Major Events of April 1987: Key Historical Moments from the Month
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Major Events of April 1987: 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 April 1987 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of April 1987: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Apr 1987 Steve Newman completes solo walk around the world: On April 1, 1987, journalist Steve Newman returned to Bethel, Ohio, after a four-year, 15,500-mile solo walk around the world. During his journey, he traversed 21 countries, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America, and stayed with approximately 300 families. His trek was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the first solo circumnavigation on foot. source: latimes.com
  • 02 Apr 1987 IBM introduces Personal System/2 series of personal computers: On April 2, 1987, IBM unveiled the Personal System/2 (PS/2) series, marking a significant advancement in personal computing. The PS/2 line introduced the Micro Channel Architecture (MCA), a proprietary bus standard designed to replace the older Industry Standard Architecture (ISA). This series included models such as the Model 30, Model 50, Model 60, and Model 80, each offering varying levels of performance and features to cater to different market segments. source: computinghistory.org.uk
  • 03 Apr 1987 Soviet Union conducts underground nuclear test in Kazakhstan: On April 3, 1987, the Soviet Union conducted an underground nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. The test, with a yield of 140 kilotons, was part of a series of 24 nuclear tests conducted by the Soviet Union in 1987. The Semipalatinsk Test Site was the primary venue for Soviet nuclear testing, hosting numerous tests over several decades. source: upi.com
  • 04 Apr 1987 Garuda Indonesia Flight 035 crashes on approach to Medan-Polonia Airport: On April 4, 1987, Garuda Indonesia Flight 035, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32, crashed on approach to Medan-Polonia Airport during a thunderstorm. The aircraft struck electrical power lines and crashed short of the runway, breaking up and catching fire. Of the 45 passengers and crew on board, 23 were killed, and 22 survived with injuries. The probable cause was possible wind shear. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 05 Apr 1987 Fox TV Network launches with iconic shows: On April 5, 1987, the Fox Broadcasting Company expanded its programming into prime time, debuting with the sitcom "Married... with Children" and the sketch comedy series "The Tracey Ullman Show." These shows marked the network's first prime-time lineup, each airing three times that evening. The launch was part of Fox's strategy to establish itself as a competitive fourth network in the television industry. source: forbes.com
  • 06 Apr 1987 Al Campanis racial controversy on Nightline: On April 6, 1987, Al Campanis, a former baseball executive, appeared on ABC's Nightline and made controversial remarks regarding the abilities of Black individuals in baseball. His comments sparked widespread outrage and discussions about race in sports, leading to his resignation from the Dodgers. The incident highlighted ongoing racial issues within Major League Baseball and society at large. source: nytimes.com
  • 07 Apr 1987 National Museum of Women in the Arts opens in Washington, D.C.: The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) opened its doors to the public on April 7, 1987, in Washington, D.C. The museum, dedicated solely to championing women through the arts, was established by Wilhelmina Cole Holladay and her husband, Wallace F. Holladay, who began collecting works by women artists in the early 1980s. The inaugural exhibition, 'American Women Artists, 1830–1930,' showcased a survey curated by Dr. Eleanor Tufts. source: nmwa.org
  • 08 Apr 1987 Al Campanis resigns from Dodgers after controversial remarks: Al Campanis, Vice President of the Los Angeles Dodgers, resigned on April 8, 1987, following racially insensitive comments made during an interview on ABC's "Nightline." In the interview, Campanis suggested that African Americans lacked the "necessities" to become field managers or general managers in baseball. The remarks sparked immediate backlash from the public and civil rights leaders, leading to his resignation. Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley stated that Campanis' comments were "so far removed from what the organization believes that it is impossible for Al to continue his responsibilities." source: washingtonpost.com
  • 09 Apr 1987 Wayne Gretzky's record-breaking performance in Stanley Cup Playoffs: On April 9, 1987, Wayne Gretzky led the Edmonton Oilers to a 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 2 of the Smythe Division Semifinals. He scored a goal and tied the NHL single-game playoff record with six assists, surpassing Jean Béliveau to become the all-time leading playoff scorer with 177 points. source: upi.com
  • 10 Apr 1987 Prince's 'Sign 'O' The Times' leads R&B charts: Prince's single 'Sign 'O' The Times' topped the R&B charts in early 1987, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song also achieved significant success on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three. Additionally, it reached number ten on the UK Singles Chart. The track was released on February 18, 1987, and was the lead single from his ninth studio album, 'Sign o' the Times'. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 11 Apr 1987 Peres–Hussein London Agreement outlines framework for international peace conference: On April 11, 1987, Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Jordanian King Hussein signed a secret agreement in London, aiming to establish an international peace conference based on UN Resolutions 242 and 338. The conference sought to address the Arab–Israeli conflict and the Palestinian issue, with Palestinians represented by the Jordanian delegation. However, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir opposed the agreement, leading to its eventual failure. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 12 Apr 1987 CBS airs 'Escape from Sobibor' on April 12, 1987: On April 12, 1987, CBS premiered the television film 'Escape from Sobibor,' depicting the 1943 mass escape from the Nazi extermination camp at Sobibor. Directed by Jack Gold, the film starred Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Joanna Pacuła. It received critical acclaim, winning the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film, with Hauer earning Best Supporting Actor in a Television Film or Miniseries. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 13 Apr 1987 Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration on Macau signed: On April 13, 1987, China and Portugal signed the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration, agreeing that China would resume sovereignty over Macau on December 20, 1999. The agreement established Macau as a Special Administrative Region, ensuring a high degree of autonomy under the 'one country, two systems' principle. source: wipo.int
  • 14 Apr 1987 Turkey applies for full membership in the European Economic Community: On April 14, 1987, Turkey formally applied to join the European Economic Community (EEC), seeking full membership. This application marked a significant step in Turkey's long-standing interest in European integration, following its earlier association agreements with the EEC. The move was met with skepticism due to economic and political challenges, including tensions with Greece and Cyprus. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 15 Apr 1987 Driving Miss Daisy Off-Broadway premiere: Alfred Uhry's play 'Driving Miss Daisy' premiered Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons Studio Theatre in New York City on April 15, 1987. The production, directed by Ron Lagomarsino, featured Dana Ivey as Daisy Werthan and Morgan Freeman as Hoke Coleburn. It ran for 1,195 performances before closing on June 3, 1990. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 16 Apr 1987 August Wilson wins Pulitzer Prize for 'Fences': On April 16, 1987, August Wilson's play 'Fences' was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play, set in the 1950s, explores the life of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player turned garbage collector, and his complex relationships with his family. 'Fences' premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 1985 and received critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of African-American life. source: neh.gov
  • 17 Apr 1987 Soviet Union conducts nuclear test in Kazakhstan on April 17, 1987: On April 17, 1987, the Soviet Union conducted a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. This test was part of a series of 24 nuclear tests conducted by the Soviet Union in 1987, following the resumption of testing after an 18-month moratorium. The Semipalatinsk Test Site, also known as "The Polygon," was the primary venue for Soviet nuclear tests from 1949 to 1991. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 18 Apr 1987 Mike Schmidt's 500th home run: On April 18, 1987, Mike Schmidt hit his 500th career home run, a three-run shot off Don Robinson of the Pittsburgh Pirates, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-6 victory at Three Rivers Stadium. source: mlb.com
  • 19 Apr 1987 Heroic skydiver rescue: A heroic rescue by a skydiver occurred on April 19, 1987, showcasing extraordinary courage and skill. This event was widely reported and celebrated for the bravery displayed during the rescue. source: bbc.com
  • 20 Apr 1987 US deports Nazi war crimes suspect Karl Linnas to Soviet Union: On April 20, 1987, Karl Linnas, a former Nazi concentration camp commandant, was deported from the United States to the Soviet Union. Linnas had been convicted in absentia by a Soviet court in 1962 for war crimes committed during World War II, including the deaths of approximately 12,000 people at the Tartu concentration camp in Estonia. Despite his appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his case, leading to his deportation. He died in a Soviet prison hospital on July 2, 1987. source: theguardian.com
  • 21 Apr 1987 Colombo central bus station bombing: On April 21, 1987, a car bomb exploded at Colombo's main bus terminal during rush hour, killing at least 113 people and injuring over 200. The attack was attributed to Tamil separatist groups, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Eelam Revolutionary Organisation of Students (EROS). The bombing was one of the deadliest incidents in the Sri Lankan Civil War, leading to retaliatory air strikes by the Sri Lankan government. source: news.bbc.co.uk
  • 22 Apr 1987 Supreme Court upholds death sentence despite racial bias evidence: On April 22, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in McCleskey v. Kemp that statistical evidence of racial disparities in Georgia's death penalty system was insufficient to overturn Warren McCleskey's death sentence. The Court concluded that without proof of intentional discrimination in McCleskey's specific case, the death sentence stood, acknowledging racial disparities as "an inevitable part of our criminal justice system." source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 23 Apr 1987 L'Ambiance Plaza collapse in Bridgeport, Connecticut: On April 23, 1987, the L'Ambiance Plaza building under construction in Bridgeport, Connecticut, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 28 construction workers. The building was being constructed using the lift-slab method, where concrete slabs are poured at ground level and then raised into place. The collapse occurred during the placement of an upper level package of three floor slabs, leading to a loss of support at a lifting jack in the west tower. This tragedy prompted a nationwide federal investigation into lift-slab construction techniques and led to a temporary moratorium on their use in Connecticut. In November 1988, a $41 million settlement was reached to compensate the victims' families and involved parties. source: nist.gov
  • 24 Apr 1987 Howard Stern holds free speech rally in NYC: On April 24, 1987, radio host Howard Stern organized a free speech rally at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York City to protest the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) increased scrutiny of his show. The event drew approximately 2,500 supporters who gathered to express their opposition to the FCC's actions, which Stern and his fans viewed as censorship. source: latimes.com
  • 25 Apr 1987 Madonna's 'La Isla Bonita' tops UK Singles Chart: Madonna's 'La Isla Bonita' reached number one on the UK Singles Chart on April 25, 1987, marking her fourth UK number-one single. The song held the top position for two weeks, from April 25 to May 9, 1987. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 26 Apr 1987 Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi passes away: Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi, renowned as one half of the iconic music director duo Shankar-Jaikishan, passed away on April 26, 1987. Together with Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal, he dominated the Hindi film music industry in the 1950s and 1960s, creating timeless melodies. After Jaikishan's death in 1971, Shankar continued to compose under their joint name until his own passing. source: firstpost.com
  • 27 Apr 1987 US bars Kurt Waldheim from entry over Nazi past: On April 27, 1987, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Austrian President Kurt Waldheim was barred from entering the United States due to evidence of his involvement in Nazi war crimes during World War II. This marked the first time a sitting head of state was denied entry to the U.S. The decision was based on findings that Waldheim participated in the persecution of individuals based on race, religion, national origin, or political opinion. source: latimes.com
  • 28 Apr 1987 American engineer Ben Linder killed in Nicaragua by Contras: On April 28, 1987, Benjamin Ernest Linder, a 27-year-old American engineer from Portland, Oregon, was killed by U.S.-backed Contra rebels in northern Nicaragua. Linder had been working on a hydroelectric project in the El Cuá-San José de Bocay region to provide electricity to rural communities. He was ambushed and shot at point-blank range while traveling with two Nicaraguan colleagues. His death marked the first American fatality in the conflict between the Contras and the Sandinista government. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 29 Apr 1987 Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone's official visit to the United States: On April 29, 1987, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone arrived in the United States for an official visit at the invitation of President Ronald Reagan. The visit aimed to address trade tensions and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. Nakasone's arrival was marked by a welcoming ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, where he was greeted by Secretary of State George Shultz. The following day, April 30, Nakasone met with President Reagan at the White House to discuss economic issues, including the U.S. trade deficit with Japan and the imposition of trade sanctions over alleged unfair trading practices in computer chips. The leaders emphasized the importance of their alliance and agreed to regularize summit talks to enhance cooperation in the global context. source: reaganlibrary.gov
  • 30 Apr 1987 Meech Lake Accord principles agreed: On April 30, 1987, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and the ten provincial premiers reached a unanimous agreement at Meech Lake, Quebec, to amend Canada's Constitution. The accord aimed to bring Quebec into the constitutional fold by recognizing it as a distinct society, enhancing provincial powers over immigration and Supreme Court appointments, and providing a veto over future constitutional changes. The agreement also entailed annual First Ministers' Conferences on the economy and constitutional matters. source: heritage.nf.ca