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Major Events of April 1990: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from April 1990 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of April 1990: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Apr 1990 Strangeways Prison Riot: The largest prison riot in Britain's history begins at Strangeways Prison in Manchester, lasting for an unprecedented three weeks and three days, marking a significant event in British penal system history.
  • 02 Apr 1990 John Poindexter Convicted in Iran-Contra Affair: In a significant legal development related to the Iran-Contra scandal, National Security Advisor John Poindexter was found guilty of five charges for his involvement in the controversial covert operation. Although initially convicted, these charges were subsequently overturned on appeal, highlighting the complex legal and political ramifications of the Iran-Contra affair during the Reagan administration.
  • 03 Apr 1990 Margaret Thatcher Resigns as Prime Minister: After 11 years and 209 days in office, Margaret Thatcher, the United Kingdom's first female Prime Minister, announces her resignation. Her departure marks the end of an era characterized by significant economic and political transformations, including privatization, confrontations with trade unions, and a robust foreign policy stance during the late Cold War period.
  • 04 Apr 1990 Hong Kong Flag Adoption: The current flag of Hong Kong was officially adopted during the Third Session of the Seventh National People's Congress, marking a significant moment in the city's transition to post-colonial governance.
  • 05 Apr 1990 Pegasus Air-Launched Space Booster First Flight: NASA and Orbital Sciences Corporation achieved a significant aerospace milestone when Gordon Fullerton successfully launched the Pegasus air-launched winged space booster. Flying the NB-52 to 43,000 feet near Monterey, California, Fullerton deployed the innovative rocket system that carried a 422-pound multi-purpose payload into a 320-mile polar orbit, including a Navy communications satellite and NASA atmospheric research instruments.
  • 06 Apr 1990 Slovenia's First Multiparty Election: In the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Slovenia held its first multiparty election since 1938. A center-right coalition led by Lojze Peterle formed Yugoslavia's first non-Communist government since 1945, signaling a major political transformation.
  • 07 Apr 1990 John Poindexter Iran-Contra Conviction: John Poindexter, former US National Security Advisor, was found guilty of five counts of lying to Congress and obstruction of justice related to the Iran-Contra scandal. Though initially convicted, these charges were later reversed on appeal, highlighting the complex legal aftermath of the controversial affair.
  • 08 Apr 1990 Ryan White's Passing: Ryan White, a young hemophiliac who contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion, dies at age 18. His courageous battle and public advocacy helped transform public understanding of AIDS, challenging stigma and promoting compassion for those affected by the disease.
  • 09 Apr 1990 Sahtu Dene and Metis Land Claim Agreement: A significant milestone in Indigenous rights, the Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement was signed, granting the Sahtu Dene and Metis people territorial rights over 180,000 square kilometres in the Mackenzie Valley of the western Arctic, recognizing their historical land ownership and self-governance.
  • 10 Apr 1990 Curtly Ambrose's Historic Cricket Performance: West Indian fast bowler Curtly Ambrose delivered an extraordinary bowling performance against England at Bridgetown, Barbados, taking an impressive 8 wickets for just 45 runs. This remarkable achievement highlighted Ambrose's exceptional skill and dominance in cricket during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
  • 11 Apr 1990 Slovenia Holds First Multiparty Election Since 1938: The Socialist Republic of Slovenia conducted its first multiparty election since 1938, marking a significant moment in the political transformation of Yugoslavia.
  • 12 Apr 1990 East German Parliament Acknowledges Holocaust Responsibility: In a historic moment, the first democratically elected East German parliament publicly acknowledged the nation's responsibility for the Holocaust and formally requested forgiveness, demonstrating a commitment to confronting and healing from the country's dark past.
  • 13 Apr 1990 Soviet Union Apologizes for Katyn Massacre: The Soviet Union officially acknowledged and apologized for the Katyn Massacre, a tragic event during World War II where approximately 22,000 Polish military officers and intellectuals were systematically executed by Stalin's secret police (NKVD) in 1940. This admission marked a significant moment of historical reconciliation between the Soviet Union and Poland.
  • 14 Apr 1990 Michael Milken Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud: Michael Milken, a prominent Wall Street financier known for pioneering the junk bond market in the 1980s, pleaded guilty to multiple securities fraud charges. His guilty plea marked a significant moment in financial regulatory history, signaling the end of an era of aggressive financial speculation and corporate raiding that characterized the 1980s. Milken, once dubbed the 'King of Junk Bonds', admitted to six felony counts related to securities and tax violations, which ultimately led to a substantial fine and prison sentence.
  • 15 Apr 1990 Hubble Space Telescope Launch: NASA launches the Hubble Space Telescope aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, a pivotal moment in space exploration that would revolutionize astronomical observation.
  • 16 Apr 1990 USSR Acknowledges Katyn Massacre: The Soviet Union officially accepted responsibility for the Katyn massacre, in which 22,000 Polish officers were killed during World War II, marking a significant moment of historical reconciliation.
  • 17 Apr 1990 Death of Civil Rights Leader Ralph David Abernathy: Reverend Ralph David Abernathy, a prominent American civil rights activist and close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., passed away at the age of 64. A key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Abernathy played a crucial role in organizing protests, leading the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and advocating for racial equality and social justice.
  • 18 Apr 1990 US Supreme Court Child Pornography Ruling: The United States Supreme Court ruled that states could criminalize possession or viewing of child pornography, even within one's private residence, reinforcing legal protections for minors.
  • 19 Apr 1990 Nicaragua Civil War Truce Agreement: In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Contra guerrillas, leftist Sandinistas, and the incoming Nicaraguan government negotiated and agreed to a truce, marking a potential turning point in the country's long-standing civil conflict. This agreement represented a crucial step towards potential peace and political reconciliation.
  • 20 Apr 1990 Hubble Space Telescope Launch: NASA successfully launches the Hubble Space Telescope aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, marking a pivotal moment in astronomical observation and space exploration. This groundbreaking telescope would go on to provide unprecedented views of distant galaxies, nebulae, and celestial phenomena, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.
  • 21 Apr 1990 Cartoon All Stars to Rescue Broadcast: A groundbreaking anti-drug animated special, 'Cartoon All Stars to Rescue', was simultaneously broadcast on all four major television networks in the United States, representing an unprecedented collaborative media event aimed at youth drug prevention.
  • 22 Apr 1990 Nigerian Military Coup Attempt: A significant military coup attempt occurred in Nigeria, led by Major Gideon Orkar against the government of General Ibrahim Babangida. Rebel troops seized strategic locations including the FRCN radio station, military posts in Lagos, and attempted to attack the presidential Dodan Barracks. Babangida narrowly escaped the attack. The coup leaders called for the excision of five northern states and accused Babangida of attempting to establish himself as a life president.
  • 23 Apr 1990 Namibia Joins UN and Commonwealth: Namibia achieved a significant diplomatic milestone by becoming the 160th member of the United Nations and the 50th member of the Commonwealth of Nations, marking its emergence as an independent state.
  • 24 Apr 1990 Hubble Space Telescope Launch: NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during mission STS-31, a groundbreaking moment in astronomical observation and space exploration.
  • 25 Apr 1990 Hubble Space Telescope Launched into Orbit: NASA successfully deployed the Hubble Space Telescope from the space shuttle Discovery, marking a significant milestone in astronomical observation. This sophisticated optical observatory would revolutionize our understanding of the universe by providing unprecedented, high-resolution images from space.
  • 26 Apr 1990 Devastating Earthquake in Qinghai Province, China: A powerful magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Qinghai Province, China, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 126 human lives. The seismic event caused significant destruction and highlighted the region's geological vulnerability.
  • 27 Apr 1990 Orel Hershiser Undergoes Critical Shoulder Surgery: Los Angeles Dodgers' star pitcher Orel Hershiser underwent a significant shoulder surgery that threatened to potentially end his professional baseball career. This medical procedure was crucial in determining the future trajectory of one of the most prominent pitchers of his era.
  • 28 Apr 1990 A Chorus Line Closes on Broadway: The iconic Broadway musical A Chorus Line concludes its legendary run at the Shubert Theater in New York City after an impressive 6,137 performances spanning 15 years, cementing its place in theatrical history.
  • 29 Apr 1990 Berlin Wall Demolition Begins at Brandenburg Gate: Wrecking cranes commenced the physical dismantling of the Berlin Wall at the historically significant Brandenburg Gate, symbolizing the end of Cold War division between East and West Germany.
  • 30 Apr 1990 US Hostage Frank Reed Freed After Four Years: American educator Frank H. Reed was released by Lebanese kidnappers after being held hostage since September 1986. His four-year captivity during the Lebanon hostage crisis came to an end, marking a significant moment in diplomatic negotiations and personal freedom.