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Major Events of September 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 September 1990 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of September 1990: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Sep 1990 Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Journey to Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast: Pope John Paul II embarked on a ten-day Apostolic Journey to Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Ivory Coast from September 1 to 10, 1990. During this visit, he addressed various issues, including the AIDS epidemic and the plight of refugees, urging international cooperation to address these challenges. The journey included meetings with diplomatic personnel and local communities, emphasizing peace, unity, and development across the African continent. source: vatican.va
  • 02 Sep 1990 Transnistria declares independence from Moldova: On September 2, 1990, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (PMSSR) unilaterally declared its independence from Moldova, becoming the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR). This move was in response to Moldova's declaration of sovereignty and fears of potential unification with Romania. The declaration was immediately annulled by Moldova's Supreme Soviet, leading to heightened tensions and eventually the Transnistrian War in 1992. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 Sep 1990 Bobby Thigpen sets MLB single-season save record: On September 3, 1990, Chicago White Sox reliever Bobby Thigpen set a major league record by earning his 47th save of the season in a 4–2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 46 saves set by Dave Righetti in 1986. Thigpen would go on to finish the season with 57 saves, a record that stood until 2008. source: si.com
  • 04 Sep 1990 First inter-Korean prime ministerial talks held in Seoul: On September 4, 1990, the prime ministers of North and South Korea, Kang Young-hoon and Yon Hyong-muk, respectively, met in Seoul for the first time since the peninsula's division. The discussions aimed to reduce tensions and explore avenues for reunification. The talks addressed issues such as disarmament, the withdrawal of U.S. troops, the release of political prisoners, visitation rights, and reunification plans. The initial meeting concluded with an agreement to continue dialogue, marking a significant step toward inter-Korean reconciliation. source: csmonitor.com
  • 05 Sep 1990 Eastern University massacre in Sri Lanka: On September 5, 1990, the Sri Lankan Army arrested 158 Tamil refugees seeking shelter at Eastern University near Batticaloa. These individuals were subsequently killed, with their bodies disposed of in mass graves. A government commission later confirmed the mass abduction and murder, but no judicial actions were taken against the perpetrators. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 06 Sep 1990 Execution of Samuel K. Doe during Liberian Civil War: Samuel K. Doe, the 40-year-old president of Liberia, was captured and executed on September 9, 1990, during the First Liberian Civil War. After being captured by Prince Johnson's forces, Doe was tortured and killed; the execution was videotaped and widely circulated. His body was later exhumed and reburied. source: britannica.com
  • 07 Sep 1990 Marjorie Vincent crowned Miss America 1991: On September 7, 1990, Marjorie Judith Vincent, representing Illinois, was crowned Miss America 1991. She succeeded Debbye Turner, Miss Missouri 1989, who became Miss America 1990. Vincent's victory marked the first time African American women held the Miss America title consecutively. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 08 Sep 1990 Ellis Island Immigration Museum reopens after extensive restoration: On September 10, 1990, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum reopened to the public after an eight-year, $160 million restoration project. The main building, which had been abandoned since 1954, was transformed into a museum dedicated to America's immigrant history. The restoration was funded by private donations and overseen by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. source: upi.com
  • 09 Sep 1990 Bush and Gorbachev meet in Helsinki to discuss Gulf Crisis: On September 9, 1990, U.S. President George H. W. Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev held a one-day summit in Helsinki, Finland, focusing on the Gulf Crisis following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Both leaders emphasized the need for Iraq to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions, aiming for a peaceful resolution. They also discussed the broader Middle East situation, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, though they differed on whether to link it to the Gulf Crisis. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 10 Sep 1990 Bush and Gorbachev hold Helsinki Summit to address Gulf Crisis: On September 9, 1990, U.S. President George H. W. Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev met in Helsinki, Finland, to discuss the Gulf Crisis following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The summit aimed to strengthen U.S.-Soviet cooperation in addressing the crisis and to explore diplomatic solutions. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a unified approach to the situation. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 11 Sep 1990 Bush responds to Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, September 11, 1990: On September 11, 1990, President George H.W. Bush addressed a joint session of Congress, outlining the U.S. response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. He stated, "Iraq will not be permitted to annex Kuwait," emphasizing that this was "not a threat, not a boast," but "just the way it's going to be." Bush outlined goals including the unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces, restoration of the Kuwaiti government, regional security, and the safety of U.S. citizens in the region. source: politico.com
  • 12 Sep 1990 Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany signed: On September 12, 1990, the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany was signed in Moscow by the two German states and the four Allied powers, paving the way for German reunification. The treaty confirmed Germany's borders, renounced future territorial claims, and established the framework for the withdrawal of Allied forces. It entered into force on March 15, 1991, granting Germany full sovereignty. source: congress.gov
  • 13 Sep 1990 Iraqi troops storm French ambassador's residence in Kuwait: On September 14, 1990, Iraqi soldiers forcibly entered the French ambassador's residence in Kuwait City, detaining the French military attaché, Colonel Edouard Crespin, and three French civilians who had sought refuge there since Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2. The French Foreign Ministry urgently summoned the Iraqi Ambassador to Paris, demanding the immediate release of the four individuals. The military attaché was later released, but the fate of the civilians remained unclear. This incident was part of a series of similar raids by Iraqi forces on Western diplomatic compounds in Kuwait during that period. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 14 Sep 1990 First successful somatic gene therapy performed on 4-year-old girl with ADA-SCID: On September 14, 1990, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted the first approved gene therapy procedure on a four-year-old girl named Ashanti DeSilva. Born with severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID), she lacked a healthy immune system and was extremely vulnerable to infection. The procedure involved removing her white blood cells, inserting a functional adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene using a retroviral vector, and reinfusing the modified cells into her body. This treatment led to a partial restoration of her immune system, allowing her to lead a more normal life. The success of this procedure marked a significant milestone in gene therapy research. source: cc.nih.gov
  • 15 Sep 1990 France deploys 4,000 troops to Persian Gulf in response to Iraqi aggression: On September 15, 1990, French President François Mitterrand ordered the deployment of 4,000 additional troops to the Persian Gulf and the expulsion of Iraqi diplomats. This decision was a direct response to Iraqi forces entering the French ambassador's residence in Kuwait, an act Mitterrand termed 'a new aggression.' The French military presence aimed to bolster regional security and support the U.S.-led multinational force in the Gulf. source: upi.com
  • 16 Sep 1990 Iraq broadcasts President Bush's speech unedited: On September 16, 1990, Iraqi state television aired an unedited eight-minute videotaped message from U.S. President George H.W. Bush. In this address, Bush condemned Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and warned of the risk of war due to Saddam Hussein's actions. The broadcast was a rare instance of direct communication from the U.S. president to the Iraqi people during the Gulf Crisis. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 17 Sep 1990 Soviet Union and Saudi Arabia restore diplomatic relations: On September 17, 1990, Saudi Arabia and the Soviet Union officially resumed diplomatic relations after a 52-year hiatus. This decision was influenced by the Soviet Union's firm stance against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, which encouraged Saudi Arabia to reestablish ties. The resumption was marked by a joint statement emphasizing cooperation between the two nations. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 18 Sep 1990 Liechtenstein becomes 160th member of United Nations: On September 18, 1990, the Principality of Liechtenstein was admitted as the 160th member state of the United Nations. This followed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 663 on August 14, 1990, which recommended Liechtenstein's membership to the General Assembly. The country's flag was raised at the UN headquarters in New York on the same day, marking its official entry into the international organization. source: un.org
  • 19 Sep 1990 Premiere of 'Goodfellas' in New York City: The film 'Goodfellas,' directed by Martin Scorsese, premiered on September 19, 1990, at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City. Based on the true story of mob associate Henry Hill, the film received critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest films in the gangster genre. It was later nominated for six Academy Awards, winning one for Best Supporting Actor. source: britannica.com
  • 20 Sep 1990 German reunification treaty ratified by Bundestag and Volkskammer: On September 20, 1990, both the West German Bundestag and the East German Volkskammer approved the Unification Treaty, facilitating the reunification of Germany. The Bundestag voted 442–47 in favor, while the Volkskammer voted 299–80. This treaty, signed on August 31, 1990, outlined the legal and financial framework for merging the two German states, leading to reunification on October 3, 1990. source: germanhistorydocs.org
  • 21 Sep 1990 Oil prices surge amid geopolitical tensions: On September 21, 1990, crude oil prices reached new highs due to escalating geopolitical tensions. Reports indicated that U.S. refinery issues would lead to a 200,000-barrel-per-day loss in capacity, and aggressive remarks by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein further intensified market concerns. These factors combined to drive oil prices upward. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 22 Sep 1990 Saudi Arabia expels Jordanian and Yemeni diplomats amid Gulf crisis: On September 22, 1990, Saudi Arabia ordered the expulsion of numerous Jordanian and Yemeni diplomats, reducing their embassy staffs to three members each. This action was in response to Jordan and Yemen's failure to condemn Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, despite both nations calling for the withdrawal of Iraqi troops. The expulsions were part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to pressure neighboring countries to take a firmer stance against Iraq's aggression. source: upi.com
  • 23 Sep 1990 PBS airs 'The Civil War' documentary series: On September 23, 1990, PBS premiered 'The Civil War,' a nine-episode documentary series directed by Ken Burns. The series, which aired over five consecutive nights, attracted nearly 39 million viewers, making it the most-watched program in PBS history at that time. It received numerous accolades, including two Emmys and two Grammys. source: pbs.org
  • 24 Sep 1990 De Klerk meets Bush in Washington: On September 24, 1990, South African President F.W. de Klerk met with U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the White House. This marked the first visit by a South African leader to the U.S. since the imposition of apartheid 42 years prior. Both leaders discussed South Africa's ongoing reforms and the process of ending apartheid, with Bush expressing support for the 'irreversible' changes underway in South Africa. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 25 Sep 1990 UN Security Council imposes air embargo on Iraq: On September 25, 1990, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 670, expanding the existing economic sanctions on Iraq to include an air embargo. This resolution mandated that all member states deny permission to any aircraft to take off from or land in Iraq or Kuwait, except for flights carrying humanitarian aid authorized by the UN. The resolution was adopted with 14 votes in favor and 1 against. source: media.un.org
  • 26 Sep 1990 President George H.W. Bush's Activities on September 26, 1990: On September 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush announced the nomination of Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. for membership on the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Additionally, he transmitted the Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1989 to Congress, aiming to reduce the influence of special economic interests in political campaigns. In an afternoon Oval Office appearance, President Bush addressed questions on capital gains taxes, chemical weapons, and the Education Summit. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 27 Sep 1990 Senate Judiciary Committee approves David Souter's Supreme Court nomination: On September 27, 1990, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-1 to recommend David H. Souter for the Supreme Court. The sole dissenting vote was cast by Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.). Souter's nomination was subsequently confirmed by the full Senate on October 2, 1990, with a 90-9 vote. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 28 Sep 1990 Exiled Kuwaiti Emir meets with US President: On September 28, 1990, the exiled Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, met with U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the White House. During the meeting, the Emir detailed the destruction caused by Iraqi forces in Kuwait and emphasized the urgency of international intervention. President Bush reaffirmed U.S. support for Kuwait's sovereignty and the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions to resolve the crisis. source: reuters.screenocean.com
  • 29 Sep 1990 UN World Summit for Children begins in New York City: On September 29, 1990, the United Nations hosted the World Summit for Children at its New York Headquarters. This landmark event gathered 71 heads of state and 88 senior government officials to adopt a Declaration on the Survival, Protection, and Development of Children, along with a Plan of Action for the 1990s. The summit addressed critical issues such as child health, education, nutrition, and protection, aiming to improve the well-being of children worldwide. source: un.org
  • 30 Sep 1990 Dalai Lama unveils Canadian Tribute to Human Rights in Ottawa: On September 30, 1990, the Dalai Lama unveiled the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, a monumental sculpture in Ottawa, Canada. Designed by artist Melvin Charney, the monument features the first sentence of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in both English and French, symbolizing Canada's commitment to human rights. The Dalai Lama's participation underscored the global importance of human rights and Canada's dedication to these principles. source: en.wikipedia.org