Major Events of August 1981: 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 August 1981 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of August 1981: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 Aug 1981 MTV launches first music video channel: On August 1, 1981, MTV, the first 24-hour video music channel, began broadcasting in the United States. The inaugural video was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles, marking a significant shift in the music and television industries.
02 Aug 1981 Ian Botham's remarkable performance in 1981 Ashes Test at Edgbaston: On August 2, 1981, during the fourth Test of the Ashes series at Edgbaston, England, Ian Botham delivered a sensational bowling performance, taking five wickets for just one run in 28 balls. This remarkable spell led to Australia being bowled out for 121, securing a 29-run victory for England and leveling the series at 1-1. source: espncricinfo.com
03 Aug 1981 PATCO strike begins, leading to significant labor relations changes: On August 3, 1981, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) initiated a strike for better working conditions and pay. President Ronald Reagan responded by declaring the strike illegal and subsequently fired over 11,000 striking controllers, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. labor relations and signaling a shift in government attitudes towards unions. source: archives.gov
04 Aug 1981 Oliver North assigned to White House duty: On August 4, 1981, Oliver North was assigned to the National Security Council staff at the White House. He served as a lobbyist from 1981 to 1983 and as deputy director for political–military affairs from 1983 until his reassignment in 1986. source: en.wikipedia.org
05 Aug 1981 Reagan fires air traffic controllers during PATCO strike: On August 5, 1981, President Ronald Reagan fired over 11,000 air traffic controllers who were on strike, violating a law against federal employees striking. This event marked a significant moment in labor relations in the U.S., leading to the dismantling of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) and setting a precedent for handling labor disputes in the public sector. source: archives.gov
06 Aug 1981 Reagan approves neutron bomb production: On August 6, 1981, President Ronald Reagan authorized the production of neutron bombs, nuclear warheads designed to kill people while minimizing damage to structures. The decision was made in consultation with Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and other top officials. The weapons were to be stockpiled in the United States, with no immediate plans for deployment in Europe. This move marked a significant shift from the previous administration's stance, which had deferred production in 1978. source: washingtonpost.com
07 Aug 1981 The Washington Star ceases publication after 128 years: On August 7, 1981, The Washington Star, a daily afternoon newspaper in Washington, D.C., ceased publication after 128 years. Founded in 1852, the newspaper faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy. In the bankruptcy sale, The Washington Post purchased the land and buildings owned by The Washington Star, including its printing presses. source: washingtonpost.com
08 Aug 1981 Roger Federer was born on August 8, 1981: Roger Federer, a Swiss professional tennis player, was born on August 8, 1981, in Basel, Switzerland. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, having won numerous Grand Slam titles throughout his career. His exceptional skill and sportsmanship have made him a beloved figure in the world of sports. source: britannica.com
09 Aug 1981 MLB strike ends with All-Star Game resuming play: The 1981 Major League Baseball strike, which began on June 12, concluded on July 31 with a new Basic Agreement. Play resumed on August 9 with the All-Star Game at Cleveland Stadium, marking the first official game since the strike. Regular season games recommenced the following day. source: mlb.com
10 Aug 1981 Adam Walsh's murder led to significant changes in child safety measures: The abduction and murder of 6-year-old Adam Walsh in 1981 prompted widespread reforms in child safety. His parents, John and Reve Walsh, became prominent advocates, leading to the establishment of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in 1984. Additionally, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 created a national database of convicted child sex offenders and strengthened federal penalties for crimes against children. source: history.com
11 Aug 1981 IBM launches the first personal computer: On August 11, 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer, the IBM PC, which revolutionized the computing industry. This launch marked a significant shift towards personal computing, making technology more accessible to individuals and small businesses. The IBM PC set standards for hardware and software that are still influential today. source: britannica.com
12 Aug 1981 IBM Personal Computer Model 5150 released: The IBM Personal Computer Model 5150 was officially released on August 12, 1981. This model marked IBM's entry into the personal computer market and set the standard for PC architecture. It featured an Intel 8088 processor and was notable for its open architecture, which allowed third-party developers to create compatible hardware and software. source: britannica.com
13 Aug 1981 Reagan signs Economic Recovery Tax Act into law: On August 13, 1981, President Ronald Reagan signed the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 into law at his Rancho del Cielo retreat in California. This legislation, also known as the Kemp–Roth Tax Cut, introduced significant tax reductions aimed at stimulating economic growth. The Act reduced the highest individual income tax rate from 70% to 50% and the lowest from 14% to 11%, among other provisions. source: reaganlibrary.gov
14 Aug 1981 Mike Schmidt hits his 300th career home run: On August 14, 1981, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt hit his 300th career home run off New York Mets pitcher Mike Scott. source: brainyhistory.com
15 Aug 1981 Ian Botham scores a historic century at Headingley: On August 15, 1981, Ian Botham scored a remarkable century during the third Test match against Australia at Headingley, Leeds. This innings was pivotal in England's dramatic comeback in the match, where they were initially in a precarious position. Botham's performance is often credited with revitalizing the English cricket team during the Ashes series. source: bbc.com
16 Aug 1981 Mary T. Meagher sets world record in 100m butterfly: On August 16, 1981, American swimmer Mary T. Meagher set a world record in the 100-meter butterfly with a time of 57.93 seconds at the U.S. Long Course National Championships in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. This performance was part of a remarkable series of world records she achieved in 1981, including the 200-meter butterfly. Meagher's 100m butterfly record stood for 18 years. source: upi.com
18 Aug 1981 Jerry Lewis appears on 'Donahue' to defend Telethons: On August 18, 1981, comedian Jerry Lewis appeared on the 'Donahue' show to discuss and defend his annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethons, which were significant fundraising events for medical research. source: brainyhistory.com
19 Aug 1981 Sandra Day O'Connor appointed to the Supreme Court: On August 19, 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was appointed as the first female Justice of the United States Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in U.S. history, breaking gender barriers in the highest court. O'Connor served on the Court until her retirement in 2006, becoming a pivotal figure in many landmark decisions. source: archives.gov
21 Aug 1981 Salvador Sánchez defeats Wilfredo Gómez in boxing championship: On August 21, 1981, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Mexico's Salvador Sánchez successfully defended his WBC Featherweight Title by defeating Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Gómez via eighth-round technical knockout. Sánchez knocked Gómez down in the first round and again in the eighth, prompting referee Carlos Padilla to stop the fight at 2:09 of the eighth round. At the time of stoppage, judges had Sánchez ahead on all scorecards. source: upi.com
22 Aug 1981 Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103 disaster: On August 22, 1981, Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103, a Boeing 737-222, crashed near Sanyi Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan, resulting in the deaths of all 110 people on board. The aircraft suffered an explosive decompression due to severe corrosion and metal fatigue, leading to in-flight breakup. The crash is also known as the Sanyi Air Disaster and remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Taiwan. source: en.wikipedia.org
24 Aug 1981 Mark David Chapman sentenced to 20 years to life for John Lennon's murder: On August 24, 1981, Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of John Lennon. Chapman had pleaded guilty to the charge, stating that he believed it was God's will to confess. During the sentencing, he read a passage from 'The Catcher in the Rye.' source: history.com
25 Aug 1981 Voyager 2's historic flyby of Saturn: On August 25, 1981, NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft made its closest approach to Saturn, providing unprecedented images and data about the planet and its rings. This flyby allowed scientists to study Saturn's atmosphere, magnetic field, and its many moons, significantly enhancing our understanding of the gas giant. Voyager 2's mission has been pivotal in planetary science, marking a key milestone in space exploration. source: nasa.gov
26 Aug 1981 Space Shuttle Columbia's preparations for STS-2 mission on August 26, 1981: On August 26, 1981, NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia underwent critical preparations for its second mission, STS-2. The shuttle was mated with its external tank and solid rocket boosters in the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. Engineers completed a nine-day Shuttle Interface Test to ensure the mechanical and electrical connections between the orbiter, external tank, and solid rocket boosters were functioning correctly. This comprehensive testing was essential for verifying the shuttle's readiness for its upcoming flight. source: nasa.gov
27 Aug 1981 Divers prepare to raise safe from Andrea Doria: On August 27, 1981, divers secured the rigging to raise one of the Andrea Doria's two unopened safes, believed to contain over $1 million in valuables and jewels. The safe was located in the ship's first-class lounge, 200 feet below the surface off Nantucket Island. The recovery was part of an expedition organized by Peter Gimbel, aiming to retrieve the treasure lost since the ship sank 25 years prior. source: upi.com
28 Aug 1981 South African military incursion into Angola: On August 28, 1981, South African forces initiated Operation Protea, a military operation targeting South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) bases in southern Angola. The operation lasted until September 4, 1981, during which South African Defence Forces (SADF) occupied Cunene province, advancing up to 60 miles into Angolan territory. The operation resulted in significant casualties, with South African officials reporting over 1,000 deaths among SWAPO guerrillas and Angolan soldiers. The Angolan government reported that Xangongo was destroyed and that there was heavy bombing around the town of Ngiva, 35 miles from the border. The United Nations Secretary-General at the time, Kurt Waldheim, condemned the incursion as a "grave violation" and called for the immediate withdrawal of South African forces. source: washingtonpost.com
29 Aug 1981 1981 Vienna synagogue attack: On August 29, 1981, two Palestinian terrorists from the Abu Nidal Organization attacked the Stadttempel synagogue in Vienna during a Bar Mitzvah service. The assailants, posing as Jews, opened fire and threw grenades, resulting in two fatalities and 18 injuries. The attackers were apprehended and later received life sentences for their actions. source: jta.org
30 Aug 1981 Assassination of Iranian President and Prime Minister in 1981: On August 30, 1981, a bomb exploded in the office of Prime Minister Mohammad Javad Bahonar in Tehran, killing both Bahonar and President Mohammad Ali Rajai, along with six other officials. The attack was attributed to Masoud Keshmiri, a member of the People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK), who infiltrated the Islamic Republican Party and planted the bomb in a briefcase. This assassination occurred two months after the Haft-e Tir bombing, which had already targeted high-ranking officials. source: en.wikipedia.org
31 Aug 1981 Bombing at Ramstein Air Base injures 15 people: On August 31, 1981, a terrorist bomb exploded outside the U.S. Air Forces in Europe headquarters at Ramstein Air Base in West Germany, injuring 15 people, including two senior U.S. Air Force officers. The Red Army Faction, a left-wing terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the attack, which caused extensive damage to the building and vehicles in the parking lot. source: washingtonpost.com