What happened in March 1980?
The top front-page story of each day in March 1980, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Mar 1🏃 Coghlan Sets Record – Coghlan sets a new 3-mile run record at 13:02.8, showcasing athletic excellence amid the Olympic boycott.
- Mar 2🎨 Monet Exhibition Opens – The Grand Palais showcases the oeuvre of Monet, featuring his chronological style and portraits of contemporaries.
- Mar 3🏗️ U.S. Architect Aids Brazil – A U.S. architect collaborates with a Brazilian city to preserve its cultural legacy amidst urban challenges.
- Mar 4🦣 Mammoth Revival Plans – Russians aim to create a living mammoth, utilizing advanced cell techniques to revive the extinct species.
- Mar 5🗳️ Rhodesia Election Results – British officials express optimism over Rhodesia's election, despite concerns about Mugabe's victory and calls for reconciliation.
- Mar 6🌍 U.N. Families Concerned – U.N. families fear losing a vital property, the 'Village Well,' which could impact their community and future.
- Mar 7📚 First Woman in Academy – A U.S. novelist becomes the first woman elected to 'The Immortals' of the French Academy, a lifetime honor.
- Mar 8📈 Jobless Rate Eases – U.S. jobless rate drops to 6% with 149,000 new jobs added, though inflation remains a significant concern.
- Mar 9🏔️ Andreas Wenzel Wins – Andreas Wenzel secures a near ski cup title, while U.S. women finish third and fourth in the competition.
- Mar 10🏛️ Basques Vote for Home-Rule – Basques in Northern Spain vote for a home-rule legislature for the first time, marking a significant political development.
- Mar 11🧠 Scientists Eavesdrop Minds – Researchers use computers to isolate specific thoughts from brain waves, aiding in understanding reading issues and alcoholism.
- Mar 12🌍 U.S. Focuses on Iran – The U.S. maintains a peaceful approach to the Iran crisis, hoping for U.N. panel resumption and considering all aspects of the situation.
- Mar 13🏅 Carter Wins Caucuses – Jimmy Carter defeats Ted Kennedy in four out of five state caucuses, solidifying his position for the Democratic nomination.
- Mar 14🏛️ Eighth-Century Treasure Found – An eighth-century church treasure was discovered in an Irish bog, prompting archaeological interest and site security.
- Mar 15🏀 Iowa Tops Syracuse – Iowa defeats Syracuse 88-77 in a surprising East Regional tournament matchup, showcasing strong foul shooting.
- Mar 16🌍 U.N. Agency Aids China – The U.N. agency launches a major project to help China curb its population growth, marking a significant global health initiative.
- Mar 17🏆 Carter Wins Puerto Rico – Carter narrowly defeats Kennedy in Puerto Rico primary, marking a significant moment in the 1980 presidential race.
- Mar 18🏛️ 100,000 Parade Celebrates Irish – A massive parade in celebration of Irish culture draws 100,000 participants, showcasing vibrant traditions and community spirit.
- Mar 19📈 Precious Metals Steady – Precious metals show signs of steadiness, with silver market activity influencing coffee trading dynamics.
- Mar 20⚖️ High Court Ruling – U.S. Supreme Court rules that legislative acts of a state senator can be used as evidence in federal cases.
- Mar 21🏛️ Bonn Backs U.S. Boycott – Chancellor Helmut Schmidt indicates West Germany will boycott the Moscow Olympics unless the Soviet Union withdraws from Afghanistan.
- Mar 22🌍 Carter's Olympic Ban Plea – President Carter urges athletes to support the Olympic boycott due to geopolitical tensions, with a final decision expected by May 24.
- Mar 23🌍 World's Largest Urban Park – San Francisco now boasts the world's largest urban park, featuring extensive development plans for paint, carpet, and cleanup.
- Mar 24⚛️ Swedes Approve Atomic Power – Swedes vote for a limited increase in atomic power development, complicating government efforts on the issue.
- Mar 25🌍 Promise of Energy Found – Scientists plan to tap magma near the surface in Hawaii, promising a new source of energy from subterranean heat.
- Mar 26📚 O'Casey Centenary Celebrated – Scholars honor playwright Sean O'Casey at a centenary conference, reviving interest in his influential works.
- Mar 27🌍 Argentina Nuclear Deal – Argentina is nearing a nuclear deal for a reactor capable of producing plutonium, with discussions on potential U.S. assistance.
- Mar 28🌋 Volcano Erupts in Washington – A dormant volcano in Washington State begins erupting after 123 years, spewing ash but causing no reported injuries.
- Mar 29🌋 North Sea Platform Collapse – 137 workers feared lost in the collapse of an oil platform in the North Sea, with sabotage not ruled out as a cause.
- Mar 30🌍 Mormon Church at 150 – The Mormon Church celebrates its 150th anniversary, highlighting growth and influence while espousing traditional values.
- Mar 31🌍 New Basque Parliament Meets – A new Basque Parliament is scheduled to convene today, marking a significant political development in the region.
Happy Birthday! 1980 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1980 in real headlines. See the 1980 book →
Born in March? Pick the day
Every birthday in March has its own On This Day in Headlines book: