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Major Events of February 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 February 1987 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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

  • 01 Feb 1987 Deere and Company labor strike resolution: On February 1, 1987, United Auto Workers (UAW) members ratified a new 20-month contract with Deere & Company, ending a 163-day strike—the longest in the company's history. The agreement provided job security for 90% of employees, health and life insurance, retirement pensions, profit sharing, and maintained cost-of-living adjustments. However, it did not include changes to general wage rates. source: csmonitor.com
  • 02 Feb 1987 Death of author Alistair MacLean: Alistair MacLean, a renowned Scottish author known for his thrillers and adventure novels, passed away on February 2, 1987. His works, including 'The Guns of Navarone' and 'Where Eagles Dare', have left a lasting impact on the genre. MacLean's storytelling and character development have influenced many writers and filmmakers. source: britannica.com
  • 03 Feb 1987 Supernova 1987A observed in the Large Magellanic Cloud: Supernova 1987A was observed on February 3, 1987, in the Large Magellanic Cloud, marking one of the closest supernovae to Earth in centuries. It provided a unique opportunity for astronomers to study the explosion and its aftermath, significantly advancing the understanding of stellar evolution and supernova mechanisms. The event was visible to the naked eye and has been extensively studied since its occurrence. source: nasa.gov
  • 04 Feb 1987 Congress overrides Reagan's veto of Clean Water Act extension: On February 4, 1987, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 401-26 to override President Ronald Reagan's veto of the Water Quality Act of 1987, a $20 billion clean water bill. The Senate had previously approved the measure 93-6, ensuring its enactment into law despite the president's objections over its cost and content. This marked the first major legislative defeat for Reagan in the 100th Congress. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 05 Feb 1987 Launch of Soyuz TM-2 space mission: The Soyuz TM-2 mission was launched on February 5, 1987, carrying a crew to the Soviet space station Mir. This mission marked the second crewed flight to Mir and was significant for its contributions to long-duration spaceflight and international cooperation in space exploration. The mission lasted for about 7 days, during which the crew conducted various scientific experiments and tests. source: nasa.gov
  • 06 Feb 1987 No-smoking rules established in US federal buildings: On February 6, 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed an executive order prohibiting smoking in federal buildings. This initiative aimed to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The order marked a significant step in the federal government's efforts to promote public health and reduce tobacco use. source: cdc.gov
  • 07 Feb 1987 Madonna's 'Open Your Heart' reaches number one on Billboard Hot 100: On February 7, 1987, Madonna's 'Open Your Heart' topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking her fifth number-one single in the United States. The song debuted on the chart on December 6, 1986, and achieved the top position after a steady climb. Internationally, it also reached number four in the UK Singles Chart and was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry. source: madonna.com
  • 08 Feb 1987 1987 NBA All-Star Game: West defeats East 154-149 in overtime: The 1987 NBA All-Star Game, held on February 8, 1987, at Seattle's Kingdome, saw the Western Conference defeat the Eastern Conference 154-149 in overtime. Seattle SuperSonics' Tom Chambers was named MVP after scoring 34 points and grabbing four rebounds. Magic Johnson contributed 13 assists and seven rebounds, while Rolando Blackman added 29 points off the bench. The game set All-Star records for combined points (303) and free throws made (71). source: nba.com
  • 09 Feb 1987 Robert McFarlane's suicide attempt on February 9, 1987: On February 9, 1987, Robert C. McFarlane, former National Security Adviser under President Reagan, attempted suicide by ingesting 25 to 30 Valium tablets. This occurred just hours before he was scheduled to testify before the Tower Commission investigating the Iran-Contra affair. McFarlane was found unconscious by his wife and was subsequently hospitalized for psychiatric treatment. He later expressed feelings of guilt and despair over his role in the scandal. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 10 Feb 1987 Philippine soldiers acquitted in 1987 Lupao massacre case: In 1987, Philippine soldiers killed 17 civilians in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, during a military operation against the New People's Army. The military initially claimed the victims were rebels, but survivors and human rights activists contended they were innocent civilians. In 1989, a military tribunal acquitted all 23 soldiers involved due to insufficient evidence. source: upi.com
  • 11 Feb 1987 Philippines adopts new constitution: On February 2, 1987, the Philippines ratified a new constitution through a nationwide plebiscite, with 76.37% of voters in favor. The constitution, drafted by the 1986 Constitutional Commission, took effect on February 11, 1987, replacing the provisional 'Freedom Constitution' and establishing a democratic and republican state with a separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 12 Feb 1987 $7 million damages awarded in KKK civil rights lawsuit: On February 12, 1987, a federal jury in Mobile, Alabama, awarded $7 million in damages to the family of Michael Donald, a 19-year-old African American man lynched in 1981. The lawsuit targeted the United Klans of America, leading to its bankruptcy. This landmark case set a precedent for holding hate groups financially accountable for their actions. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 13 Feb 1987 Jack Morris awarded record $1.85 million in arbitration: On February 13, 1987, Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Morris was awarded a one-year contract worth $1.85 million through salary arbitration, setting a new record for the highest arbitration award at that time. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 14 Feb 1987 Record NBA crowd at Detroit Pistons game: On February 14, 1987, the Detroit Pistons hosted the Philadelphia 76ers at the Pontiac Silverdome, drawing a record crowd of 52,745 fans. The Pistons won the game 125-107, with Joe Dumars scoring six of his 20 points during a crucial third-quarter run. This attendance record was surpassed less than a year later, on January 29, 1988, when 61,983 fans attended a Pistons game against the Boston Celtics at the same venue. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 15 Feb 1987 Cherry Garcia ice cream flavor introduced: Ben & Jerry's introduced Cherry Garcia, a cherry ice cream with cherries and fudge flakes, on February 15, 1987. The flavor was inspired by a fan's suggestion and named after Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia. source: benjerry.com
  • 16 Feb 1987 John Demjanjuk trial begins in Jerusalem: On February 16, 1987, the trial of John Demjanjuk commenced in Jerusalem District Court. Demjanjuk, a retired U.S. auto worker, was accused of being 'Ivan the Terrible,' a notorious guard at the Treblinka death camp during World War II. The trial attracted significant attention, with over 250,000 Israelis and tourists attending, many to hear Holocaust survivors testify about their experiences. The proceedings were occasionally interrupted by outbursts from the audience, and the defense faced challenges, including disputes between Demjanjuk's Israeli and American lawyers. The trial concluded on April 18, 1988, with Demjanjuk being found guilty on all counts. source: upi.com
  • 17 Feb 1987 Don Mattingly wins record-breaking salary arbitration: On February 17, 1987, New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly won a salary arbitration case, securing a $1,975,000 contract for the season. This award set a new record for the highest salary ever granted through baseball's arbitration process at that time. Mattingly had an outstanding 1986 season, batting .352 with 31 home runs and 113 RBIs, leading the American League in slugging percentage at .573. source: upi.com
  • 18 Feb 1987 Carla Hernández, Mexican actress, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico: Carla Hernández, born on February 18, 1987, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is a Mexican actress known for her roles in telenovelas such as 'Vidas Robadas' and 'Rosa Diamante'. She attended TV Azteca's acting class, Centro de Formación Actoral, and made her acting debut in 2010. Hernández has also appeared in 'Señora Acero' and has been active in the entertainment industry since 2010. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 19 Feb 1987 Reagan lifts U.S. economic sanctions against Poland: On February 19, 1987, President Ronald Reagan lifted all U.S. economic sanctions imposed on Poland in 1981 and 1982. This decision restored Poland's most-favored-nation trade status, allowing preferential treatment for its exports to the United States, and lifted bans on commercial air service and U.S. credits. Reagan emphasized that further improvements in U.S.-Poland relations were contingent upon continued political reforms in Poland. source: reaganlibrary.gov
  • 20 Feb 1987 Unabomber bomb attack in Salt Lake City injures computer store owner: On February 20, 1987, a bomb was placed in the parking lot of CAAMS Inc., a computer store in Salt Lake City, Utah. The owner, Gary Wright, attempted to move the suspicious object, which exploded, injuring him. A witness saw a man with a hooded sweatshirt and aviator sunglasses leave the bag, leading to a widely circulated sketch of the suspect. source: news.bbc.co.uk
  • 21 Feb 1987 Elliot Page born on February 21, 1987: Elliot Page, originally known as Ellen Page, was born on February 21, 1987, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He is a well-known actor and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, having come out as transgender in December 2020. Page has received critical acclaim for his roles in various films and television series. source: biography.com
  • 22 Feb 1987 Death of artist Andy Warhol: Andy Warhol, the influential American artist known for his role in the pop art movement, passed away on February 22, 1987. His work, which included iconic pieces featuring Campbell's Soup cans and Marilyn Monroe, left a lasting impact on contemporary art and culture. Warhol's death was attributed to complications following gallbladder surgery. source: theguardian.com
  • 23 Feb 1987 Supernova 1987A observed in Large Magellanic Cloud: On February 23, 1987, astronomers observed a supernova explosion in the Large Magellanic Cloud, designated Supernova 1987A. Discovered by Ian Shelton and Oscar Duhalde at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile on February 24, 1987, it was the first supernova visible to the naked eye since 1604. The explosion originated from the collapse of a blue supergiant star, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution and supernova mechanisms. source: britannica.com
  • 24 Feb 1987 Daniel Reilly profile: Daniel Reilly, a prominent figure in his field, was profiled on February 24, 1987. The profile highlighted his achievements and contributions, providing insights into his career and influence. source: nytimes.com
  • 25 Feb 1987 Supernova 1987A observed in the Large Magellanic Cloud: Supernova 1987A was first observed on February 25, 1987, in the Large Magellanic Cloud, marking a significant event in astronomy. It was the closest observed supernova since 1604 and provided valuable insights into stellar evolution and the dynamics of supernova explosions. The event has been extensively studied, contributing to our understanding of the universe. source: nasa.gov
  • 26 Feb 1987 Soviet Union resumes nuclear testing after 19-month moratorium: On February 26, 1987, the Soviet Union conducted its first nuclear test since August 1985, ending a 19-month unilateral moratorium. The underground test, with a yield under 20 kilotons, took place at the Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan. This resumption followed the United States' refusal to join the moratorium, leading the Soviets to resume testing to maintain military parity. source: reaganlibrary.gov
  • 27 Feb 1987 Diplomatic recognition of SADR: On February 27, 1987, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) received diplomatic recognition from several countries. This recognition was a significant step in the ongoing struggle for independence in Western Sahara. source: un.org
  • 28 Feb 1987 Nora Kaye, renowned U.S. ballerina, dies at 67: Nora Kaye, a prominent American prima ballerina known for her dramatic roles, passed away from cancer at her home in Santa Monica, California, on February 28, 1987, at the age of 67. source: latimes.com