Major Events of December 1985: 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 1985 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of December 1985: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 Dec 1985 Formation of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU): On December 1, 1985, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) was officially established in Durban, uniting 33 trade unions with approximately 450,000 members. This formation aimed to strengthen the labor movement's opposition to apartheid and promote workers' rights in South Africa. source: kids.britannica.com
02 Dec 1985 Philippine court acquits military officials in Aquino assassination case: On December 2, 1985, the Sandiganbayan court acquitted General Fabian C. Ver and 25 other military personnel of all charges related to the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. The court's decision was met with widespread criticism, with many believing it was influenced by President Ferdinand Marcos. The U.S. Ambassador to Manila, Stephen W. Bosworth, noted that the court ignored evidence suggesting a high-level conspiracy behind the assassination. source: washingtonpost.com
03 Dec 1985 NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis Mission 61-B Lands: On December 3, 1985, Space Shuttle Atlantis successfully completed its second mission, STS-61-B, by landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The mission, which lasted 6 days, 21 hours, 4 minutes, and 49 seconds, involved deploying three communications satellites: MORELOS-B for Mexico, AUSSAT-2 for Australia, and SATCOM KU-2 for RCA Americom. Additionally, two spacewalks were conducted to test the assembly of structures in space. source: nasa.gov
04 Dec 1985 Reagan appoints John Poindexter as National Security Adviser: On December 4, 1985, President Ronald Reagan announced the appointment of Vice Admiral John M. Poindexter as the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, succeeding Robert C. McFarlane. Poindexter had previously served as Deputy National Security Adviser since October 1983 and was promoted to Vice Admiral in May 1985. He joined the National Security Council staff in June 1981 as military assistant to the National Security Adviser. source: reaganlibrary.gov
05 Dec 1985 UK conducts nuclear test at Christmas Island: On December 5, 1985, the United Kingdom conducted a nuclear test at Christmas Island, part of a series of tests known as the 'Operation Grapple' series. This test was part of the UK's efforts to develop and maintain its nuclear deterrent capabilities during the Cold War. The test raised significant international concern regarding nuclear proliferation and environmental impacts. source: britannica.com
06 Dec 1985 Publication of 'The Polar Express' by Chris Van Allsburg: 'The Polar Express,' a children's book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, was published on December 6, 1985. The story follows a young boy's magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The book has since become a holiday classic, winning the Caldecott Medal in 1986 and inspiring an animated film adaptation. source: loc.gov
07 Dec 1985 Robert Graves dies at 90 in Deyá, Majorca: Robert Graves, the British classical scholar and poet renowned for works like 'I, Claudius' and 'Good-Bye to All That,' died on December 7, 1985, at his home in Deyá, Majorca, Spain, at the age of 90. He had been in declining health for several years and passed away from heart failure. source: britannica.com
08 Dec 1985 South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) established: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It aims to promote regional integration and cooperation among its member states, which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAARC focuses on economic and regional development, cultural exchange, and social progress in South Asia. source: britannica.com
09 Dec 1985 Argentine junta leaders sentenced for human rights violations: On December 9, 1985, during the Trial of the Juntas, nine leading members of Argentina's military dictatorship were convicted for crimes committed during the 'Dirty War' (1976–1983). General Jorge Rafael Videla and Admiral Emilio Massera received life imprisonment sentences, while three others received lighter sentences. Four defendants were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. This trial marked a significant step in Argentina's efforts to address past human rights abuses. source: en.wikipedia.org
10 Dec 1985 Argentine junta leaders sentenced for human rights abuses: On December 10, 1985, a court in Argentina sentenced several leaders of the military junta that ruled from 1976 to 1983 for human rights violations, including torture and murder. This landmark trial marked a significant moment in Argentina's transition to democracy, holding former officials accountable for the atrocities committed during the 'Dirty War.' The sentences were part of a broader effort to address the legacy of state terrorism in the country. source: bbc.com
11 Dec 1985 First Unabomber murder in Sacramento: On December 11, 1985, the Unabomber's first fatal bombing occurred in Sacramento, California. Hugh Scrutton, the owner of RenTech Computer Rentals, was killed when a bomb disguised as a piece of scrap lumber exploded in the parking lot behind his store. This marked the first death attributed to the Unabomber, who had previously targeted universities and airlines. source: law.cornell.edu
12 Dec 1985 Arrow Air Flight 1285R crashes in Gander, Newfoundland: On December 12, 1985, Arrow Air Flight 1285R, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8-63CF, crashed shortly after takeoff from Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada. The flight was carrying 248 U.S. Army personnel from the 101st Airborne Division and 8 crew members, all of whom perished. The crash remains the deadliest aviation accident in Canada, with all 256 occupants killed. source: dncr.nc.gov
13 Dec 1985 Merv Hughes, Geoff Marsh, and Bruce Reid make Test debuts against India: On December 13, 1985, Australian cricketers Merv Hughes, Geoff Marsh, and Bruce Reid made their Test debuts against India in Adelaide. Hughes, a fast bowler, Marsh, an opening batsman, and Reid, a left-arm fast bowler, were part of the Australian team in this match. source: skysports.com
14 Dec 1985 Wilma Mankiller becomes Cherokee Nation's first female Principal Chief: On December 14, 1985, Wilma Mankiller was sworn in as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, becoming the first woman to hold this position. She had previously served as Deputy Principal Chief since 1983 and succeeded Ross Swimmer, who resigned to join the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. Mankiller's leadership focused on improving healthcare, education, and economic development within the Cherokee Nation. source: britannica.com
15 Dec 1985 Disneyland Paris officially opens as part of Disney's European expansion: Disneyland Paris, originally known as Euro Disney Resort, officially opened on December 15, 1985. This marked Disney's first theme park in Europe, aimed at expanding its global presence and attracting international visitors. The park has since become a major tourist destination, contributing significantly to the local economy and the broader European tourism industry. source: britannica.com
16 Dec 1985 John Gotti becomes boss of the Gambino crime family after Castellano's assassination: On December 16, 1985, Paul Castellano, boss of the Gambino crime family, and his underboss Thomas Bilotti were assassinated outside Sparks Steak House in Manhattan. The hit was orchestrated by John Gotti, who subsequently assumed leadership of the family. Frank DeCicco was appointed as the new underboss. source: en.wikipedia.org
17 Dec 1985 US Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 enacted: The US Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 was signed into law on December 17, 1985. This legislation authorized the production of gold bullion coins by the United States Mint, allowing for the creation of the American Gold Eagle coin. The act aimed to promote the use of gold as an investment and to enhance the United States' position in the global gold market. source: congress.gov
18 Dec 1985 First woman receives Jarvik VII artificial heart: On December 18, 1985, Dr. Barney Clark became the first person to receive the Jarvik VII artificial heart, marking a significant milestone in medical technology. This procedure was groundbreaking as it was the first time an artificial heart was implanted in a human patient, paving the way for future advancements in cardiac care. The surgery was performed at the University of Utah and garnered widespread media attention. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
19 Dec 1985 STS-61-C launch scrubbed due to SRB issue: On December 19, 1985, the launch of Space Shuttle Columbia for mission STS-61-C was scrubbed at T-14 seconds due to an out-of-tolerance turbine reading on the right Solid Rocket Booster's hydraulic system. This was later determined to be a false reading. source: en.wikipedia.org
20 Dec 1985 Howard Cosell retires from television sports: Howard Cosell, a prominent sports broadcaster known for his distinctive style and outspoken personality, announced his retirement from television sports on December 20, 1985. His career spanned several decades, during which he became a significant figure in American sports journalism, particularly through his work on ABC's 'Monday Night Football.' Cosell's retirement marked the end of an era in sports broadcasting. source: nytimes.com
21 Dec 1985 ARCO Anchorage runs aground in Port Angeles Harbor, Washington: On December 21, 1985, the tanker ARCO Anchorage ran aground in Port Angeles Harbor, Washington, while anchoring. The vessel, carrying 814,000 barrels of Alaska North Slope crude oil, sustained two hull breaches, releasing approximately 5,690 barrels (239,000 gallons) of oil into the harbor. The spill led to significant environmental impacts, including the contamination of beaches and the death of over 4,000 birds. Cleanup efforts were initiated promptly, and the spill was considered the eighth largest in Washington state history at that time. source: incidentnews.noaa.gov
22 Dec 1985 Space Shuttle Challenger rolls out to Launch Pad 39B: On December 22, 1985, the Space Shuttle Challenger was transported to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in preparation for the STS-51L mission, scheduled for January 22, 1986. This marked the first time two shuttles occupied separate launch pads simultaneously, with Columbia on Pad 39A awaiting the STS-61C mission. source: sma.nasa.gov
23 Dec 1985 Death of Ferhat Abbas, Algerian nationalist leader: Ferhat Abbas, a prominent Algerian nationalist and politician, passed away on December 23, 1985. He was a key figure in the struggle for Algerian independence from French colonial rule and served as the first president of the provisional government of Algeria. His contributions to the independence movement and his advocacy for Algerian nationalism are well-remembered in the country's history. source: britannica.com
24 Dec 1985 First use of DNA in criminal investigation: On December 24, 1985, DNA profiling was first used in a criminal investigation in the UK. This groundbreaking technique was employed to solve the case of the murder of two teenagers, helping to identify the perpetrator through genetic evidence. The use of DNA in forensic science has since revolutionized criminal investigations worldwide. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
26 Dec 1985 Murder of Dian Fossey, renowned primatologist: Dian Fossey, an American primatologist and conservationist, was found murdered in her cabin at the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda's Virunga Mountains on December 26, 1985. She had been bludgeoned to death with a machete, and her cabin was ransacked, though valuables were left untouched. The motive remains unclear, with theories ranging from poacher retaliation to personal disputes. source: history.com
27 Dec 1985 Terrorist attack on El Al airports in Rome and Vienna: On December 27, 1985, coordinated terrorist attacks occurred at El Al airports in Rome and Vienna. The attacks were carried out by members of the Abu Nidal Organization, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. The incidents highlighted the ongoing threat of international terrorism during that period. source: britannica.com
28 Dec 1985 Lebanese militia leaders sign Syrian-brokered peace accord: On December 28, 1985, leaders of Lebanon's three major militias—the Shiite Amal movement, the Druze Progressive Socialist Party, and the Christian Lebanese Forces—signed a Syrian-mediated peace agreement in Damascus. The accord aimed to end a decade-long civil war by establishing a ceasefire and initiating political reforms to balance power between Lebanon's Christian and Muslim communities. Despite the agreement, skepticism remained among many Lebanese regarding its implementation and the influence of Syria in Lebanese affairs. source: washingtonpost.com
29 Dec 1985 Ronald Reagan's presidency and key events in 1985: Ronald Reagan served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. In 1985, significant events included the signing of the Plaza Accord aimed at stabilizing currency exchange rates and the continued escalation of the Cold War. Reagan's policies during this period focused on economic recovery and military buildup, which shaped U.S. domestic and foreign policy. source: archives.gov
30 Dec 1985 Pakistan ends martial law and restores constitution: On December 30, 1985, President Mohammad Zia ul-Haq lifted eight years of martial law in Pakistan, transitioning the country to civilian rule. He announced the disbanding of all martial law offices and military courts, signaling the end of Pakistan's third and longest period of martial law. Despite this shift, Zia retained significant power, continuing as president until 1990 and maintaining substantial control over the government. source: washingtonpost.com
31 Dec 1985 Ricky Nelson dies in plane crash: On December 31, 1985, American singer and actor Ricky Nelson died in a plane crash near De Kalb, Texas. The Douglas DC-3 aircraft, en route from Guntersville, Alabama, to Dallas, Texas, experienced a fire in the passenger cabin, leading to an emergency landing attempt. Nelson, his fiancée Helen Blair, and five band members perished; the two crew members survived with injuries. source: washingtonpost.com