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1980
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1981.

What happened in 1981?

In 1981, notable international events took place, such as Israel's Operation Opera air strike, which destroyed Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor on June 7. Cultural highlights included the 26th Eurovision Song Contest and the 53rd Academy Awards, recognizing filmmaking achievements from 1980. The year also included the 1981 Formula One World Championship season, among other sporting events. With 35 major events, 60 notable births, and 15 notable deaths, 1981 had a range of activity across political, cultural, and sporting areas.

Events
50
Births
60
Deaths
19
Era
1980s
Post-War / Digital Age
Context:20th CenturyThe 1980sPost-War / Digital Age

Chronology of 1981

Documented Historical Record

January

01.1981

February

02.1981

March

03.1981

April

04.1981

May

05.1981

June

06.1981

July

07.1981

August

08.1981

September

09.1981

October

10.1981

December

12.1981
End of 1981 Record · 50 events

Historical Significance

Context & Impact

In 1981, notable international events took place, such as Israel's Operation Opera air strike, which destroyed Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor on June 7. Cultural highlights included the 26th Eurovision Song Contest and the 53rd Academy Awards, recognizing filmmaking achievements from 1980. The year also included the 1981 Formula One World Championship season, among other sporting events. With 35 major events, 60 notable births, and 15 notable deaths, 1981 had a range of activity across political, cultural, and sporting areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What major events happened in 1981?
In 1981, several events took place including Israel's Operation Opera strike on Iraq's nuclear reactor, a failed military coup attempt in Spain, and the Eurovision Song Contest. The year also included the 53rd Academy Awards ceremony and the 1981 Formula One World Championship season.
What was Operation Opera in 1981?
Operation Opera was an Israeli air strike conducted on June 7, 1981, that destroyed Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor near Baghdad. The attack aimed to prevent Iraq from potentially developing nuclear weapons capabilities.
What happened with the Spanish coup attempt in 1981?
On February 23, 1981, a group of Spanish Civil Guard officers stormed the parliament building in Madrid and briefly held the government hostage in an attempted military coup. The coup failed after King Juan Carlos I publicly opposed it and the military leadership refused to support the plotters.

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