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

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

01 Mar 1985 Pentagon acknowledges potential for nuclear winter from atomic war: In March 1985, the Pentagon released a report titled "The Potential Effects of Nuclear War on the Climate," acknowledging that a nuclear exchange could produce a "nuclear winter" effect. The report stated that while a nuclear war would be catastrophic, the current U.S. nuclear strategy and arms control efforts remained sound despite the nuclear winter phenomenon. source: latimes.com
02 Mar 1985 FDA approves first HIV antibody test: On March 2, 1985, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first commercial HIV antibody test, developed by Abbott Laboratories. This enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was designed to detect antibodies to the HIV virus, indicating exposure. The approval marked a significant advancement in HIV detection and prevention, particularly in screening blood donations to ensure a safer blood supply. source: fda.gov
03 Mar 1985 UK miners' strike ends after nearly a year: The 1984–1985 UK miners' strike concluded on March 3, 1985, after 362 days of industrial action. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) voted to end the strike, and miners returned to work on March 5. The strike was initiated to oppose the closure of 20 coal pits, leading to significant economic and social impacts. The NUM's defeat marked a turning point in British industrial relations and the decline of union influence. source: bbc.co.uk
04 Mar 1985 FDA approves first HIV blood test: On March 4, 1985, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first diagnostic test to detect antibodies to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Developed by Abbott Laboratories, this enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was initially intended for screening blood donations to ensure the safety of the blood supply. The approval marked a significant milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS, enabling earlier detection and reducing transmission risks. source: fda.gov
05 Mar 1985 Discovery of DEA Agent Kiki Camarena's Body: Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a DEA agent, was abducted on February 7, 1985, in Guadalajara, Mexico. After being tortured, his body was found on March 5, 1985, in a rural area outside La Angostura, Michoacán.
06 Mar 1985 Mike Tyson's professional boxing debut: On March 6, 1985, 18-year-old Mike Tyson made his professional boxing debut in Albany, New York, defeating Hector Mercedes by first-round technical knockout. source: espn.com
07 Mar 1985 International release of 'We Are the World': 'We Are the World' was released internationally on March 7, 1985. This charity single, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, featured numerous prominent artists and aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Africa. The song became a significant cultural moment and raised over $60 million for humanitarian efforts. source: rollingstone.com
08 Mar 1985 Mohamed Al Fayed acquires Harrods department store: On March 8, 1985, Egyptian-born businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, along with his brothers Ali and Salah, completed a £615 million acquisition of the House of Fraser group, which included the iconic London department store Harrods. This purchase followed their earlier acquisition of a 30% stake in the company in 1984. The deal was marked by controversy, including an investigation by the Department of Trade and Industry into the Fayeds' background and financial resources. Despite the critical findings, the acquisition was allowed to proceed. source: theguardian.com
09 Mar 1985 Auburn wins SEC Basketball Tournament: On March 9, 1985, the Auburn Tigers secured their first Southeastern Conference (SEC) Men's Basketball Tournament title by defeating Alabama 53–49 in overtime. This victory marked the first time a team won four games in four days to claim the SEC Tournament championship. source: en.wikipedia.org
10 Mar 1985 India wins World Championship of Cricket: On March 10, 1985, India defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets in the final of the Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pakistan batted first, scoring 176/9 in 50 overs, with Javed Miandad top-scoring at 48 runs. India chased down the target in 47.1 overs, reaching 177/2, with Krishnamachari Srikkanth contributing 67 runs and Ravi Shastri remaining unbeaten at 63. Srikkanth was named Player of the Match, and Shastri was honored as Player of the Series. source: espncricinfo.com
11 Mar 1985 Gorbachev becomes General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party: On March 11, 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev was elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, succeeding Konstantin Chernenko, who had died the previous day. At 54, Gorbachev was the youngest member of the Politburo and became the eighth leader of the Soviet Union. His leadership marked a significant shift from the previous generation, as he introduced policies aimed at revitalizing the Soviet economy and political system. source: britannica.com
12 Mar 1985 Larry Bird scores 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks: On March 12, 1985, Larry Bird set a Boston Celtics franchise record by scoring 60 points in a 126-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. Bird's performance included 22-of-36 shooting from the field and 15-of-16 from the free-throw line, with 32 of his points coming in a 14-minute span during the second half. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 56 points set by teammate Kevin McHale nine days earlier. source: nba.com
13 Mar 1985 Funeral of Soviet Leader Konstantin Chernenko: Konstantin Chernenko, who served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1984 until his death in 1985, was buried with military honors in Red Square on March 13, 1985. The ceremony was attended by numerous world leaders, including U.S. Vice President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State George P. Shultz. Mikhail Gorbachev, who succeeded Chernenko as General Secretary, delivered the eulogy from atop the Lenin Mausoleum, praising Chernenko as a "true son of our party and people, a steadfast fighter for noble communist ideals." source: washingtonpost.com
14 Mar 1985 Michael Secrest sets 24-hour cycling distance record: On March 14, 1985, American cyclist Michael Secrest set a 24-hour cycling distance record by covering 516 miles and 427 yards, demonstrating exceptional endurance and cycling prowess. source: pedalmag.com
15 Mar 1985 First internet domain name registered: symbolics.com: The first domain name ever registered was symbolics.com on March 15, 1985. This marked the beginning of the domain name system (DNS) as we know it today, allowing for the organization and identification of websites on the internet. Symbolics, a computer manufacturer, was the first to secure a domain name, paving the way for the vast web of online addresses that followed. source: internic.net
16 Mar 1985 Terry Anderson hostage crisis begins in Lebanon: On March 16, 1985, Terry Anderson, a journalist for the Associated Press, was kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon, by a group linked to Hezbollah. His abduction marked the beginning of a prolonged hostage crisis in Lebanon, where numerous foreign nationals were taken captive during the civil war. Anderson was held for nearly seven years before being released in December 1991. source: apnews.com
17 Mar 1985 Richard Ramirez's attacks on March 17, 1985: On March 17, 1985, Richard Ramirez, known as the "Night Stalker," attacked Maria Hernandez in Rosemead, California, shooting her in the face; she survived. He then killed her roommate, Dayle Okazaki, and later murdered Tsai-Lian "Veronica" Yu in Monterey Park, California. These attacks led to media coverage and the "Walk-In Killer" moniker. source: biography.com
18 Mar 1985 Neighbours debuts on Australian television: The Australian soap opera 'Neighbours' premiered on March 18, 1985. It quickly became a significant part of Australian pop culture and has launched the careers of several notable actors. The show focuses on the lives of residents in the fictional Ramsay Street and has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years. source: bbc.com
19 Mar 1985 US Senate votes to continue production of MX missile: On March 19, 1985, the US Senate voted 55 to 45 to authorize the production of 21 additional MX Peacekeeper missiles, a key component of President Reagan's strategic defense initiative. This decision aimed to bolster the nation's nuclear deterrent and strengthen its position in arms control negotiations with the Soviet Union. source: washingtonpost.com
20 Mar 1985 Libby Riddles becomes first woman to win Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race: On March 20, 1985, Libby Riddles made history by becoming the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. She completed the 1,135-mile race from Anchorage to Nome in 18 days, 20 minutes, and 17 seconds, overcoming challenging conditions, including a blizzard over Norton Sound. Riddles' victory inspired a new generation of female mushers and brought significant attention to the sport. source: smithsonianmag.com
21 Mar 1985 Rick Hansen's Man in Motion World Tour begins: On March 21, 1985, Canadian athlete Rick Hansen commenced his Man in Motion World Tour from Oakridge Mall in Vancouver, aiming to raise awareness for spinal cord research and demonstrate the potential of people with disabilities. Over the next 26 months, Hansen and his team covered over 40,000 kilometers across 34 countries, culminating in a return to Vancouver on May 22, 1987. source: rickhansen.com
22 Mar 1985 NASA launches Intelsat VA F-10 communication satellite: On March 22, 1985, NASA successfully launched the Intelsat VA F-10 communication satellite into geostationary orbit. The satellite, also known as Intelsat 510, was designed to enhance global telecommunications capacity and operated for 14 years before being deactivated in July 1999. source: nasa.gov
23 Mar 1985 Death of Patricia Roberts Harris: Patricia Roberts Harris, the first African American woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, passed away on March 23, 1985. She was a prominent figure in American politics, serving as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and later as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Jimmy Carter. Her contributions to civil rights and public service have left a lasting legacy. source: nytimes.com
24 Mar 1985 Martina Navratilova wins 1985 Virginia Slims Championships: On March 24, 1985, Martina Navratilova defeated Helena Suková 6–3, 7–5, 6–4 in the final of the Virginia Slims Championships held in New York City. This victory marked Navratilova's second consecutive title at this event. source: latimes.com
25 Mar 1985 Edwin Meese III appointed as US Attorney General: Edwin Meese III was sworn in as the 75th Attorney General of the United States on March 25, 1985. He served under President Ronald Reagan and was known for his conservative views on law and order, as well as his involvement in various legal controversies during his tenure. Meese's appointment was significant in shaping the legal landscape of the Reagan administration. source: archives.gov
26 Mar 1985 First World Youth Day announced by Pope John Paul II: Pope John Paul II announced the first World Youth Day, set to take place in Rome in 1986. This event aimed to bring together young people from around the world to celebrate their faith and foster a sense of community. The initiative has since grown into a significant global event held every few years in different locations. source: britannica.com
27 Mar 1985 Billy Dee Williams honored on Hollywood Walk of Fame: Billy Dee Williams received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 27, 1985. The honor recognized his contributions to film and television, particularly his iconic role as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise. source: hollywoodreporter.com
28 Mar 1985 Marc Chagall dies at 97 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France: Marc Chagall, the renowned Russian-French artist known for his dreamlike paintings and stained-glass windows, passed away on March 28, 1985, at his home in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. He was 97 years old at the time of his death. source: washingtonpost.com
29 Mar 1985 Wayne Gretzky sets NHL single-season assist record: On March 29, 1985, Wayne Gretzky set a new NHL record for most assists in a single season with his 126th assist, surpassing his own previous record of 125 assists. This milestone was achieved during the 1984–85 NHL season, where Gretzky also set a new record for most assists in a single season with 135 assists. source: washingtonpost.com
30 Mar 1985 Ireland wins Five Nations Rugby Championship: On March 30, 1985, Ireland secured the Five Nations Rugby Championship by defeating England 13-10 at Lansdowne Road, Dublin. This victory marked Ireland's tenth championship title, their first in 24 years, and earned them the Triple Crown. The match was closely contested, with Ireland's Michael Kiernan contributing significantly with two penalties and a drop goal, while Trevor Ringland scored a try. England's Rory Underwood also scored a try, but Ireland's late drop goal sealed the win. source: rugbynetwork.net
31 Mar 1985 El Salvador's 1985 Legislative Elections: On March 31, 1985, El Salvador held legislative elections, resulting in the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) securing 33 of the 60 seats in the Legislative Assembly. The Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) won 13 seats, and the National Conciliation Party (PCN) obtained 12 seats. Voter turnout was approximately 42%. source: en.wikipedia.org