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Major Events of December 1984: 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 1984 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of December 1984: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Dec 1984 Australian Federal Election: On December 1, 1984, Australia held a federal election, resulting in the Australian Labor Party, led by Bob Hawke, securing 82 seats in the House of Representatives, an increase of 7 seats. The Liberal-National Coalition, led by Andrew Peacock, won 66 seats, a gain of 16 seats. This election marked a significant shift in the Australian political landscape. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 02 Dec 1984 Dan Marino sets NFL touchdown record: On December 2, 1984, Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino set a new NFL single-season touchdown pass record by throwing his 37th touchdown pass, surpassing the previous record of 36. This milestone was achieved during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders, where Marino completed 35 of 57 passes for 470 yards and four touchdowns. source: profootballhof.com
  • 03 Dec 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy: a catastrophic industrial disaster: The Bhopal gas tragedy occurred on December 3, 1984, when a gas leak at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, released methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas. This incident resulted in thousands of deaths and long-term health effects for many survivors, making it one of the world's worst industrial disasters. The tragedy raised significant concerns about industrial safety regulations and corporate responsibility. source: britannica.com
  • 04 Dec 1984 Kuwait Airways Flight 221 hijacked by Hezbollah: On December 3, 1984, four Lebanese Shi'a militants hijacked Kuwait Airways Flight 221, diverting it to Tehran. The hijackers demanded the release of 17 Shiite Muslim prisoners held in Kuwait. During the six-day ordeal, two American passengers were killed before Iranian security forces stormed the plane and freed the remaining hostages. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 06 Dec 1984 Kuwaiti jetliner hijacking tragedy: On December 6, 1984, a Kuwaiti airliner was hijacked by members of the Abu Nidal Organization. The incident resulted in the deaths of two passengers and significant international attention on airline security and terrorism. source: bbc.com
  • 07 Dec 1984 Bhopal disaster: worst industrial accident in history: The Bhopal disaster occurred on December 7, 1984, when a gas leak at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, resulted in thousands of deaths and long-term health effects for the local population. It is considered one of the worst industrial disasters in history. source: bbc.com
  • 08 Dec 1984 Neo-Nazi leader Robert Jay Mathews killed in FBI shootout: Robert Jay Mathews, leader of the white supremacist group The Order, was killed during a standoff with FBI agents on Whidbey Island, Washington. The confrontation ended when an FBI agent fired flares into Mathews's house, igniting a fire that led to his death. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 09 Dec 1984 LPGA J.C. Penney Golf Classic Winners: Vicki Alvarez and Mike McDonald emerged victorious in the LPGA J.C. Penney Golf Classic, showcasing their golfing prowess.
  • 10 Dec 1984 Desmond Tutu awarded Nobel Peace Prize: South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1984, for his non-violent opposition to apartheid and his efforts to promote reconciliation in South Africa. source: nobelprize.org
  • 12 Dec 1984 Mauritanian Presidential Coup: On December 12, 1984, Colonel Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya led a bloodless military coup in Mauritania, overthrowing President Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidalla while he was attending a summit in Burundi. Taya assumed leadership of the Military Committee for National Salvation. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 14 Dec 1984 Birth of Northern Irish footballer Chris Brunt: Christopher Colin Brunt, a Northern Irish former professional footballer, was born on December 14, 1984, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He played as a midfielder for clubs including Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 15 Dec 1984 Band Aid's charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' tops UK charts: On December 15, 1984, the charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' by Band Aid, a supergroup of British and Irish musicians, reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. The song, written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, was recorded to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia and became the fastest-selling single in UK chart history at that time. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 Dec 1984 New Jersey Devils' first penalty shot goal: On December 17, 1984, during a 5–2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils' forward Rocky Trottier was awarded the franchise's first penalty shot after Wayne Gretzky threw his stick to stop Trottier's shot. Trottier successfully converted the penalty shot against Oilers' goaltender Andy Moog. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 20 Dec 1984 Jonelle Matthews disappears in Greeley, Colorado: On December 20, 1984, 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews vanished from her home in Greeley, Colorado, after performing in a Christmas concert. Her remains were discovered on July 24, 2019, and Steven Pankey was convicted of her murder on October 31, 2022. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 22 Dec 1984 Bernhard Goetz Subway Shooting Incident: On December 22, 1984, Bernhard Goetz shot four young Black men on a New York City subway train after they allegedly attempted to rob him. The incident sparked widespread debate about race, crime, and vigilantism in America. source: britannica.com
  • 25 Dec 1984 The Veronicas: Australian pop duo born: Identical twin sisters Lisa Marie and Jessica Louise Origliasso, known as The Veronicas, were born in Brisbane, Australia, on December 25, 1984. They formed the pop duo in 2004 and gained prominence with their debut album, "The Secret Life of..." in 2005. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 28 Dec 1984 Indian General Election: The Indian general election was held on December 24, 27, and 28, 1984, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Indian National Congress (Indira) led by Rajiv Gandhi secured a landslide victory, winning 414 of the 514 seats elected in 1984 and an additional 10 in the delayed elections. The Telugu Desam Party of N. T. Rama Rao emerged as the second-largest party with 30 seats. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 29 Dec 1984 Rajiv Gandhi's Parliamentary Election Victory: Rajiv Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress (Indira), led his party to a decisive victory in the 1984 general elections, securing 414 of the 514 seats elected in 1984 and an additional 10 in the delayed elections. This marked a significant political achievement following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 31 Dec 1984 Rajiv Gandhi becomes Prime Minister of India: Following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, on October 31, 1984, Rajiv Gandhi was sworn in as the 6th Prime Minister of India on December 31, 1984, at the age of 40, becoming the youngest to hold the position. source: britannica.com