VII. The Contemporary Period, 1945–2000 > A. General and Comparative Dimensions > 2. International Relations > b. New Global Relationships > 1980
  PREVIOUS NEXT  
CONTENTS · SUBJECT INDEX · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
 
1980
 
U.S.-Soviet Relations entered a period of increased tension following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (Dec. 1979). The United States limited grain sales to the Soviet Union (Jan.) and led a boycott of the Olympic Games in Moscow (July). The Soviet invasion was also condemned by the UN General Assembly (Jan.) and the Islamic Conference Organization (May).  1
 
March
 
ROBERT MUGABE and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) won the new national elections in ZIMBABWE. Zimbabwe became the one hundred fifty-third member of the UN in August. Archbishop Oscar Romero, a major defender of human rights in El Salvador, was murdered while saying mass.  2
 
May
 
The World Health Organization announced the total eradication of SMALLPOX. The Mediterranean Action Plan of the UN Environment Program was expanded by a protocol in which all bordering states agreed to limit pollution from land sources.  3
 
Aug.–Oct
 
Labor unrest in POLAND led to the creation of independent unions and a national federation called SOLIDARITY, which advocated a program of political and economic reforms. The United States, NATO, and the European Community warned the Soviet Union not to intervene militarily in Poland. The formation and success of Solidarity was a major turning point in the end of communist rule in Eastern Europe.  4
 
Sept
 
Saudi Arabia became full owner of Aramco, the largest company producing Saudi oil.  5
 
Nov
 
The U.S. spacecraft Voyager 1 sent important photographs and data about Saturn.  6
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS · SUBJECT INDEX · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
  PREVIOUS NEXT