Major Events of December 1979: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from December 1979 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of December 1979: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 Dec 1979 World Series Cricket players return to Test cricket: In December 1979, following an agreement between Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket (WSC) and the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), WSC players were reinstated into the official Australian Test team. This marked the return of prominent players like Allan Border, Bruce Laird, and Rodney Hogg to international cricket. The first Test match featuring these players took place against the West Indies in Brisbane, starting on December 1, 1979. source: en.wikipedia.org
02 Dec 1979 Iran's 1979 Constitutional Referendum: On December 2 and 3, 1979, Iran held a referendum to approve a new Islamic constitution, which was ratified by 99.5% of voters. The referendum was organized by the Council of the Islamic Revolution after the resignation of the Interim Government. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini urged citizens to vote, emphasizing the importance of the constitution for the Islamic Republic. The new constitution replaced the 1906 Persian Constitution, establishing Iran as an Islamic republic. source: washingtonpost.com
03 Dec 1979 Iran adopts new constitution, replacing 1906 version: On December 3, 1979, Iran's new constitution was ratified, replacing the 1906 constitution. The new constitution established Iran as an Islamic Republic, introducing direct elections for the presidency and creating a unicameral parliament. It also required any constitutional changes to go to a referendum. The constitution was adopted by a referendum held on December 2 and 3, 1979, with 99.5% approval from voters. source: wipo.int
04 Dec 1979 Hastie family fire in Hull leads to multiple fatalities: On December 4, 1979, a fire erupted at the Hastie family's residence in Hull, England, resulting in the deaths of three children: Charles (15), Paul (12), and Peter (8). Their mother, Edith, and their brother Thomas (9) survived. The fire was determined to be arson, with paraffin found at the scene. Bruce George Peter Lee confessed to starting the fire as an act of revenge against Charles Hastie, with whom he had been in a homosexual relationship. Lee also admitted to starting nine other fatal fires in Hull over the previous seven years, leading to a total of 23 deaths. He was arrested on December 4, 1979, and later pleaded guilty to 26 counts of manslaughter, receiving an indefinite hospital detention sentence in 1981. source: en.wikipedia.org
05 Dec 1979 Sonia Johnson excommunicated by Mormon Church: On December 5, 1979, Sonia Johnson, a fifth-generation Mormon and leader of Mormons for ERA, was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The charges included spreading false doctrine and working against the teachings of the Church and its leaders. Johnson had been actively campaigning for the Equal Rights Amendment, which the Church opposed, leading to her excommunication. source: washingtonpost.com
06 Dec 1979 Star Trek: The Motion Picture world premiere held in 1979: The world premiere of 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture' took place on December 6, 1979, at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California. This film marked the first feature-length installment of the Star Trek franchise, which had originally begun as a television series in the 1960s. The premiere was a significant event for fans and the film industry, showcasing the return of the beloved characters to the big screen. source: britannica.com
07 Dec 1979 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
09 Dec 1979 Global smallpox eradication certified by WHO: On December 9, 1979, the Global Commission for the Certification of Smallpox Eradication declared smallpox eradicated worldwide. This milestone was officially endorsed by the World Health Assembly on May 8, 1980. The eradication was achieved through a global vaccination campaign, marking the first time a human disease was completely eradicated. source: who.int
10 Dec 1979 Mother Teresa receives Nobel Peace Prize in 1979: Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1979, for her humanitarian work and dedication to helping the poor and sick in India and around the world. The Nobel Committee recognized her efforts to alleviate suffering and promote peace through her charitable organization, the Missionaries of Charity. source: britannica.com
11 Dec 1979 Rhodesia reverts to British rule: On December 11, 1979, the Parliament of Zimbabwe Rhodesia voted to dissolve itself, effectively ending the country's brief period as an unrecognized state. This action restored British colonial authority, with Lord Soames appointed as governor to oversee the transition until internationally recognized elections could be held. The country was renamed Southern Rhodesia, and the Union Jack was reinstated as the official flag. source: news.bbc.co.uk
12 Dec 1979 Rhodesia reverts to British colonial status as Southern Rhodesia: On December 12, 1979, Rhodesia reverted to British colonial status, becoming Southern Rhodesia. This transition followed the Lancaster House Agreement, which aimed to resolve the Rhodesian Bush War and led to the establishment of Zimbabwe as an independent nation in April 1980. source: news.bbc.co.uk
13 Dec 1979 Canadian government falls, leading to a federal election: On December 13, 1979, the Canadian government led by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was defeated in a vote of no confidence. This event marked the first time in Canadian history that a sitting government was brought down by a non-confidence motion, leading to a federal election in February 1980. The defeat was primarily due to the opposition parties uniting against the government's policies. source: thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
14 Dec 1979 The Clash releases iconic album 'London Calling': On December 14, 1979, The Clash released their third studio album, 'London Calling.' The album is widely regarded as one of the greatest in rock history, blending punk rock with reggae, ska, and rockabilly influences. Its themes of social unrest and political commentary resonated with listeners, solidifying The Clash's status as a leading band in the punk movement. source: britannica.com
15 Dec 1979 International Court of Justice orders Iran to release U.S. hostages: On December 15, 1979, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an order demanding that Iran immediately release all U.S. nationals held hostage in Tehran and restore the U.S. Embassy premises to American control. This decision was made in response to the seizure of the U.S. Embassy by Iranian militants on November 4, 1979, and the subsequent detention of embassy personnel. The ICJ emphasized Iran's obligations under international law, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and called for the protection and safe departure of the hostages. source: washingtonpost.com
16 Dec 1979 OPEC members raise oil prices in December 1979: On December 16, 1979, Libya and Indonesia announced plans to increase their oil prices by $4 and $2 per barrel, respectively, ahead of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) annual price-setting meeting in Caracas. These preemptive hikes aimed to influence the upcoming OPEC decisions, which ultimately led to a significant rise in global oil prices, contributing to the energy crisis of the late 1970s. source: washingtonpost.com
17 Dec 1979 Stuntman Stan Barrett breaks the sound barrier, unofficially: On December 17, 1979, Hollywood stuntman Stan Barrett drove the Budweiser Rocket, a rocket- and missile-powered car, across a dry lakebed at California’s Edwards Air Force Base, reportedly reaching a top speed of 739.666 miles per hour. However, due to equipment malfunctions and the lack of a second run, this achievement was not officially recognized as a land speed record. source: history.com
20 Dec 1979 Comin' Uptown musical premieres in New York City: 'Comin' Uptown,' a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol,' premiered on December 20, 1979, at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City. The production featured an all-Black cast, including Gregory Hines as Scrooge, and ran for 45 performances until January 27, 1980. source: ibdb.com
21 Dec 1979 Congress approves $1.5 billion loan guarantees for Chrysler Corporation: On December 21, 1979, the U.S. Congress approved $1.5 billion in loan guarantees for Chrysler Corporation to prevent its bankruptcy. This decision was made after Chrysler faced significant financial losses and sought federal assistance to continue operations. The loan guarantees were contingent upon Chrysler meeting certain conditions, including raising additional funds from private sources and implementing cost-cutting measures. source: nytimes.com
22 Dec 1979 Death of Darryl F. Zanuck, Prominent Film Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck, a renowned American film producer and studio executive, passed away on December 22, 1979, in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 77. He was a co-founder of 20th Century Fox and produced over 200 films during his career, including three that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Zanuck died of pneumonia and is interred at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles. source: washingtonpost.com
23 Dec 1979 First European Ariane rocket launch successfully conducted: The first launch of the Ariane rocket took place on December 23, 1979, from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. This marked a significant milestone for the European Space Agency, establishing Europe as a key player in space launch capabilities. The Ariane program has since evolved, contributing to numerous satellite launches and advancements in space technology. source: esa.int
24 Dec 1979 First Ariane 1 rocket launch from Kourou, French Guiana: On December 24, 1979, the European Space Agency's Ariane 1 rocket successfully launched from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. This inaugural flight marked Europe's entry into independent space exploration, deploying the CAT-1 technological capsule into orbit. The mission was deemed a success, paving the way for future European space endeavors. source: esa.int
25 Dec 1979 Soviet Union invades Afghanistan, marking the start of a decade-long conflict: On December 25, 1979, the Soviet Union launched a military invasion of Afghanistan, aiming to support the communist government against insurgent groups. This invasion led to a protracted conflict that lasted until 1989, significantly impacting both Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, contributing to the latter's eventual dissolution. The invasion was met with international condemnation and led to a U.S.-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. source: britannica.com
26 Dec 1979 First Usenet experiments initiated by Duke University graduate students: In late 1979, Duke University graduate students Tom Truscott and Jim Ellis began experimenting with a system to exchange messages and files between computers using the Unix-to-Unix Copy Protocol (UUCP). They established a link with the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill using Bourne shell scripts written by Steve Bellovin. This collaboration led to the creation of Usenet, a distributed discussion system that became a precursor to modern internet forums. source: britannica.com
27 Dec 1979 Soviet forces seize control of Afghanistan, overthrowing President Amin and installing Babrak Karmal: On December 27, 1979, Soviet forces stormed the Tajbeg Palace in Kabul, assassinating President Hafizullah Amin and installing Babrak Karmal as the new leader of Afghanistan. This marked the beginning of a decade-long Soviet military intervention in the country. source: britannica.com
29 Dec 1979 Concerts for the People of Kampuchea: On December 29, 1979, the final night of the 'Concerts for the People of Kampuchea' benefit series was held at London's Hammersmith Odeon. The lineup featured Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Rockpile (with guest Robert Plant on 'Little Sister'), Wings, and the all-star ensemble Rockestra. Organized by Paul McCartney and United Nations Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim, the event aimed to raise funds for the victims of war-torn Cambodia. source: en.wikipedia.org
30 Dec 1979 Togo holds constitutional referendum and general elections: On December 30, 1979, Togo conducted a constitutional referendum and general elections. The referendum approved a new constitution establishing the Third Togolese Republic, transitioning the country into a presidential republic and a one-party state. The constitution received 99.87% approval from voters, with a 99.4% turnout, and came into effect on January 12, 1980. source: en.wikipedia.org