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

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

01 Feb 1985 Brian Boitano wins U.S. Men's Figure Skating Championship: On February 1, 1985, Brian Boitano secured his first U.S. Men's Figure Skating Championship title in Kansas City, Missouri, landing seven triple jumps in his free skate. This victory marked his emergence as a leading figure in American figure skating, following the retirement of Olympic champion Scott Hamilton. source: latimes.com
02 Feb 1985 Foreigner's 'I Want To Know What Love Is' tops US charts: On February 2, 1985, Foreigner's power ballad 'I Want To Know What Love Is' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band's first and only chart-topping single in the United States. The song also achieved number one status in the United Kingdom on January 15, 1985, and topped charts in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, and Sweden. source: en.wikipedia.org
03 Feb 1985 JoAnne Carner wins Elizabeth Arden Classic in 1985: JoAnne Carner secured her 42nd LPGA Tour victory at the Elizabeth Arden Classic on February 3, 1985, finishing with a score of 280 (−8). She won by a six-stroke margin over Jane Blalock. source: en.wikipedia.org
04 Feb 1985 New Zealand denies USS Buchanan port entry over nuclear concerns: On February 4, 1985, New Zealand's Labour government, led by Prime Minister David Lange, refused the USS Buchanan entry into its ports. The refusal was based on the U.S. policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons aboard its ships, which conflicted with New Zealand's commitment to a nuclear-free policy. This decision led to a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations. source: washingtonpost.com
05 Feb 1985 Birth of Cristiano Ronaldo: Cristiano Ronaldo, a renowned Portuguese professional footballer, was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, having achieved numerous awards and records throughout his career. Ronaldo's impact on the sport has made him a global icon. source: britannica.com
06 Feb 1985 New Edition's "Mr. Telephone Man" tops R&B charts: On February 6, 1985, New Edition's single "Mr. Telephone Man" reached number one on the Billboard R&B singles chart. The song was part of their second studio album, 'New Edition,' released in 1984. source: en.wikipedia.org
07 Feb 1985 Steve Wozniak departs Apple Computer: On February 7, 1985, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, announced his departure from the company. He cited disagreements with Apple's management over the company's direction and expressed frustration with the rigidity of its corporate bureaucracy. Wozniak stated that the Apple II, which had been central to Apple's success, was being neglected in favor of newer products. Despite leaving his executive role, he remained on Apple's payroll as an engineering consultant. source: tech-insider.org
08 Feb 1985 Kim Dae Jung returns to South Korea after exile: On February 8, 1985, former South Korean opposition leader Kim Dae Jung returned to South Korea after years of exile. His return marked a significant moment in South Korea's political landscape, as he had been a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement against the authoritarian regime. Kim's return was celebrated by supporters and symbolized a shift towards greater political openness in the country. source: bbc.com
09 Feb 1985 Murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena in Mexico: Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena, a DEA agent, was abducted on February 7, 1985, in Guadalajara, Mexico, by individuals associated with the Guadalajara Cartel. He was tortured for over 30 hours and murdered on February 9, 1985. His body was discovered on March 5, 1985, in Michoacán state. The murder led to extensive investigations and trials, resulting in convictions of several cartel members.
10 Feb 1985 Nelson Mandela rejects conditional release offer from South African government: On February 10, 1985, Nelson Mandela, leader of the African National Congress (ANC), rejected a conditional release offer from President P.W. Botha. The government had proposed releasing Mandela if he renounced violence as a political instrument. In his response, read by his daughter Zindzi at a Soweto rally, Mandela stated he would not sell his birthright or that of his people to be free, emphasizing that their freedom was inseparable. source: washingtonpost.com
11 Feb 1985 Jordan and PLO agree on Middle East peace plan: On February 11, 1985, Jordan's King Hussein and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat agreed to collaborate on a Middle East peace settlement. The accord called for Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories in exchange for peace and recognition of Israel's right to exist. The plan proposed a confederation between Jordan and a Palestinian state, with a joint delegation to negotiate with Israel. source: washingtonpost.com
12 Feb 1985 Michael Jordan makes his NBA debut with the Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan made his NBA debut on February 12, 1985, playing for the Chicago Bulls against the Philadelphia 76ers. In this game, he scored 16 points, showcasing his potential as a future basketball star. This debut marked the beginning of a legendary career that would redefine the sport. source: nba.com
13 Feb 1985 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
14 Feb 1985 Jeremy Levin escapes captivity in Lebanon: On February 14, 1985, American journalist Jeremy Levin, CNN's Beirut bureau chief, escaped from captivity in Lebanon after 11 months. He managed to slip his chains, tied blankets together to descend from a window, and walked to a Syrian military post in Baalbek, where he was handed over to U.S. officials. Levin was kidnapped on March 7, 1984, while walking to his office in West Beirut. source: washingtonpost.com
15 Feb 1985 World Chess Championship Match Abandoned: On February 15, 1985, the World Chess Championship match between Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov was abruptly terminated by FIDE President Florencio Campomanes after 48 games, with Karpov leading 5-3. The decision cited player exhaustion and health concerns, despite both players expressing a desire to continue. This remains the only world championship match to be abandoned without a result. source: washingtonpost.com
16 Feb 1985 Hezbollah officially founded in Lebanon: Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group and political party, was officially founded in Lebanon on February 16, 1985. The organization emerged during the Lebanese Civil War and has since played a significant role in Lebanese politics and regional conflicts, particularly against Israel. Its founding was influenced by the Iranian Revolution and the desire to resist Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon. source: bbc.com
17 Feb 1985 Murray P. Haydon becomes third recipient of permanent artificial heart: On February 17, 1985, Murray P. Haydon, a 58-year-old retired auto worker from Louisville, Kentucky, underwent a successful implantation of the Jarvik-7 artificial heart at Humana Hospital Audubon. The procedure, led by Dr. William C. DeVries, lasted 3.5 hours and was reported as remarkably routine. Haydon became the third person to receive a permanent artificial heart, following Barney Clark and William J. Schroeder. source: washingtonpost.com
18 Feb 1985 WWF War to Settle the Score Wrestling Event: The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) held 'The War to Settle the Score' on February 18, 1985, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The main event featured Hulk Hogan defending his WWF World Heavyweight Championship against 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, with Hogan retaining the title by disqualification. The event was notable for its live broadcast on MTV, marking a significant moment in the promotion's history. source: en.wikipedia.org
19 Feb 1985 William J. Schroeder becomes first artificial heart patient discharged from hospital: On February 19, 1985, William J. Schroeder, 52, became the first recipient of a permanent artificial heart to be discharged from the hospital. He had received the Jarvik-7 artificial heart on November 25, 1984, at Humana Hospital Audubon in Louisville, Kentucky. After 144 days of hospitalization, Schroeder's successful recuperation marked a significant advancement in the development of artificial organs, offering new hope for patients with severe heart conditions. source: washingtonpost.com
20 Feb 1985 Minolta introduces the first autofocus SLR camera: On February 20, 1985, Minolta revolutionized photography by launching the Minolta Maxxum 7000, the world's first autofocus single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. This innovation allowed photographers to focus on subjects more easily and quickly, significantly changing the landscape of photography. The camera's advanced technology set a new standard in the industry, influencing future designs and features in camera development. source: popphoto.com
21 Feb 1985 Tim Raines awarded record $1.2 million salary for 1985 season: On February 21, 1985, Major League Baseball outfielder Tim Raines was granted a $1.2 million salary for the 1985 season by arbitrator Tom Roberts. This decision marked the largest arbitration award in baseball history at that time. Raines, playing for the Montreal Expos, had an impressive 1984 season, batting .309 with 75 stolen bases, leading the National League in stolen bases for the fourth consecutive year. source: washingtonpost.com
22 Feb 1985 Hameur Bouazza born in Évry, France: Hameur Bouazza, a French-Algerian footballer, was born in Évry, France, on February 22, 1985. He played as a left winger and had a career spanning several countries, including England, Turkey, France, Cyprus, Spain, Algeria, and Tunisia. Bouazza was also an Algerian international between 2007 and 2013. source: en.wikipedia.org
23 Feb 1985 Edwin Meese III confirmed as U.S. Attorney General: On February 23, 1985, the U.S. Senate confirmed Edwin Meese III as the 75th Attorney General of the United States with a 63-31 vote. Meese, who had served as President Reagan's Counselor since 1981, faced a prolonged confirmation process due to ethical concerns but was ultimately approved. source: reaganlibrary.gov
24 Feb 1985 Jim Kelly sets professional football passing record: On February 24, 1985, Houston Gamblers quarterback Jim Kelly threw for 574 yards and five touchdowns in a 34-33 victory over the Los Angeles Express. This performance set a professional football record for passing yards in a single game, surpassing the previous mark of 554 yards set by Norm Van Brocklin in 1951. source: buffalobills.com
25 Feb 1985 FBI indicts heads of New York's five Mafia families: On February 25, 1985, the FBI indicted the leaders of New York City's five Mafia families—Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese, Colombo, and Bonanno—on charges including racketeering, extortion, and labor racketeering. This marked a significant federal crackdown on organized crime, aiming to dismantle the Commission that governed these families' operations. source: fbi.gov
26 Feb 1985 Leonardo David, Italian alpine skier, dies after six-year coma: Leonardo David, a promising Italian alpine skier, fell into a coma following a crash during a pre-Olympic downhill race at Lake Placid on March 3, 1979. Despite extensive medical efforts, he remained in a coma for nearly six years before passing away on February 26, 1985, at the age of 24. source: washingtonpost.com
27 Feb 1985 Farmers rally in Ames, Iowa, protesting Reagan administration policies: On February 27, 1985, approximately 14,000 farmers gathered at Iowa State University's Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, to protest the Reagan administration's farm policies. The rally was one of the largest farm protests in American history, with farmers from various Midwestern states demanding federal assistance to address the agricultural crisis, including bankruptcy and farm foreclosures. The protesters called for a return to 100% parity on farm price supports and criticized the administration's advocacy of a 'free market' for agricultural commodities. source: washingtonpost.com
28 Feb 1985 IRA mortar attack in Newry kills nine RUC officers: On February 28, 1985, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) launched a heavy mortar attack on the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) base at Corry Square in Newry, Northern Ireland. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine RUC officers and injuries to almost 40 others, marking the highest death toll suffered by the RUC in a single incident during the Troubles. source: bbc.co.uk