1970 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1970 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 26 Jan First Quarter Storm in the Philippines: The First Quarter Storm was a period of political unrest in the Philippines that began on January 26, 1970. It was characterized by mass protests, demonstrations, and confrontations between students, workers, and the government. The unrest was sparked by various social and political issues, including dissatisfaction with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Feb Nationalist disruption at UN session on Congo: On February 15, 1970, a UN session on the Congo was disrupted by nationalist protests, reflecting the political tensions of the time. The incident underscored the challenges faced by the international community in addressing conflicts in post-colonial Africa. It drew attention to the ongoing struggles for independence and governance in the region. source: un.org
- 15 Apr Qadhafi initiates Cultural Revolution in Libya: On April 15, 1970, Muammar Qadhafi announced the start of a "cultural revolution to destroy imported ideologies, whether they are Eastern or Western." This movement aimed to establish a new political system based on his "Third Universal Theory," blending socialist and Islamic principles, and led to the creation of the Jamahiriya system in Libya. source: fanack.com
- 30 Apr Kent State and Jackson State protests erupt: On April 30, 1970, following President Nixon's announcement of the Cambodia incursion, protests erupted at Kent State University and Jackson State College, leading to violent confrontations with law enforcement. source: history.com
- 22 Jun Bernadette Devlin appeal failure: On June 22, 1970, Bernadette Devlin's appeal against a conviction for her role in a riot was rejected by the court. Devlin, a prominent figure in Northern Ireland's civil rights movement, had been sentenced to prison for her actions during a protest. The ruling was a significant moment in the context of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. source: bbc.com
- 27 Jun Northern Ireland Civil Rights Riots: The Northern Ireland Civil Rights Riots erupted as part of the civil rights movement advocating for equal rights for the Catholic minority in Northern Ireland. The protests were met with violent responses from police, leading to significant unrest and marking a pivotal moment in the conflict known as The Troubles. source: bbc.com
- 28 Jun Sectarian Tensions in Belfast: On June 28, 1970, sectarian tensions in Belfast escalated, reflecting the ongoing conflict between Catholic and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland. This period was marked by violence and unrest, contributing to the larger narrative of The Troubles that would dominate Northern Irish history for decades. source: bbc.com
- 08 Sep Black September: Palestinian Hijacking of Airliners: In September 1970, members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) hijacked four airliners bound for New York City and one for London. Three aircraft were forced to land at Dawson's Field, a remote desert airstrip near Zarqa, Jordan, formerly Royal Air Force Station Zarqa, which then became PFLP's "Revolutionary Airport". By the end of the incident, one hijacker had been killed and one injury reported. This was the second instance of mass aircraft hijacking, after three aircraft from communist Czechoslovakia were hijacked and taken to Munich, West Germany, in 1950. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Sep Black September airplane hijackings: On September 10, 1970, members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) hijacked four airliners bound for New York City and one for London. Three aircraft were forced to land at Dawson's Field, a remote desert airstrip near Zarqa, Jordan, which the PFLP renamed 'Revolution Airport'. The hijackers demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Europe and Israel. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Oct Angela Davis arrested: On October 11, 1970, activist Angela Davis was arrested in New York City on charges related to her involvement in a botched attempt to free the Soledad Brothers, inmates accused of killing a prison guard. Her arrest sparked widespread protests and debates about civil rights and political activism. source: britannica.com
- 03 Dec Martial Law in Guipuzco: The Spanish government declared a 3-month martial law in the Basque county of Guipuzco in response to ongoing strikes and demonstrations.
- 17 Dec Gdynia Massacre during Polish 1970 Protests: On December 17, 1970, during the Polish 1970 Protests, the army fired into a crowd of workers in Gdynia, resulting in at least 18 deaths and hundreds of injuries. This event became a symbol of the protests, with the body of Zbyszek Godlewski, an 18-year-old worker, carried through the streets on a door. The incident is commemorated annually as "Black Thursday." source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 Dec General strike held in the Basque Country: On December 29, 1970, a general strike was held in the Basque Country, Spain, with approximately 15,000 workers participating. The strike was organized to protest the death sentences imposed on six Basque separatists by a military tribunal in Burgos. source: eurofound.europa.eu
- 30 Dec Franco commutes Burgos trial death sentences: On December 30, 1970, Spanish dictator Francisco Franco commuted the death sentences of six Basque separatists convicted in the Burgos trials to 30 years in prison, following widespread protests and international condemnation. source: en.wikipedia.org
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