What Happened in History 30 Years Ago?

As of 2014, 30 years ago was the year 1984, and some historical events that occurred during that year include the assassination of Indira Gandhi, a subway shooting in New York City that left four black youths wounded and the Summer Olympic games held in Los Angeles, California. The “Where’s the Beef?” Wendy’s commercials also premiered in 1984, and Brunei gained independence from the United Kingdom.

In the year 1984, Ronald Reagan was President of the United States, and Michael Jackson was the reigning King of Pop, winning a total of eight Grammy awards. The country of Tanzania adopted a constitution, and a man went on a murderous rampage at a McDonald’s in San Ysidro, California, leaving 20 dead. Over 70 U.S. banks had failed by the time 1984 came to a close, and worldwide famine became more prevalent in the country of Ethiopia. In sports, the Baltimore Colts moved to Indianapolis, and the NFL passed a “no celebrating” rule after scoring plays. Virgin Atlantic had its inaugural flight, and a 12-month long coal miners strike began in the United Kingdom. In Australia, gang warfare left seven dead. A deployed bomb destroyed the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. Also in 1984, MTV held its first Video Music Awards.