Major Events of December 1986: 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 1986 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of December 1986: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 02 Dec 1986 Desi Arnaz dies of lung cancer at 69: Desi Arnaz, the Cuban-born actor and musician best known for co-starring with Lucille Ball in "I Love Lucy," died of lung cancer at his home in Del Mar, California, on December 2, 1986, at the age of 69. source: washingtonpost.com
- 03 Dec 1986 Austin Hayes, Irish footballer, dies at 28: Austin Hayes, an English-born footballer of Irish descent, passed away on December 3, 1986, at the age of 28. He played as a left winger for clubs including Southampton, Millwall, and Northampton Town, and earned one cap for the Republic of Ireland national team in 1979. Hayes died from lung cancer, just three weeks after his diagnosis. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Dec 1986 Neil Simon's 'Broadway Bound' premieres on Broadway: Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical play 'Broadway Bound' premiered on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on December 4, 1986. The play, the third in Simon's Eugene trilogy, ran for 756 performances before closing on September 25, 1988. source: ibdb.com
- 05 Dec 1986 NASA launches FLTSATCOM-7 satellite: On December 5, 1986, NASA successfully launched the FLTSATCOM-7 satellite, also known as USA-20, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The satellite was deployed into a geostationary orbit to provide secure communications for the U.S. Navy and Air Force. The launch was conducted using an Atlas G Centaur rocket from Launch Complex 36B. source: spacelaunchschedule.com
- 06 Dec 1986 Musée d'Orsay opens in Paris: The Musée d'Orsay, a renowned art museum in Paris, officially opened its doors on December 6, 1986. Housed in a former railway station, it showcases French art from 1848 to 1914, including an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Dec 1986 Jean-Claude Duvalier flees Haiti amid popular uprising: On December 7, 1986, Jean-Claude Duvalier, the Haitian dictator, fled the country as a result of widespread protests and civil unrest. His departure marked the end of a 15-year regime characterized by repression and human rights abuses. Following his flight, Haiti entered a period of political instability and transition. source: britannica.com
- 08 Dec 1986 Jim Wright elected as House Speaker of the United States: On December 8, 1986, Jim Wright was elected as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. He succeeded Tip O'Neill and became the first Texan to hold the position. Wright served as Speaker until 1989, during which he played a significant role in legislative processes and Democratic Party leadership. source: congress.gov
- 10 Dec 1986 Elie Wiesel awarded Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian efforts: Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and author, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1986, for his efforts to combat violence, repression, and racism. His work emphasized the importance of remembering the past and advocating for human rights. Wiesel's writings and activism have had a lasting impact on global awareness of human rights issues. source: britannica.com
- 11 Dec 1986 South Africa imposes severe press censorship measures: On December 11, 1986, the South African government implemented stringent press censorship regulations, effectively prohibiting the reporting of organized opposition to apartheid without prior clearance from state censors. These measures aimed to suppress coverage of violence, unlawful gatherings, strikes, boycotts, and statements deemed 'subversive,' even if made by members of Parliament outside official chambers. The regulations applied to both local and foreign journalists and included penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment for violations. The government established a censorship center to review and approve material intended for publication or broadcast, marking one of the harshest press censorship systems globally at that time. source: washingtonpost.com
- 12 Dec 1986 Aeroflot Flight 892 crashes near Berlin-Schönefeld Airport: On December 12, 1986, Aeroflot Flight 892, a Tupolev Tu-134A, crashed while approaching Berlin-Schönefeld Airport in East Germany, resulting in 72 fatalities and 10 survivors. The accident occurred due to a miscommunication between the crew and air traffic control, leading the aircraft to land on a closed runway. The crash was exacerbated by dense fog and poor visibility conditions. source: washingtonpost.com
- 13 Dec 1986 Notable deaths on December 13, 1986: On December 13, 1986, several notable individuals passed away, including the American actor and comedian, John Belushi, and the British author, John Wyndham. Their contributions to entertainment and literature left a lasting impact on their respective fields. Belushi was known for his work on 'Saturday Night Live' and films like 'Animal House', while Wyndham is celebrated for his science fiction novels such as 'The Day of the Triffids'. source: britannica.com
- 14 Dec 1986 Qasba Aligarh massacre occurred on December 14, 1986: The Qasba Aligarh massacre took place on December 14, 1986, in Aligarh, India, where a mob attacked a Muslim community, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. This incident was part of a larger pattern of communal violence in India during that period, highlighting tensions between different religious groups. The massacre led to widespread outrage and calls for justice, impacting communal relations in the region. source: thehindu.com
- 15 Dec 1986 Deadly ethnic riots in Karachi: On December 15, 1986, Karachi experienced severe ethnic violence between the Pathan and Muhajir communities, resulting in at least 150 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The unrest began on December 14 with the Qasba–Aligarh massacre, where armed Pathans attacked Muhajir residential areas in retaliation for a government crackdown on drug and arms markets. The violence escalated over the next two days, leading to widespread destruction and prompting military intervention to restore order. source: washingtonpost.com
- 16 Dec 1986 Jeltoqsan Uprising in Alma-Ata on December 16, 1986: The Jeltoqsan Uprising, also known as the December Events, occurred in Alma-Ata (now Almaty), Kazakhstan, on December 16, 1986. It was a significant protest against the Soviet government's decision to appoint a Russian leader to the Kazakh SSR, which sparked widespread unrest among the local population. The uprising was met with a heavy crackdown by Soviet authorities, leading to numerous arrests and casualties. source: britannica.com
- 17 Dec 1986 US Congress begins investigation into Iran-Contra Affair: On December 17, 1986, the US Congress initiated an investigation into the Iran-Contra Affair, a political scandal involving the secret sale of arms to Iran and the diversion of proceeds to Contra rebels in Nicaragua. This investigation aimed to uncover the extent of government involvement and accountability in the controversial operations that bypassed congressional restrictions. source: archives.gov
- 18 Dec 1986 Robert Gates appointed Acting CIA Director: On December 18, 1986, Robert M. Gates was appointed Acting Director of Central Intelligence, following the illness of William J. Casey. Gates had been serving as Deputy Director for Intelligence since January 1982 and was promoted to Deputy Director of Central Intelligence in April 1986. He served as Acting Director until May 26, 1987, when William H. Webster succeeded him. source: cia.gov
- 19 Dec 1986 Andrei Sakharov returns to Moscow after exile: Andrei Sakharov, the prominent Soviet physicist and human rights activist, returned to Moscow on December 19, 1986, after being exiled for nearly seven years. His return marked a significant moment in the Soviet Union's political landscape, symbolizing a shift towards greater openness under Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika. Sakharov's advocacy for human rights and nuclear disarmament had made him a key figure in the struggle for reform in the USSR. source: britannica.com
- 20 Dec 1986 Michael Griffith killed in Howard Beach hate crime: On December 20, 1986, Michael Griffith, a 23-year-old Black man, was fatally struck by a car after being chased onto the Belt Parkway by a group of white teenagers in Howard Beach, Queens, New York. Griffith and his friends, Cedric Sandiford and Timothy Grimes, had entered the predominantly white neighborhood seeking assistance after their car broke down. They were confronted and attacked by the group, leading Griffith to flee onto the highway, where he was killed. The incident intensified racial tensions in New York City and led to widespread protests. Three teenagers—Jon Lester, Scott Kern, and Jason Ladone—were convicted of manslaughter in connection with Griffith's death. source: nytimes.com
- 21 Dec 1986 Death of Willy Coppens, Belgian Military Pilot: Willy Omer François Jean Coppens de Houthulst, Belgium's leading fighter ace and champion 'balloon buster' of World War I, died on December 21, 1986, in De Panne, Belgium. He was credited with 37 confirmed victories and six probables during the war. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Dec 1986 Death of British Liberal MP David Penhaligon in Car Crash: David Penhaligon, a British Liberal Member of Parliament for Truro, died in a car accident on December 22, 1986, near Probus, Cornwall. He was 42 years old at the time of his death. source: cornwalllive.com
- 23 Dec 1986 Voyager aircraft completes historic global flight: On December 23, 1986, the Rutan Model 76 Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, completed the first nonstop, non-refueled flight around the world. The journey began on December 14, 1986, from Edwards Air Force Base in California, covering a distance of 25,012 miles (40,251 km) over nine days, averaging a speed of approximately 116 mph (186 km/h). This achievement nearly doubled the previous distance record set in 1962 by a USAF/Boeing B-52H. For their accomplishment, the crew received the Collier Trophy, aviation's most prestigious award. source: airandspace.si.edu
- 24 Dec 1986 French hostage Aurel Cornea released in Beirut as Christmas gesture: Aurel Cornea, a French television soundman, was released in Beirut on December 24, 1986, after being held hostage for over nine months. The Revolutionary Justice Organization, a pro-Iranian Shiite group, freed Cornea as a Christmas gesture following mediation by Syria, Iran, and Algeria. Cornea was part of a four-member French television crew kidnapped in March 1986. His colleagues, Philippe Rochot and Georges Hansen, were released earlier in June 1986, while Jean-Louis Normandin was freed in November 1987. source: washingtonpost.com
- 25 Dec 1986 Hijacking of Iraqi Airways Flight 163 leads to deadly crash in Saudi Arabia: On December 25, 1986, Iraqi Airways Flight 163, a Boeing 737-270C, was hijacked by four men during its flight from Baghdad to Amman. Security personnel attempted to intervene, but a hand grenade exploded in the passenger cabin, prompting an emergency descent. A second grenade detonated in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to crash near Arar, Saudi Arabia, resulting in 63 fatalities and 43 survivors. The pro-Iranian group Islamic Jihad Organization claimed responsibility, and one hijacker was identified as Lebanese national Ribal Khalil Jallul, linked to Hezbollah. Iraq accused Iran of orchestrating the attack. source: nytimes.com
- 26 Dec 1986 End of 'Search for Tomorrow' TV Soap Opera: 'Search for Tomorrow,' the longest-running daytime soap opera in television history, concluded its 35-year run on December 26, 1986. The show, which premiered on CBS in 1951 and moved to NBC in 1982, faced declining ratings leading to its cancellation. The final episode featured lead character Joanne Tourneur, portrayed by Mary Stuart, reflecting on the future, symbolizing the show's enduring legacy. source: upi.com
- 27 Dec 1986 Les Misérables opens at Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C.: On December 27, 1986, the musical 'Les Misérables' made its U.S. debut with a pre-Broadway run at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. The production faced technical challenges, including a malfunctioning rotating stage that led to the cancellation of two performances. Despite these issues, the show ran for eight weeks, from December 27, 1986, to February 14, 1987, before moving to Broadway in March 1987. source: washingtonpost.com
- 28 Dec 1986 Australia defeats Sweden in 75th Davis Cup Final: On December 28, 1986, Australia clinched their 26th Davis Cup title by defeating Sweden 3-2 in the final held at Kooyong Stadium in Melbourne. Pat Cash secured the decisive point by overcoming Mikael Pernfors in a five-set match. This victory marked Australia's first Davis Cup win since 1983. source: latimes.com
- 29 Dec 1986 Harold Macmillan dies at 92: Harold Macmillan, former British Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963, died peacefully at his home in Birch Grove, Sussex, on December 29, 1986, at the age of 92. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. source: britannica.com
- 31 Dec 1986 Dupont Plaza Hotel arson in San Juan, Puerto Rico: On December 31, 1986, three hotel employees set a fire in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, resulting in 97 deaths and 140 injuries. The fire began in a storage room adjacent to the ballroom and rapidly spread to the casino and lobby areas. The perpetrators were convicted of murder and arson, receiving sentences ranging from 75 to 99 years in prison. source: washingtonpost.com