1979 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1979 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 12 Jan Khomeini forms Revolutionary Council: On January 12, 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini established the Revolutionary Council to oversee the Iranian Revolution. The council's members were initially kept secret, with Khomeini later revealing that he had chosen individuals such as Beheshti, Motahhari, Rafsanjani, Bahonar, and Mousavi Ardabili. The council played a pivotal role in managing revolutionary affairs and laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Islamic Republic. source: washingtonpost.com
- 16 Jan Shah of Iran flees into exile in Egypt: On January 16, 1979, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, departed Tehran for Aswan, Egypt, amid escalating protests against his regime. Officially, he cited a 'vacation' and medical treatment, but reports indicated he was urged to leave by Prime Minister Shapour Bakhtiar. His departure led to widespread celebrations across Iran. The Shah's exile marked a pivotal moment in the Iranian Revolution, which culminated in the establishment of the Islamic Republic. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 01 Feb Ayatollah Khomeini returns to Iran after 14 years in exile: On February 1, 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Tehran after 14 years in exile. His arrival marked a pivotal moment in the Iranian Revolution, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic and the overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. source: aljazeera.com
- 03 Feb Ayatollah Khomeini's return to Iran accelerates regime change: On February 1, 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Iran after 14 years in exile, leading to the collapse of the Shah's regime. By February 3, 1979, Khomeini had met with leading clerics and declared the existing government illegal, signaling a rapid acceleration of the revolution. This event marked a pivotal moment in the Iranian Revolution, culminating in the establishment of the Islamic Republic. source: theguardian.com
- 07 Feb February 7, 1979: Key Events in the Iranian Revolution: On February 7, 1979, significant developments unfolded during the Iranian Revolution. Ayatollah Khomeini addressed the Kurdish community, emphasizing unity between Shia and Sunni Muslims. In Tehran, large demonstrations supported the Bazargan government, with staff from eleven federal ministries declaring allegiance to it. Additionally, the U.S. Secretary of State recognized the Bakhtiar administration, urging it to act in accordance with the people's will. These events marked a pivotal moment in the revolution, signaling the diminishing influence of the Shah's regime and the rise of Khomeini's leadership. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Feb End of the Pahlavi Dynasty in Iran: The Pahlavi Dynasty in Iran officially ended on February 10, 1979, when the last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, fled the country amid the Iranian Revolution. This marked a significant shift in Iran's political landscape, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. The revolution was characterized by widespread protests against the Shah's regime, which was perceived as oppressive and Western-aligned. source: britannica.com
- 12 Mar Iran withdraws from CENTO: On March 12, 1979, following the Iranian Revolution, Iran announced its withdrawal from the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), a military alliance established in 1955. This decision led to the dissolution of CENTO, as the alliance was no longer functional without Iran's participation. source: washingtonpost.com
- 13 Mar Maurice Bishop leads New Jewel Movement to overthrow Grenadian government: On March 13, 1979, Maurice Bishop and the New Jewel Movement (NJM) executed a nearly bloodless coup against Prime Minister Eric Gairy's government in Grenada. The NJM established the People's Revolutionary Government (PRG), suspending the existing constitution and initiating a period of socialist reforms. This event marked a significant political transformation in Grenada's history. source: globalsecurity.org
- 18 Mar Kurdish-Iranian conflict erupts in Sanandaj, Iran: On March 18, 1979, Kurdish rebels in Sanandaj, Iran, seized control of police headquarters, army bases, and parts of army barracks, leading to clashes with government forces. The fighting resulted in the deaths of at least 150 individuals. The unrest was part of a broader Kurdish rebellion seeking autonomy following the Iranian Revolution. source: washingtonpost.com
- 07 Apr Execution of Iranian Prime Minister Amir-Abbas Hoveyda: Amir-Abbas Hoveyda, who served as Iran's prime minister from 1965 to 1977, was executed on April 7, 1979, following a secret trial by the Islamic Revolutionary Court. Despite initial halts to executions, Hoveyda was convicted of corruption and other charges, leading to his death by firing squad. His execution marked a significant event during the early days of the Iranian Revolution. source: washingtonpost.com
- 14 Apr Liberian rice price protest turns deadly: On April 14, 1979, a peaceful demonstration in Monrovia, Liberia, against a proposed rice price increase escalated into violent riots. The government deployed troops to suppress the unrest, resulting in at least 40 civilian deaths and over 500 injuries. The incident led to widespread looting and property damage estimated at over $40 million, significantly damaging President William Tolbert's credibility. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Apr Bangui children's massacre in Central African Empire: On April 19, 1979, approximately 100 students were killed in Ngaragba Prison, Bangui, following protests against mandatory school uniforms imposed by Emperor Jean-Bédel Bokassa. The students were arrested and beaten to death by prison guards, with reports suggesting Bokassa personally participated in the violence. This event, known as the Bangui children's massacre, led to international condemnation and contributed to the eventual overthrow of Bokassa's regime. source: washingtonpost.com
- 23 Apr Death of Blair Peach during Anti-Nazi League protest: Blair Peach, a New Zealand-born teacher and anti-racism activist, died on April 23, 1979, after being struck on the head during an Anti-Nazi League demonstration in Southall, London. He was among approximately 3,000 protesters opposing a National Front rally. Peach was hit on the head, probably by a member of the Special Patrol Group (SPG), a specialist unit within the Metropolitan Police Service. He died in hospital that night. source: bbc.co.uk
- 05 May Establishment of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was established on May 5, 1979, following the Iranian Revolution. Its primary role was to protect the Islamic Republic and its values, acting as a parallel military force to the regular army. The IRGC has since played a significant role in Iran's political and military affairs. source: britannica.com
- 13 May Iranian Shah and family sentenced to death in Tehran: On May 13, 1979, Ayatollah Sadegh Khalkhali, head of Iran's revolutionary courts, declared that the deposed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and his family were under death sentences. He stated that anyone who assassinated them would be 'carrying out the people's verdict.' This declaration underscored the new government's determination to punish those responsible for repression under the Shah. source: washingtonpost.com
- 21 May White Night Riots in San Francisco: On May 21, 1979, following the conviction of Dan White for the voluntary manslaughter of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, thousands of protesters, primarily from San Francisco's gay community, gathered at City Hall. The demonstration escalated into riots, resulting in property damage, injuries to both police officers and protesters, and a retaliatory police raid on a gay bar in the Castro District. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Jun Ghana military coup: Jerry Rawlings seizes power: On June 4, 1979, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings led a military coup in Ghana, overthrowing the Supreme Military Council (SMC II) government. Rawlings, previously arrested for an attempted coup on May 15, was freed by junior military officers and subsequently announced the formation of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC). The coup resulted in the execution of several senior military officers, including three former heads of state, and marked a significant shift in Ghana's political landscape. source: washingtonpost.com
- 16 Jun Sandinista guerrillas capture León, Nicaragua: On June 16, 1979, Sandinista guerrillas captured León, Nicaragua's second-largest city, marking a significant victory in their campaign against the Somoza regime. The operation was led by Commander Dora María Téllez, who coordinated the guerrilla units in intense street-by-street combat over six weeks. This success was pivotal in the broader Nicaraguan Revolution, contributing to the eventual overthrow of President Anastasio Somoza's government on July 19, 1979. source: elpais.com
- 16 Jul Somoza resigns and flees Nicaragua: On July 16, 1979, Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza Debayle resigned and fled the country, marking a pivotal moment in the Sandinista Revolution. This event led to the formation of the Junta of National Reconstruction, a five-member provisional government that assumed power on July 19, 1979. The junta was composed of Daniel Ortega, Moisés Hassán, Sergio Ramírez, Alfonso Robelo, and Violeta Barrios de Chamorro. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 Jul Nicaraguan Revolution succeeds: On July 17, 1979, President Anastasio Somoza Debayle resigned and fled Nicaragua, leading to the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) assuming control of the country. The FSLN entered Managua on July 19, marking the culmination of the revolution that had been ongoing since 1961. This event ended the Somoza family's 42-year rule over Nicaragua. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 01 Aug First female prime minister of Portugal takes office: On August 1, 1979, Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo became the first female Prime Minister of Portugal. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in Portuguese politics, as she led the country during a time of political transition following the Carnation Revolution. Pintasilgo's tenure focused on social reforms and modernization efforts. source: britannica.com
- 05 Aug Bala Hissar uprising in Kabul, Afghanistan: On August 5, 1979, a coalition of Maoist and moderate Islamist groups, including the Afghanistan Liberation Organization (ALO), initiated the Bala Hissar uprising in Kabul. The insurrection aimed to challenge the ruling Khalq faction of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA). The government responded with intense military force, utilizing MiG aircraft and artillery, leading to the suppression of the uprising within hours. Many insurgents were killed or arrested, and some central committee members, such as Mohammad Mohsin and Mohammad Dawod, were executed in Pul-e-Charkhi prison. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Aug Saddam Hussein executes 21 officials for alleged coup plot: On August 8, 1979, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein oversaw the execution of 21 government officials, including five members of the Revolutionary Command Council, for allegedly conspiring against his government. The executions were carried out by firing squad, and the event was publicly broadcast to demonstrate Hussein's consolidation of power. source: washingtonpost.com
- 16 Sep Hafizullah Amin overthrows Nur Muhammad Taraki in Afghanistan: On September 16, 1979, Hafizullah Amin led a coup that ousted President Nur Muhammad Taraki, marking a significant shift in Afghanistan's political landscape. Amin assumed leadership of the Revolutionary Council, the Central Committee of the Khalq party, and the Council of Ministers. Taraki's death was officially announced on October 9, 1979, attributed to a 'severe and prolonged illness.' source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Sep Ghana adopts new constitution: On September 24, 1979, Ghana adopted its Third Republican Constitution, marking the return to civilian rule after a period of military governance. The Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), led by Flt. Lt. Jerry Rawlings, promulgated the constitution, which established a civilian government under President Dr. Hilla Limann. This constitution introduced significant reforms, including the separation of powers and the protection of individual rights. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Oct Shah of Iran arrives in New York for medical treatment: On October 22, 1979, the deposed Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, arrived in New York City for medical treatment at the Cornell Medical Center. His admission was permitted by U.S. President Jimmy Carter after consultations with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Council on Foreign Relations Chairman David Rockefeller. This decision led to strong protests from Iran, culminating in the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. source: washingtonpost.com
- 04 Nov Iran Hostage Crisis begins with the seizure of the U.S. Embassy: On November 4, 1979, Iranian militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. This event marked the beginning of a 444-day crisis that significantly impacted U.S.-Iran relations and led to widespread protests in the United States. The hostages were held until their release on January 20, 1981, coinciding with Ronald Reagan's inauguration. source: archives.gov
- 05 Nov Khomeini denounces United States as "Great Satan": On November 5, 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini labeled the United States as the "Great Satan," accusing it of imperialism and corruption. This declaration coincided with the Iran hostage crisis, during which Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. Khomeini's rhetoric intensified anti-American sentiment and underscored the revolutionary government's opposition to U.S. influence in Iran. source: washingtonpost.com
- 06 Nov Mehdi Bazargan's government resigns in Iran: On November 6, 1979, Prime Minister Mehdi Bazargan and his entire cabinet resigned from the Interim Government of Iran. This decision followed the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by Iranian militants on November 4, 1979, and was a response to the government's inability to resolve the hostage crisis. The resignation marked the end of the Interim Government and led to the establishment of the Council of the Islamic Revolution as the de facto governing body. source: washingtonpost.com
- 08 Nov Chilean Communist Party (Proletarian Action) founded: The Chilean Communist Party (Proletarian Action) was established on November 8, 1979, following a split from the Revolutionary Communist Party. The party adheres to anti-revisionist Marxist-Leninist principles and is led by General Secretary Eduardo Artés. It publishes a monthly newspaper called Remolino Popular. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Nov US Embassy in Islamabad attacked and burned by mob: On November 21, 1979, a large mob of Pakistani citizens stormed the US Embassy in Islamabad, setting it ablaze. The rioters, primarily students from Quaid-i-Azam University and members of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, were incited by false Iranian radio reports accusing the US of orchestrating the Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca. The attack resulted in the deaths of four embassy personnel and two protesters, with over 70 others injured. The Pakistani Army intervened to rescue the trapped embassy staff and restore order. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 29 Nov British Embassy in Tehran reduces staff amid crisis: On November 29, 1979, the British Embassy in Tehran announced a reduction in staff due to escalating tensions following the Iranian Revolution. This decision was part of broader measures taken by foreign embassies in response to the volatile political climate and the hostage crisis involving American diplomats. The situation in Iran was increasingly precarious, prompting many nations to reassess their diplomatic presence. source: bbc.com
- 03 Dec Khomeini becomes Supreme Leader of Iran: On December 3, 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was officially appointed as the Supreme Leader of Iran, solidifying his role as the nation's political and religious leader. This appointment followed the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khomeini's leadership marked a significant shift in Iran's governance, emphasizing the principles of velayat-e faqih, or guardianship of the Islamic jurist. source: britannica.com
- 07 Dec Assassination of Shahriar Shafiq in Paris: On December 7, 1979, Shahriar Shafiq, a 34-year-old Iranian Imperial Navy captain and nephew of the deposed Shah, was assassinated in Paris. He was shot twice in the head by a masked gunman outside his mother's residence on Rue Pergolese. Ayatollah Sadegh Khalkhali, head of Iran's revolutionary tribunals, claimed responsibility, stating that a member of his Fedayan-e-Islam guerrilla group carried out the killing. An anonymous caller to Agence France-Presse attributed the assassination to the Muslim Liberation Front, a previously unknown group. Shafiq had fled Iran in March 1979 and was actively organizing resistance against the Islamic Republic at the time of his death. source: washingtonpost.com
- 10 Dec Kaohsiung Incident: Pro-Democracy Protest Suppressed by Taiwanese Authorities: On December 10, 1979, a pro-democracy demonstration organized by Formosa Magazine in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, commemorating International Human Rights Day, was violently suppressed by police and military forces. The incident led to the arrest of eight opposition leaders, known as the 'Kaohsiung Eight,' and is considered a pivotal event in Taiwan's transition to democracy. source: en.wikipedia.org
What happened in 1979?
Discover what the world looked like in 1979: