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

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

01 Mar 1987 Jane Geddes wins Women's Kemper Open: On March 1, 1987, Jane Geddes secured her third LPGA Tour victory by winning the Women's Kemper Open in Hawaii. She finished the tournament with a score of 276 (−12), defeating Cathy Gerring in a playoff. source: en.wikipedia.org
02 Mar 1987 Apple introduces Macintosh SE and Macintosh II: On March 2, 1987, Apple Computer introduced the Macintosh SE and Macintosh II at the AppleWorld conference in Los Angeles. The Macintosh SE featured an internal drive bay for a hard disk or second floppy drive, an expansion slot, and support for the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB). The Macintosh II was Apple's first modular Macintosh model, supporting color graphics and offering a plug-and-play 'NuBus' architecture for expansion cards. source: latimes.com
03 Mar 1987 Ray Dandridge elected to Baseball Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee: On March 3, 1987, Ray Dandridge, a standout third baseman in the Negro Leagues, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. Dandridge, born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1913, was renowned for his exceptional defensive skills and consistent batting. Despite his prowess, he never played in Major League Baseball due to the racial barriers of his time. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 26, 1987. source: baseballhall.org
04 Mar 1987 Reagan acknowledges arms-for-hostages swap in Iran-Contra affair: On March 4, 1987, President Ronald Reagan addressed the nation, admitting that his administration had traded arms for American hostages in Iran. He stated, "It was a mistake," and took full responsibility for the actions, acknowledging that the initiative conflicted with his policy of not negotiating with terrorists. Reagan also addressed the diversion of funds to Nicaraguan rebels, asserting he was unaware of the practice but accepted responsibility as president. source: washingtonpost.com
05 Mar 1987 Dorothy Hamill marries Dr. Kenneth Forsythe in Anchorage, Alaska: On March 5, 1987, Olympic figure skater Dorothy Hamill married Dr. Kenneth Forsythe, a Los Angeles-based sports physician, in a simple ceremony in Anchorage, Alaska. Both Hamill and Forsythe were previously married; Hamill had been married to singer/actor Dean Paul Martin from 1982 to 1984. The couple had a daughter named Alexandra before divorcing in 1995. source: upi.com
06 Mar 1987 MS Herald of Free Enterprise ferry capsizes near Zeebrugge, Belgium: On March 6, 1987, the MS Herald of Free Enterprise, a British roll-on/roll-off ferry, capsized shortly after departing Zeebrugge, Belgium, resulting in the deaths of 193 passengers and crew. The disaster was caused by the ferry leaving port with its bow doors open, allowing water to flood the vehicle deck and destabilize the vessel. The incident led to significant changes in ferry safety regulations. source: bbc.com
07 Mar 1987 1987 Lieyu massacre: On March 7, 1987, Taiwanese soldiers killed 19 unarmed Vietnamese refugees at Donggang Bay, Lieyu Island, Kinmen County. The victims, including children and a pregnant woman, were executed on the beach after their boat was towed away from the shore. The incident was initially covered up by the Republic of China military, which labeled it a "mistaken killing." The massacre contributed to the eventual end of martial law in Taiwan. source: en.wikipedia.org
08 Mar 1987 Claude Dallas Jr. captured by FBI agents in Riverside, California: Claude Lafayette Dallas Jr., wanted for the deaths of two game wardens in Idaho, was arrested by FBI agents in Riverside, California, on March 8, 1987, while leaving a convenience store. source: fbi.gov
09 Mar 1987 U2 releases landmark album 'The Joshua Tree': On March 9, 1987, U2 released 'The Joshua Tree,' which became one of the band's most acclaimed albums. It features hit singles like 'With or Without You' and 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For,' and is noted for its exploration of themes such as spirituality and social issues. The album solidified U2's status as a leading rock band of the era. source: britannica.com
10 Mar 1987 Vatican opposes reproductive technologies: On March 10, 1987, the Vatican issued a statement opposing various reproductive technologies, emphasizing the sanctity of life and traditional family values. This position was part of a broader stance against artificial reproductive methods, which the Church believes undermine the natural process of procreation. source: catholicnews.com
11 Mar 1987 Wayne Gretzky reaches 1,500 NHL points milestone: On March 11, 1987, Wayne Gretzky became the fourth player in NHL history to reach 1,500 career points. He achieved this milestone in his 620th game, contributing a goal and three assists in the Edmonton Oilers' 6-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. source: gretzkyfacts.blogspot.com
12 Mar 1987 Congress designates March as Women's History Month: On March 12, 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating the month of March as Women's History Month. This followed a series of annual proclamations by U.S. presidents since 1988, honoring the contributions of American women throughout history. source: congress.gov
13 Mar 1987 John Gotti acquitted of racketeering and murder charges: On March 13, 1987, John Gotti, the reputed boss of the Gambino crime family, and six co-defendants were acquitted of all charges, including racketeering and murder, in a federal trial. The acquittal was a significant setback for federal prosecutors and led to Gotti being dubbed "The Teflon Don" by the media, as no charges seemed to "stick" against him. Five years later, in 1992, a juror from the trial, George Pape, was convicted of accepting a bribe to influence the verdict. source: cbsnews.com
14 Mar 1987 Katarina Witt wins World Figure Skating Championship in 1987: On March 14, 1987, East German figure skater Katarina Witt reclaimed her World Figure Skating Championship title in Cincinnati, USA. She delivered a technically superior and artistically refined freestyle program, landing five clean triple jumps, two of which were in combination with doubles. This performance secured her victory over American skater Debi Thomas, who had won the previous year. source: upi.com
15 Mar 1987 New Zealand defeats West Indies in Jeremy Coney's final Test: On March 15, 1987, New Zealand secured a five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the third Test at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. This match marked the conclusion of Jeremy Coney's Test career, with the veteran captain receiving a rousing ovation from the crowd. source: espncricinfo.com
16 Mar 1987 Discovery of Supernova 1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud: Supernova 1987A was discovered on March 16, 1987, in the Large Magellanic Cloud, marking the closest observed supernova since 1604. 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 widely observed and remains a key subject in astrophysics. source: nasa.gov
17 Mar 1987 Sunil Gavaskar concludes legendary Test cricket career: Sunil Gavaskar, one of India's most celebrated cricketers, retired from Test cricket in March 1987 after a distinguished 16-year career. He was the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test matches, amassing 10,122 runs with an average of 51.12. Gavaskar's final Test match was against Pakistan in Bangalore, where he scored 96 runs in his last innings. source: en.wikipedia.org
18 Mar 1987 Top baby names in the United States in 1987: In 1987, the most popular baby names in the United States were Michael and Jessica, with Michael leading for boys and Jessica for girls. These names were followed by Christopher and Matthew for boys, and Ashley and Amanda for girls. This trend reflects the cultural influences and naming preferences of that era. source: ssa.gov
19 Mar 1987 Death of Louis de Broglie, Renowned French Physicist: Louis de Broglie, a French theoretical physicist known for his contributions to quantum theory, died on March 19, 1987, in Louveciennes, France. He was 94 years old at the time of his death. source: britannica.com
20 Mar 1987 FDA approves first AIDS treatment drug AZT: On March 20, 1987, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved zidovudine (AZT) as the first antiretroviral drug for the treatment of AIDS. Developed in the 1960s as a potential cancer therapy, AZT was repurposed in the 1980s to combat HIV/AIDS. Its approval marked a significant milestone in the fight against the epidemic, offering a treatment option for patients with severe immune system compromise. source: fda.gov
21 Mar 1987 Death of actor Robert Preston: Robert Preston, an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films such as 'The Music Man' and 'Victor/Victoria,' passed away on March 21, 1987. His career spanned several decades, earning him recognition on both stage and screen. Preston's performances were celebrated for their charisma and depth, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. source: britannica.com
22 Mar 1987 Betsy King wins LPGA Circle K Tucson Open: Betsy King secured her first victory of the 1987 LPGA Tour season by winning the Circle K Tucson Open on March 22, 1987. She finished with a score of 281 (−7), two strokes ahead of runner-up Jan Stephenson. This win marked a significant achievement in King's career, contributing to her successful season. source: en.wikipedia.org
23 Mar 1987 U.S. offers military protection to Kuwaiti ships: On March 23, 1987, the United States offered to extend military protection to Kuwaiti-owned vessels traveling through the Persian Gulf to counter potential threats from Iran. This offer marked a significant shift in U.S. policy, as Kuwait had previously been hesitant to accept American military assistance due to its large Palestinian and Shiite population. The proposal aimed to safeguard Kuwaiti shipping amid increasing attacks in the Gulf. source: cia.gov
24 Mar 1987 Disney and France sign Euro Disney Resort agreement: On March 24, 1987, The Walt Disney Company and French officials signed an agreement to develop a Disneyland park in Marne-la-Vallée, a suburb of Paris. The project, later known as Euro Disney, was expected to cost $1.6 billion and create thousands of jobs, with the park opening in 1992. The agreement included French government support, such as low-interest loans and infrastructure development. source: sec.gov
25 Mar 1987 Supreme Court rules affirmative action applies to women: On March 25, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that employers may consider applicants' sex in hiring and promotion decisions for jobs traditionally held by men. This landmark decision extended affirmative action protections to women, allowing them to be promoted over more qualified men to correct gender imbalances in the workforce. The ruling was praised by women's groups and criticized by conservatives who viewed it as a perversion of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. source: washingtonpost.com
26 Mar 1987 Eugen Jochum, German conductor, dies at 84: Eugen Jochum, a renowned German conductor celebrated for his interpretations of composers like Anton Bruckner and Johannes Brahms, passed away on March 26, 1987, in Munich, Germany, at the age of 84. source: en.wikipedia.org
27 Mar 1987 U2's rooftop performance disrupts Los Angeles traffic: On March 27, 1987, U2 filmed the music video for "Where the Streets Have No Name" atop a downtown Los Angeles liquor store, drawing over 1,000 fans and causing significant traffic disruptions. The impromptu performance led to police intervention, adding drama to the video, which later won a Grammy Award for Best Performance Music Video. source: thisdayinmusic.com
29 Mar 1987 Total solar eclipse of March 29, 1987: A hybrid solar eclipse occurred on March 29, 1987, with totality visible in a narrow path across the Pacific Ocean, and annularity observed in parts of southern Argentina, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and northern Somalia. The maximum duration of totality was approximately 7.57 seconds. source: en.wikipedia.org
30 Mar 1987 Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' sold for record $39.85 million at Christie's auction: On March 30, 1987, Vincent van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' was sold at Christie's auction house in London for $39.85 million, setting a new record for the most expensive painting sold at auction at that time. The painting was purchased by the Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Japan, which considered the acquisition a unique opportunity. The sale price was more than three times the previous record of $11.7 million paid in April 1985 for Andrea Mantegna's 'Adoration of the Magi.' source: washingtonpost.com