Major Events of April 1990: 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 1990 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of April 1990: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Apr 1990 Strangeways Prison riot begins in Manchester, England: On April 1, 1990, a riot erupted at Strangeways Prison in Manchester, England, when prisoners took control of the prison chapel during a service. The unrest quickly spread throughout the facility, leading to a 25-day siege—the longest in British penal history. The riot resulted in significant damage to the prison, injuries to numerous staff and inmates, and prompted a major public inquiry into prison conditions. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 02 Apr 1990 John Poindexter convicted in Iran-Contra affair: On April 7, 1990, former National Security Advisor John Poindexter was convicted on five felony counts, including conspiracy, obstruction of Congress, and making false statements, related to the Iran-Contra affair. He was sentenced to six months in prison on each count, to be served concurrently. However, in 1991, the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed his convictions, citing that his immunized testimony before Congress may have influenced the trial testimony of witnesses. source: washingtonpost.com
- 03 Apr 1990 Strangeways Prison riot begins in Manchester, England: On April 1, 1990, prisoners at Strangeways Prison in Manchester, England, initiated a riot by taking control of the prison chapel during a morning service. The unrest rapidly spread throughout the facility, leading to widespread damage and a 25-day standoff. The incident resulted in one prisoner death, numerous injuries, and significant property damage, making it the longest prison riot in British history. source: bbc.com
- 04 Apr 1990 Hong Kong flag adopted by National People's Congress: On April 4, 1990, the National People's Congress approved the design of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's flag, featuring a stylized white five-petal Bauhinia blakeana flower with red stars on a red background. This design symbolizes Hong Kong's integration into China under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. The flag was first officially hoisted on July 1, 1997, during the handover ceremony marking Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty. source: britannica.com
- 05 Apr 1990 Pegasus air-launched space booster first flight: On April 5, 1990, the Pegasus air-launched space booster successfully completed its maiden flight. Released from a NASA B-52 aircraft at 43,198 feet, the three-stage solid-propellant rocket injected its 423-pound payload into a 273 x 370 nautical mile orbit with a 94-degree inclination. This mission validated the unique air-launched concept and the vehicle's design, marking a significant milestone in commercial spaceflight. source: nasa.gov
- 06 Apr 1990 Slovenia holds first multiparty elections in 45 years: On April 8, 1990, Slovenia conducted its first multiparty elections since World War II, marking a significant shift from its previous one-party system. The Democratic Opposition of Slovenia (DEMOS), a coalition of newly established democratic parties, secured over 55% of the vote, leading to the formation of the first multiparty government. Milan Kučan was elected President in the subsequent presidential election. source: gov.si
- 07 Apr 1990 Scandinavian Star ferry fire kills 159 people: On April 7, 1990, the MS Scandinavian Star ferry caught fire during its voyage from Oslo, Norway, to Frederikshavn, Denmark, resulting in the deaths of 159 people. The fire began around 2 a.m. and rapidly spread through the ship, leading to one of Scandinavia's worst maritime disasters. Investigations into the cause of the fire have been conducted over the years, with some speculating arson as a possible cause. source: apnews.com
- 08 Apr 1990 Scandinavian Star ferry fire kills 159 people: On April 7, 1990, the Scandinavian Star ferry caught fire during its voyage from Oslo, Norway, to Frederikshavn, Denmark, resulting in the deaths of 159 people, primarily Norwegian citizens. The fire, which began around 2 a.m., spread rapidly due to inadequate fire safety measures and crew training. The vessel was towed to Lysekil, Sweden, where the blaze was eventually extinguished. Investigations into the cause of the fire have been conducted over the years, with Danish lawmakers agreeing in 2021 to establish a task force to further examine the incident. source: apnews.com
- 09 Apr 1990 Sahtu Dene and Métis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement signed: On April 9, 1990, the Sahtu Dene and Métis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement was finalized, granting the Sahtu Dene and Métis ownership of 41,437 square kilometers of land in the Northwest Territories, including subsurface rights to 1,813 square kilometers. The agreement also provided financial compensation totaling $75 million over 15 years and established rights to hunt, fish, and trap throughout the Sahtu Settlement Area. source: rcaanc.gc.ca
- 10 Apr 1990 Curtly Ambrose's 8 for 45 against England at Kensington Oval: On April 10, 1990, West Indian fast bowler Curtly Ambrose delivered a match-winning performance against England at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Ambrose took 8 wickets for 45 runs, dismantling England's batting lineup and securing a 164-run victory for the West Indies. This performance remains his best bowling figures in Test cricket. source: espncricinfo.com
- 11 Apr 1990 Slovenia holds first multiparty elections since 1938: On April 8, 1990, Slovenia conducted its first multiparty elections since 1938, marking a significant shift from its previous one-party system. The Democratic Opposition of Slovenia (DEMOS), a coalition of newly established democratic parties, secured 54.8% of the vote, leading to the formation of the first multiparty government. Milan Kučan was elected President in a subsequent runoff on April 22, 1990. source: gov.si
- 12 Apr 1990 East German Parliament acknowledges Holocaust responsibility: On April 12, 1990, East Germany's first freely elected parliament, the Volkskammer, formally acknowledged the nation's responsibility for Nazi atrocities. In a televised session, Speaker Sabine Bergmann-Pohl read a statement admitting joint responsibility for the persecution and murder of Jewish individuals during the Holocaust. The parliament also apologized to Israel and expressed a desire to establish diplomatic relations. This marked a significant departure from previous East German policies that had denied such responsibility. source: washingtonpost.com
- 13 Apr 1990 Soviet Union admits responsibility for Katyn Massacre: On April 13, 1990, the Soviet Union officially acknowledged its role in the 1940 Katyn Massacre, where approximately 15,000 Polish officers were executed by Soviet secret police. The Soviet government expressed profound regret, describing the massacre as one of the gravest crimes of Stalinism. This admission marked a significant shift in Soviet-Polish relations, as Moscow had previously blamed the Nazis for the killings. The Soviet Union handed over documents to Polish President Wojciech Jaruzelski, detailing the involvement of NKVD head Lavrenti Beria and his subordinates in the atrocity. The event was widely covered by international media, including the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. source: washingtonpost.com
- 14 Apr 1990 Michael Milken pleads guilty to securities fraud: On April 24, 1990, financier Michael Milken pleaded guilty to six felony counts, including securities fraud and conspiracy, admitting to manipulating financial markets between 1984 and 1986. He agreed to pay $600 million in fines and restitution, marking one of the largest individual settlements in Wall Street history. source: washingtonpost.com
- 15 Apr 1990 Hubble Space Telescope launched into orbit: The Hubble Space Telescope was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on April 15, 1990. This significant event marked the beginning of a new era in astronomy, allowing for unprecedented observations of the universe. Hubble has since provided invaluable data and stunning images, contributing to numerous scientific discoveries. source: nasa.gov
- 16 Apr 1990 Soviet Union admits responsibility for Katyn Massacre: On April 13, 1990, the Soviet Union officially acknowledged its role in the 1940 Katyn Massacre, where approximately 15,000 Polish officers were executed by the NKVD. Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev handed over documents to Polish President Wojciech Jaruzelski, revealing that the massacre was orchestrated by NKVD head Lavrenti Beria and his subordinates. This admission marked a significant shift in Soviet policy, ending decades of denial and expressing profound regret over the tragedy. source: washingtonpost.com
- 17 Apr 1990 Death of civil rights leader Ralph David Abernathy: Ralph David Abernathy, a prominent civil rights leader and close associate of Martin Luther King Jr., died on April 17, 1990, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 64. He passed away from cardiac arrest at Emory Crawford Long Memorial Hospital. Abernathy was instrumental in the civil rights movement, co-founding the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and leading the Poor People's Campaign after King's assassination. source: washingtonpost.com
- 18 Apr 1990 Osborne v. Ohio: Supreme Court upholds state laws against private possession of child pornography: On April 18, 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Osborne v. Ohio that the First Amendment does not prohibit states from criminalizing the private possession of child pornography. The Court held that such laws serve the state's compelling interest in protecting children from exploitation and do not infringe upon free speech rights. The case was remanded for further proceedings consistent with this decision. source: firstamendment.mtsu.edu
- 19 Apr 1990 Nicaragua and Contras sign cease-fire agreement: On April 19, 1990, the Nicaraguan government and U.S.-backed Contra rebels signed a cease-fire agreement, ending nearly nine years of civil war. The accord stipulated that the Contras would begin disarming on April 25, the day President-elect Violeta Chamorro assumed office, with complete demobilization by June 10. The agreement was witnessed by Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo and representatives from the United Nations and the Organization of American States. source: washingtonpost.com
- 20 Apr 1990 Hubble Space Telescope launched into orbit: The Hubble Space Telescope was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on April 20, 1990. This significant event marked the beginning of a new era in astronomy, allowing for unprecedented observations of the universe. Hubble has since provided invaluable data and stunning images, contributing greatly to our understanding of space. source: nasa.gov
- 21 Apr 1990 Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue broadcast: On April 21, 1990, 'Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue,' an animated anti-drug special featuring popular cartoon characters, was simulcast across all four major U.S. television networks—ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox—as well as various independent and cable channels. The special was financed by McDonald's and Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, and was produced by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation and Southern Star Productions. It was also released on VHS with an introduction from President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Apr 1990 1990 Nigerian military coup attempt: On April 22, 1990, Major Gideon Orkar led a failed coup against General Ibrahim Babangida's government in Nigeria. Rebel troops seized the FRCN radio station and various military posts around Lagos, including the military headquarters and presidential residence, the Dodan Barracks. Babangida was present when the barracks were attacked but managed to escape by a back route. The coup was crushed after ten hours of fighting, resulting in the execution of 42 men convicted of involvement in the attempt. source: washingtonpost.com
- 23 Apr 1990 Namibia joins United Nations as 160th member state: On April 23, 1990, Namibia was admitted to the United Nations as its 160th member state, following its independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990. This milestone was preceded by the unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 652 on April 17, 1990, recommending Namibia's membership. The flag-raising ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York marked this historic occasion. source: namibia.un.org
- 24 Apr 1990 Hubble Space Telescope launched into orbit: The Hubble Space Telescope was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on April 24, 1990. This significant event marked the beginning of a new era in astronomy, allowing for unprecedented observations of the universe. Hubble has since provided invaluable data and stunning images, contributing to numerous scientific discoveries. source: nasa.gov
- 25 Apr 1990 Violeta Chamorro becomes Nicaragua's first female president: On April 25, 1990, Violeta Chamorro was inaugurated as the first female president of Nicaragua, following her victory in the February 25, 1990, elections. She led the National Opposition Union (UNO) coalition, defeating incumbent Daniel Ortega of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). Her presidency marked a significant shift towards peace and democratic governance after years of civil conflict. source: britannica.com
- 26 Apr 1990 1990 Gonghe earthquake in Qinghai Province, China: On April 26, 1990, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province, China, at 5:37 PM CST. The earthquake resulted in at least 115 fatalities, over 160 injuries, and left nearly 5,000 people homeless. It caused significant structural damage, with more than 1,000 homes destroyed or severely damaged. The epicenter was located between Gonghe and Xinghai counties, approximately 70 miles southwest of Xining, the provincial capital. source: washingtonpost.com
- 27 Apr 1990 Orel Hershiser undergoes reconstructive shoulder surgery: On April 27, 1990, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser underwent a groundbreaking 3.5-hour reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder, performed by Dr. Frank Jobe. The procedure addressed extensive damage to his rotator cuff and anterior labrum, injuries that had sidelined him for the remainder of the 1990 season. This surgery was the first of its kind on a major league pitcher, marking a significant advancement in sports medicine. source: upi.com
- 28 Apr 1990 A Chorus Line closes on Broadway after 6,137 performances: On April 28, 1990, 'A Chorus Line' concluded its historic 15-year run at the Shubert Theatre in New York City, marking the end of the longest-running Broadway show at that time with 6,137 performances. The final performance was a benefit event attended by the original 1975 cast and producer Joseph Papp, celebrating the musical's significant impact on theater history. source: deseret.com
- 29 Apr 1990 Space Shuttle Discovery completes Hubble Space Telescope deployment mission: On April 24, 1990, Space Shuttle Discovery launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, carrying the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) as its primary payload. The mission, designated STS-31, successfully deployed the HST into low Earth orbit on April 25, 1990. Discovery returned to Edwards Air Force Base, California, on April 29, 1990, after a five-day mission. The crew included Commander Loren J. Shriver, Pilot Charles F. Bolden Jr., and Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawley, Bruce McCandless II, and Kathryn D. Sullivan. source: nasa.gov
- 30 Apr 1990 STS-31 mission concludes with successful landing: The Space Shuttle Discovery, on mission STS-31, landed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on April 29, 1990, at 6:49:57 a.m. PDT, after a five-day mission that included deploying the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit. source: nasa.gov