October 1981 calendar
Learn the most interesting events and historical facts that happened in October 1981.
The US president was Ronald Reagan (Republican), the UK Prime Minister was Margaret Thatcher (Conservative), Pope St John Paul II was leading the Catholic Church.
But much more happened on October 1981: find out below
Historical Events
Which were the important events of October 1981?
Events
- 01 Oct 1981 Iranian plane crash
- 03 Oct 1981 Brewers (since 1970) and Expos (1969) clinch their 1st-ever postseason
- 04 Oct 1981 Donna Caponi Young / Kathy Whitworth wins Portland Ping Team Golf Champ
- 05 Oct 1981 Dutch guilder / Deutsche mark revalued up 5.5%
- 07 Oct 1981 Hosni Mubarak became acting President of Egypt
- 08 Oct 1981 1st broadcast of Cagney & Lacey on ABC-TV
- 09 Oct 1981 Abolition of capital punishment in France.
- 11 Oct 1981 Expos beat Phillies, 3 games to 2, in NLCS
- 12 Oct 1981 Marlowe opens at Rialto Theater NYC for 48 performances
- 13 Oct 1981 Vice President Hosni Mubarak elected President of Egypt
- 14 Oct 1981 Yank Graig Nettles is 1st to get 2 hits in same inning of an ALSC game
- 15 Oct 1981 New York Yankees capture 33rd AL pennant, sweeping 3 games from Oakland Athletics
- 16 Oct 1981 2nd Dutch government of Van Agt resigns
- 18 Oct 1981 Poland General Jaruzelski elected party leader
- 19 Oct 1981 LA Dodgers beat Montreal Expos for NL pennant
- 20 Oct 1981 1st NBA game at Meadowlands Arena, New Jersey Nets lose to New York Knicks 103-99
- 22 Oct 1981 Start of 1st-class game at Newcastle, NSW vs. Queensland
- 23 Oct 1981 US national debt hits $1 trillion
- 25 Oct 1981 12th NYC Marathon won by Alberto Salazar in 2:08:13
- 27 Oct 1981 Andrew Young, former United Nations Ambassador, elected mayor of Atlanta, Georgia.
- 28 Oct 1981 Edward M McIntrye elected 1st black Mayor of Augusta, Georgia
- 29 Oct 1981 Bill Giles becomes CEO of Philadelphia Phillies
- 31 Oct 1981 1st live radio drama in 25 years
- 06 Oct 1981 Egyptian President Anwar Sadat is murdered by Islamic extremists.
Famous Birthday
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Famous Deaths
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Music charts
Which were the top hits in October 1981?
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Top #5 songs in the USA
- Diana Ross - Endless Love
- Christopher Cross - Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)
- The Rolling Stones - Start Me Up
- Stevie Nicks - Stop Draggin' My Heart Around
- Daryl Hall & John Oates - Private Eyes
Top #5 songs in the UK
- Soft Cell - Tainted Love
- Dave Stewart With Barbara Gaskin - It's My Party
- Adam & The Ants - Prince Charming
- The Tweets - The Birdie Song (Birdie Dance)
- Aneka - Japanese Boy
Movies
Which were the most popular Movies released in that month?
Books
Which were the most popular books released in October 1981?
Remembrance
By: Danielle Steel
After World War II, the Italian homeland of her beloved Serena, Principessa Di San Tibaldo was destroyed. Her name, her ancestry, is all that remains.
The Cardinal Sins
By: Andrew M. Greeley
When it was first published, the Cardinal Sins became a global sensation. Andrew M. was the first to sell more than 3 million copies.
Chances
By: Jackie Collins
Collins' book is one of America’s most beloved authors. It takes readers from Europe to Las Vegas and the elegant playgrounds of Europe, plunging into the fascinating world of Collins.
Goodbye, Janette
By: Harold Robbins
In the male-dominated worlds of high fashion amid the destruction of war, a dynasty is built of women. A daughter pays tribute to her mother by becoming a fierce businesswoman who will not be beaten.
Jane Brody'S Nutrition Book
By: Jane Brody
Jane Brody's Nutrition Book contains a wealth of information, including calorie and nutritional charts, sample menu plans to meet special dietary requirements, and more than fifty healthy and delicious recipes, many of which are family favorites.