1985 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1985 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 10 Jan Daniel Ortega inaugurated as President of Nicaragua: On January 10, 1985, Daniel Ortega was sworn in as the first elected president of Nicaragua since the Sandinista revolution in 1979. In his inaugural address, Ortega offered amnesty to U.S.-backed rebels and emphasized Nicaragua's desire to normalize relations with the United States. The ceremony was attended by 350 guests from 46 countries, including Cuban President Fidel Castro. source: washingtonpost.com
- 31 Jan Nelson Mandela rejects conditional release offer from President P.W. Botha: On January 31, 1985, South African President P.W. Botha offered Nelson Mandela conditional release from prison, requiring him to renounce violence as a means of political protest. Mandela rejected the offer, stating that he could not accept freedom while the African National Congress remained banned and apartheid policies were in place. He emphasized that only free men could negotiate, and prisoners could not enter into contracts. source: upi.com
- 13 Feb Seven Solidarity activists arrested in Poland: On February 13, 1985, Polish secret police arrested seven leading Solidarity activists during a clandestine meeting led by founder Lech Wałęsa. The arrested individuals included Władysław Frasyniuk, Bogdan Lis, and Adam Michnik. The meeting aimed to plan a 15-minute general strike to protest food price hikes, police violence, and attacks on the Catholic Church. The strike was later canceled when the government reconsidered its price increase plans. source: upi.com
- 15 Aug P.W. Botha delivers Rubicon speech in 1985: On August 15, 1985, P.W. Botha, then Prime Minister of South Africa, delivered his famous Rubicon speech. In this address, he announced significant reforms but stopped short of dismantling apartheid, which led to widespread disappointment and protests. The speech is often seen as a pivotal moment in South African history, marking a turning point in the struggle against apartheid. source: bbc.com
What happened in 1985?
Discover what the world looked like in 1985: