFA Cup trophy.
Aston Villa 1981 First Division Title - Tony Morley
Tony Morley represented Aston Villa during the season ending in 1981, when the club won the Football League First Division. As a winger, Tony Morley advanced play along the flanks and supplied deliveries that helped the title-winning attack.
Return for Frederica Funeral
Constantine II briefly returns to Greece for the funeral of his mother, Queen Frederica, his first return since leaving in 1967.
Honours
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam receives the Padma Bhushan for his scientific and public service.
Renegade
Records Renegade as Thin Lizzy experiments with a more polished early-1980s sound.
Prime Minister of Ireland
Appointed Prime Minister of Ireland, 2nd term
Dirty Protest
IRA prisoners convicted after March 1976 did not have Special Category Status applied in prison, in response, over 500 prisoners refuse to wash or wear prison clothes
H-Block
Hunger strike leader Bobby Sands and Anti H-Block activist Owen Carron are elected to the British Parliament, and two other protesting prisoners are elected to the Irish Doil
INLA
Hunger strike leader Bobby Sands and Anti H-Block activist Owen Carron are elected to the British Parliament, and two other protesting prisoners are elected to the Irish Doil
IRA
IRA prisoners convicted after March 1976 did not have Special Category Status applied in prison, in response, over 500 prisoners refused to wash or wear prison clothes (see Dirty protest and Blanket protest)
Strike
IRA prisoners convicted after March 1976 did not have Special Category Status applied in prison, in response, over 500 prisoners refuse to wash or wear prison clothes
Strike
Over 100,000 people attend the funeral of Sands, the first hunger striker to die
Election
Hunger strike leader Bobby Sands and Anti H-Block activist Owen Carron are elected to the British Parliament, and two other protesting prisoners are elected to the Irish Doil
H-Block
Hunger strike leader Bobby Sands and Anti H-Block activist Owen Carron are elected to the British Parliament, and two other protesting prisoners are elected to the Irish Doil
INLA
Hunger strike leader Bobby Sands and Anti H-Block activist Owen Carron are elected to the British Parliament, and two other protesting prisoners are elected to the Irish Doil
Election
After the success of IRA hunger strikers in mobilising support and winning elections on an Anti H-Block platform in 1981, republicans increasingly devote time and resources to electoral politics, through the Sinn Fein party
H-Block
After the success of IRA hunger strikers in mobilising support and winning elections on an Anti H-Block platform in 1981, republicans increasingly devote time and resources to electoral politics, through the Sinn Fein party
IRA
After the success of IRA hunger strikers in mobilising support and winning elections on an Anti H-Block platform in 1981, republicans increasingly devote time and resources to electoral politics, through the Sinn Fein party
IRA
Danny Morrison sums up the new political policy at a 1981 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis (annual meeting) as a "ballot paper in this hand and an Armalite in the other"
Election
After the success of IRA hunger strikers in mobilising support and winning elections on an Anti H-Block platform in 1981, republicans increasingly devote time and resources to electoral politics, through the Sinn Fein party
H-Block
After the success of IRA hunger strikers in mobilising support and winning elections on an Anti H-Block platform in 1981, republicans increasingly devote time and resources to electoral politics, through the Sinn Fein party
IRA
After the success of IRA hunger strikers in mobilising support and winning elections on an Anti H-Block platform in 1981, republicans increasingly devote time and resources to electoral politics, through the Sinn Fโin party
Sinn Fein
Danny Morrison sums up the new political policy at a 1981 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis (annual meeting) as a "ballot paper in this hand and an Armalite in the other". After the success of IRA hunger strikers in mobilising support and winning elections on an Anti H-Block platform in 1981, republicans increasingly devote time and resources to electoral politics, through the Sinn Fein party
Sinn Fein
Danny Morrison sums up the new political policy at a 1981 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis (annual meeting) as a "ballot paper in this hand and an Armalite in the other"
Arab League
Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia proposes an 8-point peace plan to end the Arabi conflict, it is adopted by the Arab League after some controversy
Diplomatic Proposal
Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia proposes an 8-point peace plan to end the Arabi conflict, it is adopted by the Arab League after some controversy
Peace
Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia proposes an 8-point peace plan to end the Arabi conflict, it is adopted by the Arab League after some controversy
Strega Prize for Rose
Eco received Italy's Strega Prize for The Name of the Rose.
Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith by John Paul II
Chairman
Appointed Chairman of the Council of Minister's
National Army of Democratic Kampuchea
The party is dissolved, and substituted by the Party of Democratic Kampuchea
Deputy Prime Minister
Appointed Deputy Prime Minister
Home Secretary of Malaysia
Appointed Minister of Home Affairs
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Appointed Prime Minister of Malaysia
Resignation of Ne Win
Resigns as President but retains the essential position as head of the party
President of Myanmar
Appointed President of Burma
Ajax Playing Return
Returns to Ajax as a senior player after years abroad, rejoining the club where he established his reputation and helping rejuvenate its domestic ambitions.
Levante Playing Spell
Signs for Spanish second-division side Levante during a brief return to European club football before resuming his career in the Netherlands.
UEFA Cup Winning Dutch Playmaker
Arnold Mรผhren provides passing range and midfield control for Ipswich Town during its 1980โ81 UEFA Cup campaign, which ends with victory over AZ Alkmaar.
Dutch Midfielder in UEFA Cup Triumph
Frans Thijssen combines creative movement with close control in the Ipswich Town midfield as Bobby Robsonโs side wins the 1981 UEFA Cup.
Frontline State Policy
Zia-ul-Haq positions Pakistan as a frontline state opposing the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan while expanding cooperation with the United States.
Election
Appointed President of the Philippines, 3rd term, after staging rigged elections
President of Philippines
Appointed President of the Philippines, 3rd term, after staging rigged elections
Economy of Poland
Food is rationed
IAPS
Jaruzelski agrees to the foundation of the Independent Association of Polish Students
Rationing
Food is rationed
Editor
Appointed Editor of the ITD
Editor
Appointed Editor of the ITD
Dismissal
Dismissed after the crisis caused by Solidarity
Solidarity
Dismissed after the crisis caused by Solidarity
Solidarity
Solidarity goes underground. Jaruzelski bans Solidarity. The Government attempts to destroy the union with the martial law of 1981 and several years of repression, but in the end it had to start negotiating with the union. Membership of Solidarity rises to 9 million
Death of Stefan Wyszynski
Death of Stefan Wyszynski
Deputy
Appointed Peoples Deputy
CPSU Central Committee Membership
Is elected to the Communist Party Central Committee at the Twenty-Sixth Party Congress.
Central Committee
Appointed Member of Central Committee
Central Committee
Appointed Candidate Member of Central Committee of the Communist Party
Central Committee
Appointed Member of Central Committee
Inflation
Linde develops new inflation models that address weaknesses in the first inflation proposal
Quantum Dots in Glass
The achievement marks quantum dots in glass as an important Russian scientific milestone.
Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Creates semiconductor nanocrystals in glass and observes size-dependent optical properties.
Inflation
Linde develops new inflation as a relativistic early universe model
ANC
Bombs are let off in Durban by th ANC
ANC
Bombs are let off in East London by th ANC
ANC
Bombs are let off in Port Elizabeth by th ANC
Bombing of Durban
Bombs are let off in Durban by th ANC
Bombing of East London
Bombs are let off in East London by th ANC
Bombing of Port Elizabeth
Bombs are let off in Port Elizabeth by th ANC
Independence of Ciskei
The Ciskei homeland is granted independence
Independence of South Africa
The Ciskei homeland is granted independence
President of South Korea
Appointed President of South Korea
Prime Minister of Spain
Appointed Prime Minister of Spain
Barcelona Defensive Leadership
Continues as a central defensive leader during a long Barcelona career.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Appointed Director General of the IAEA
President of Switzerland
Appointed President of Switzerland, 2nd term
Syria installs Russian made surface-to-air missiles in Lebanon
Syria installs Russian made surface-to-air missiles in Lebanon
Governor
Appointed Governor of Taiwan Province
Endless Love
Tom Cruises first film role comes in a small role in Endless Love, a drama/romance film starring Brooke Shields
The Dogs of War
Walken stars in the action adventure The Dogs of War, directed by Jack Cardiff
The Dogs of War
Walken stars in the action adventure The Dogs of War, directed by Jack Cardiff
Looker
Writes & directs, "Looker"
The Dogs of War
Cimino wrote the script for The Dogs of War starring Christopher Walken and was also signed to direct but subsequently abandoned the project, the film is eventually made with a heavily rewritten script in 1981
Absence of Malice
Stars in "Absence of Malice"
Back Roads
Stars in Back Roads, a comedy
Endless Love
Tom Cruises first film role comes in a small role in Endless Love, a drama/romance film starring Brooke Shields
Back Roads
Plays a drifter opposite Sally Field in Back Roads, a comedy
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Co-creates the Indiana Jones character and serves as executive producer on Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Bech is Back
Publication of "Rabbit Is Rich". Publication of "Bech is Back"
Rabbit Is Rich
Publication of "Rabbit Is Rich". Publication of "Bech is Back"
The River Tour
Tours extensively behind The River, strengthening his reputation as a marathon live performer.
Metallica
The early incarnation of the band goes through a number of members, including Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney
Metallica
The early incarnation of the band goes through a number of members, including Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney
Tinseltown Rebellion
Releases Tinseltown Rebellion, mixing live material, new songs and criticism of the contemporary music business.
You Are What You Is
Releases You Are What You Is, combining dense studio production with satire of politics, religion and popular culture.
Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar
Releases Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar, focusing almost entirely on edited and improvised guitar solos.
Ambassador
Appointed Ambassador of West Germany
Assistant Secretary of State for Defence
Appointed Assistant Secretary of State for Defence for International Security Policy
Chief of Staff
Appointed Chief of Staff
Government
Repeals the 1975 Congress ban & supports UNITA in Angola
UNITA
Repeals the 1975 Congress ban & supports UNITA in Angola
Foreign Relations Work
Develops a Senate role in foreign policy debates.
Libel-Hunt
Hunt is awarded $650,000 in a libel lawsuit against Liberty Lobby, after it published an article by Victor Marchetti in its newspaper The Spotlight accusing Hunt of involvement in the conspiracy to kill John F. Kennedy
Education
At the age of 26, receives a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Graduate School of International Studies at Denver
Education
Hired by Stanford University as an Assistant Professor in Political Science (1981-1987)
Big Bang
Alan Guth proposes early period of inflation of universe, Guth proposes that the a number of difficulties with the standard model of the expanding universe could be explained by an enormous expansion very early in the history of the universe
Larissa Observation
Tholen participates in observations that detect the body later confirmed by Voyager 2 as Neptune's moon Larissa.
Larissa First Detected
Reitsema helps detect a possible new Neptunian moon during observations associated with a stellar occultation.
Larissa Observation
Lebofsky participates in the ground-based observations that first reveal the moon later confirmed as Larissa.
Larissa Occultation Detection
Hubbard helps identify evidence for the moon later named Larissa during ground-based occultation observations.
Arecibo Radar
Uses Arecibo planetary radar for high-resolution solar-system studies.
Inflation
Guth publishes the inflationary universe model as an extension of Big Bang theory
Voyager 2 Uranus Mission Extension
Supports extending Voyager 2 beyond Saturn toward Uranus after the successful primary planetary encounters.
Invention of De Lorean Car
The De Lorean Car goes on the market
Uranus Retargeting
Mission planning commits Voyager 2 to the trajectory carrying it onward from Saturn to Uranus.
Intense Pulsed Neutron Source Operation
Leads development of the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source, which begins operation at Argonne.
Retirement
Ali retires permanently with a career record of 56 wins (37 by knockout) and 5 losses, and as a three-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion
Peรฑarol Scoring Return
Morena returns to Peรฑarol after playing in Spain and resumes his prolific career in Uruguay, helping rebuild the clubโs attack for subsequent domestic successes.
Politburo
Appointed Member of Politburo
Literary Support for Peace Movement
Bรถll supported public peace campaigns while continuing literary and political writing.
Coal Closure Retreat
The government withdrew from an immediate confrontation over proposed mine closures after miners threatened nationwide action.
NCB Closure Controversy
Proposed pit closures provoked a threat of industrial action and the government stepped back from immediate confrontation.
NUM Leadership Transition
Joe Gormley retired from the NUM presidency ahead of Arthur Scargill succeeding him.
Coal Dispute Lesson
The governments withdrawal from immediate pit closure confrontation underscored the strategic importance of fuel supplies.
Electricity Supply Preparation
The 1981 miners confrontation highlighted how stockpiles and generation capacity could influence industrial bargaining.
British Steel Employment Reduction
British Steel continued significant staff reductions under MacGregor as management sought to cut financial losses.