Major Events of January 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 January 1985 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of January 1985: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Jan 1985 First mobile phone call in the UK made in 1985: The first mobile phone call in the UK was made on January 1, 1985, by Vodafone's chairman Sir Ernest Harrison. This historic call marked the beginning of mobile telecommunications in the UK, using the first commercial mobile network. The call was made from London to a colleague in Birmingham, showcasing the potential of mobile technology. source: bbc.com
- 02 Jan 1985 Brigham Young University claims 1984 college football national championship: Brigham Young University (BYU) was recognized as the 1984 college football national champion after finishing the season with a 13-0 record. The Cougars secured the title by defeating Michigan 24-17 in the Holiday Bowl on December 21, 1984. Despite some controversy over their strength of schedule, BYU was ranked number one in both the Associated Press (AP) and Coaches' polls, earning them the consensus national championship. source: byucougars.com
- 03 Jan 1985 Israel airlifts thousands of Ethiopian Jews amid famine: In early January 1985, Israel initiated a covert operation to airlift thousands of Ethiopian Jews, known as Falashas, from refugee camps in Sudan to Israel. This effort aimed to rescue them from the severe famine in Ethiopia, which had resulted in the deaths of 300,000 people the previous year. The operation was conducted in secrecy to protect the refugees and maintain diplomatic relations. source: upi.com
- 04 Jan 1985 First British mobile phone call made on January 4, 1985: The first mobile phone call in the UK was made on January 4, 1985, by Vodafone's chairman, Sir Ernest Harrison. The call was made using a Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, marking a significant milestone in telecommunications history. This event paved the way for the widespread adoption of mobile technology in the UK and beyond. source: bbc.com
- 05 Jan 1985 Operation Moses: Airlift of Ethiopian Jews from Sudan to Israel: Operation Moses was a covert mission conducted between November 21, 1984, and January 5, 1985, during which approximately 8,000 Ethiopian Jews were airlifted from refugee camps in Sudan to Israel. The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Israel Defense Forces, the Central Intelligence Agency, the United States embassy in Khartoum, mercenaries, and Sudanese state security forces. The mission concluded on January 5, 1985, after Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres confirmed the airlift in a press conference, leading Sudan to halt the operation due to international pressure. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Jan 1985 Miami Dolphins defeat Pittsburgh Steelers 45-28 in AFC Championship: On January 6, 1985, the Miami Dolphins secured a 45-28 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game at the Orange Bowl in Miami. Quarterback Dan Marino led the Dolphins with 421 passing yards and four touchdowns, while the defense intercepted Steelers quarterback Mark Malone three times. This win advanced the Dolphins to Super Bowl XIX. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Jan 1985 Japan launches first deep space probe, Sakigake: On January 7, 1985, Japan launched its first deep space probe, Sakigake, from the Uchinoura Space Center. Designed to study Halley's Comet, Sakigake became Japan's first interplanetary spacecraft and the first deep space probe launched by any country other than the United States or the Soviet Union. source: upi.com
- 08 Jan 1985 ANC's 73rd Anniversary Statement Highlights Anti-Apartheid Struggle: On January 8, 1985, the African National Congress (ANC) marked its 73rd anniversary with a statement emphasizing the intensification of the anti-apartheid struggle. The statement called for unity among oppressed groups, highlighted the crisis of the apartheid economy, and paid tribute to the sacrifices of liberation heroes. It also underscored the importance of cultural workers in the liberation movement and the need for international solidarity against apartheid. source: sahistory.org.za
- 09 Jan 1985 First British mobile phone call made by Vodafone: On January 9, 1985, the first mobile phone call in the UK was made by Vodafone's chairman, Sir Ernest Harrison, using a Motorola DynaTAC 8000X. This marked a significant milestone in telecommunications, paving the way for the mobile phone industry in Britain. The call was made from London to a colleague in the Vodafone office, demonstrating the potential of mobile technology. source: bbc.com
- 10 Jan 1985 Daniel Ortega inaugurated as President of Nicaragua: On January 10, 1985, Daniel Ortega was sworn in as the first elected president of Nicaragua since the Sandinista revolution in 1979. In his inaugural address, Ortega offered amnesty to U.S.-backed rebels and emphasized Nicaragua's desire to normalize relations with the United States. The ceremony was attended by 350 guests from 46 countries, including Cuban President Fidel Castro. source: washingtonpost.com
- 11 Jan 1985 Rock in Rio: Landmark Music Festival Debuts: The inaugural Rock in Rio music festival commenced on January 11, 1985, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Held over ten days, it attracted approximately 1.38 million attendees. The festival featured prominent international artists such as Queen, AC/DC, Rod Stewart, and Yes, each headlining for two nights. The event was notable for its large-scale production, including the construction of the 'City of Rock,' a venue covering 250,000 square meters. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Jan 1985 San Antonio records historic snowfall on January 12, 1985: On January 12, 1985, San Antonio experienced its heaviest snowfall on record, with 13.5 inches accumulating over a 24-hour period. This unprecedented event led to school and business closures, as well as significant disruptions to daily life. The snowfall was the result of a rare combination of cold fronts and moisture, creating ideal conditions for such an event in South Texas. source: ksat.com
- 13 Jan 1985 Awash rail disaster in Ethiopia: On January 13, 1985, an express train derailed on a curved bridge over the Awash River gorge in Ethiopia, resulting in at least 428 fatalities and over 500 injuries. The train, traveling from Dire Dawa to Addis Ababa, was reportedly overcrowded with approximately 1,000 passengers. The Ethiopian Ministry of Transportation attributed the accident to excessive speed on the curve, leading to the arrest of the train's engineer. source: latimes.com
- 14 Jan 1985 US indicts sanctuary providers for Central American refugees: On January 14, 1985, a federal grand jury indicted 16 individuals associated with the Sanctuary Movement, a network of U.S. churches offering refuge to Central American refugees fleeing civil conflicts. The charges included harboring and transporting illegal aliens under 8 U.S.C. § 1324. This legal action intensified debates over the movement's humanitarian efforts and U.S. immigration policies. source: usccb.org
- 15 Jan 1985 John Ashbery and Fred Chappell awarded Bollingen Prize for Poetry: On January 15, 1985, poets John Ashbery and Fred Chappell were named recipients of the Bollingen Prize in Poetry by the Yale University Library. Each was honored for their body of work and received a $2,500 award. Ashbery, a professor at Brooklyn College, had authored over 15 volumes of poetry and was also an editor, novelist, and playwright. Chappell, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, had written eight books of poetry. The selection committee included poet and critic Annie Dillard, poet Richard Howard, and literary critic Louis Rubin. source: washingtonpost.com
- 16 Jan 1985 Playboy magazine eliminates staples from centerfold: In January 1985, Playboy magazine removed staples from its centerfolds to prevent damage when readers detached the pages. This change aimed to make the centerfold easier to remove without tearing the image. source: dve.iheart.com
- 17 Jan 1985 British Telecom announces retirement of red telephone boxes: On January 17, 1985, British Telecom (BT) announced plans to replace the traditional red telephone boxes with the new KX series, citing issues such as high maintenance costs, vandalism, and lack of accessibility. This decision led to public outcry, with many local authorities using legislation to protect the iconic kiosks, resulting in around 2,000 being given listed status. source: theguardian.com
- 18 Jan 1985 Historic Arctic Cold Wave of 1985: In January 1985, a severe Arctic cold wave impacted the United States, beginning on January 18. This event led to record-low temperatures across the country, including a state record low of -34°F at Mount Mitchell, North Carolina. The cold wave resulted in at least 126 fatalities and caused significant damage to Florida's citrus industry, with losses estimated at $1.2 billion. The extreme cold also led to the cancellation of President Ronald Reagan's inauguration parade due to wind chills colder than -10°F in Washington, D.C. source: weather.gov
- 19 Jan 1985 Eric Voegelin, influential philosopher, dies at 84: Eric Voegelin, a German-American political philosopher renowned for his work on modern political thought and the philosophy of history, passed away on January 19, 1985, in Stanford, California. He was 84 years old at the time of his death. source: britannica.com
- 20 Jan 1985 Chicago's record low temperature of -27°F on January 20, 1985: On January 20, 1985, Chicago recorded its coldest temperature ever at O'Hare International Airport, reaching -27°F. This extreme cold was accompanied by wind chills as low as -60°F, caused by sustained winds around 25 mph. The Arctic air mass that led to this record-breaking cold also affected other parts of the United States, with cities like St. Louis and Pittsburgh experiencing similarly low temperatures. source: weather.gov
- 21 Jan 1985 Reagan's second inauguration moved indoors due to severe cold: On January 21, 1985, President Ronald Reagan's second inauguration was relocated indoors to the Capitol Rotunda because of extreme cold temperatures, with wind chills reaching -25°F. The decision was made to ensure the safety of attendees, as exposed skin could freeze within minutes under such conditions. This marked the first time a U.S. presidential inauguration was held indoors since 1909. source: washingtonpost.com
- 22 Jan 1985 Florida citrus industry devastated by record cold wave: In January 1985, a severe cold wave, termed the "Freeze of the Century," struck Florida, causing extensive damage to the state's citrus industry. Temperatures plummeted to record lows, freezing oranges and potentially destroying thousands of trees, particularly in the northern regions of Florida's citrus belt. The freeze led to significant economic losses, with the government estimating a 13% reduction in the citrus crop, amounting to 104 million boxes, and a yield of 1.33 gallons of frozen concentrated juice per box, down from 1.46 gallons before the freeze. source: upi.com
- 23 Jan 1985 First televised debate in the House of Lords: On January 23, 1985, the House of Lords held its first televised debate, marking a significant milestone in parliamentary transparency. The debate, broadcast on BBC2, featured former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, aged 90, delivering a notable speech on the economy. This event was part of a six-month experiment that eventually led to the permanent televising of parliamentary proceedings. source: parliament.uk
- 24 Jan 1985 STS-51-C: First Department of Defense Space Shuttle Mission: STS-51-C, launched on January 24, 1985, was the 15th flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program and the third flight of Space Shuttle Discovery. This mission marked the first dedicated to the U.S. Department of Defense, deploying a classified payload. The crew included Commander Thomas K. Mattingly II, Pilot Loren J. Shriver, Mission Specialists Ellison S. Onizuka and James F. Buchli, and Payload Specialist Gary E. Payton. The mission lasted 3 days, 1 hour, 33 minutes, and 23 seconds, completing 49 orbits before landing at Kennedy Space Center on January 27, 1985. source: nasa.gov
- 25 Jan 1985 Wasim Akram's Test cricket debut against New Zealand in Auckland: Wasim Akram made his Test cricket debut for Pakistan against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, from January 25 to 28, 1985. In his debut match, Akram took two wickets for 105 runs in 34.4 overs, dismissing John Wright and Ian Smith. Despite his efforts, Pakistan lost the match by an innings and 99 runs. source: pcb.com.pk
- 26 Jan 1985 Wayne Gretzky scores 50th goal in 49th game of 1984–85 season: On January 26, 1985, Wayne Gretzky scored his 50th goal in the Edmonton Oilers' 49th game of the 1984–85 NHL season, achieving the milestone on his 24th birthday. He completed a hat trick in a 6–3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, with his 50th goal being the first of his three goals in that game. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Jan 1985 Space Shuttle Discovery returns from Mission 51-C: On January 27, 1985, Space Shuttle Discovery completed its third mission, STS-51-C, by landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, lasting 3 days, 1 hour, 33 minutes, and 23 seconds, was the first dedicated to the Department of Defense, deploying a classified payload into orbit. The crew included Commander Thomas K. Mattingly II, Pilot Loren J. Shriver, Mission Specialists Ellison S. Onizuka and James F. Buchli, and Payload Specialist Gary E. Payton. source: nasa.gov
- 28 Jan 1985 We Are the World recording took place on January 28, 1985: The recording of "We Are the World" occurred on January 28, 1985, featuring 45 prominent artists. This charity single aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Africa, particularly Ethiopia. The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. source: grammy.com
- 29 Jan 1985 Oxford University denies Thatcher honorary degree: On January 29, 1985, Oxford University's governing assembly, Congregation, voted 738 to 319 against awarding Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher an honorary doctorate. This unprecedented decision was a protest against her government's cuts in education funding, marking the first time an Oxford-educated prime minister was denied this honor. source: theguardian.com
- 30 Jan 1985 Birth of Argentine tennis player Gisela Dulko: Gisela Dulko, a professional tennis player from Argentina, was born on January 30, 1985. She achieved significant success in her career, including winning multiple WTA titles and reaching the doubles world No. 1 ranking. Dulko is also known for her contributions to Argentine tennis and her participation in the Fed Cup. source: wtatennis.com
- 31 Jan 1985 Nelson Mandela rejects conditional release offer from President P.W. Botha: On January 31, 1985, South African President P.W. Botha offered Nelson Mandela conditional release from prison, requiring him to renounce violence as a means of political protest. Mandela rejected the offer, stating that he could not accept freedom while the African National Congress remained banned and apartheid policies were in place. He emphasized that only free men could negotiate, and prisoners could not enter into contracts. source: upi.com