What happened in December 1980?
The top front-page story of each day in December 1980, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Dec 1🏚️ Italy Ends Quake Search – Italy concludes search for earthquake survivors, shifting focus to providing shelter, clothing, and food for victims.
- Dec 2🏆 World Cup Season Begins – Boys and girls of winter gather for the start of the World Cup season, with Stenmark nearing a record in skiing.
- Dec 3🗳️ Polish Communists Oust Leaders – Poland's Communist Party removes four key leaders, strengthening Kania's position amid a political crisis.
- Dec 4🏭 Waste Cleanup Fund Approved – House approves $1.6 billion fund for waste cleanup, aiming to protect public health and recover costs.
- Dec 5✈️ Portugal's Prime Minister Dies – Portugal's Prime Minister is killed in a plane crash while heading to a rally, raising concerns over the future of the political alliance.
- Dec 6✈️ Solar-Powered Airplane Records – A solar-powered airplane sets two flight records, showcasing advancements in renewable energy technology.
- Dec 7🌍 Reagan Backs Camp David – President Reagan assures Egypt and Israel of U.S. support for the Camp David process amid ongoing discussions on Palestinian autonomy.
- Dec 8🌊 Deep-Sea Organisms Retrieved – Scientists recover live deep-sea organisms, providing new insights into life processes in oceanic depths.
- Dec 9🎸 John Lennon Killed – John Lennon, former member of The Beatles, was shot dead outside his home in New York City. The suspect was apprehended at the scene.
- Dec 10🎨 Met Receives Art Collection – $12 million art collection donated to the Metropolitan Museum, enhancing its European works collection significantly.
- Dec 11📈 Emergency Economic Program – Advisers urge Reagan to implement an emergency economic program to address the nation's financial challenges.
- Dec 12🏛️ Reagan's Cabinet Appointments – President Reagan announces first eight cabinet-level appointments, marking a new start for the nation amid economic challenges.
- Dec 13🖼️ Tributes to John Lennon – Flags at half-staff as the world pays tribute to John Lennon; a vigil is planned to honor his legacy and impact.
- Dec 14🏛️ Civilian President Named – El Salvador names its first civilian president in 49 years, promising reforms and dialogue with opposition groups.
- Dec 15🌍 China's Political Shift – Hua Guofeng's resignation indicated a significant political change in China, raising questions about the future leadership of the Communist Party.
- Dec 16🔬 Man-Made Aurora Planned – Scientists aim to create a man-made aurora by manipulating the magnetic field, with international collaboration increasing.
- Dec 17🌍 Sadat Opens Suez Canal – Egyptian President Anwar Sadat opens the Suez Canal to supertankers, marking a significant moment in global trade.
- Dec 18🌊 Toxic Waste Threat – E.P.A. warns toxic wastes threaten Atlantic City's water source; compensation may be requested for potential damages.
- Dec 19✈️ Delta Orders Jet Engines – Pratt & Whitney secures a $1 billion order from Delta Airlines for new jet engines, marking a significant contract in the aviation industry.
- Dec 20🚀 Space Shuttle Trials – U.S. Space Shuttle passes four critical trials, enhancing prospects for its inaugural orbit flight scheduled for March.
- Dec 21🌳 Forest Preservation Fund – $15 million allocated for forest preservation in the South, marking a significant step in environmental conservation efforts.
- Dec 22✈️ Colombia Jet Crash – 68 are reported dead in a Colombian jet crash, with sabotage suspected as the cause of the tragedy.
- Dec 23🔬 Viruses Linked to Diseases – Hidden viruses in cells are suspected to cause various diseases, including dementia related to aging.
- Dec 24🎉 Hogmanay Celebrations Begin – Scots celebrate Hogmanay, their New Year's Eve tradition, filled with dance and song, marking the end of the year.
- Dec 25🔬 Antibodies Linked to Diabetes – Medical report reveals antibodies that destroy insulin-producing cells, highlighting a major health concern.
- Dec 26🎭 Fokine Exhibition Opens – The Fokine Exhibition celebrates the revolutionary dance artist, featuring a first-time display of Pavlova's iconic Dying Swan photograph.
- Dec 27🌍 Brezhnev Assures Poland – Soviet leader Brezhnev expresses trust in Poland, condemning foreign interference amid rising tensions in the region.
- Dec 28🏔️ Carter Ski Accident – President Carter breaks his collarbone after falling while skiing. He receives pain medication and plans to attend the Sugar Bowl.
- Dec 29❄️ Extreme Cold in Arctic – Canada's Arctic faces severe winter conditions, impacting the U.S. as temperatures plummet to 40 below zero.
- Dec 30🚀 Shuttle Moves to Launch Pad – The Space Shuttle is transported to its launch pad in preparation for a scheduled flight in March.
- Dec 31🏦 U.S. and Ford Pact – Government and Ford reach agreement, avoiding recall of 16 million vehicles over transmission defect complaints.
Happy Birthday! 1980 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1980 in real headlines. See the 1980 book →
Born in December? Pick the day
Every birthday in December has its own On This Day in Headlines book: