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What Happened in 1982?

Browse 21 historical moments from 198221 events, 0 birthdays, and 0 deaths. These counts describe the current collection, not a complete timeline of the year.

Events in 1982(21)

1982 Event

Final Performance of D'Oyly Carte Opera Company

The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, renowned for its Gilbert and Sullivan productions, held its last performance. This marked the end of an era for the company that specialized in Savoy operas.

artsmusicentertainment
1982 Event

Canada Act 1982 Royal Assent

Queen Elizabeth II granted royal assent to the Canada Act 1982, ending Canada's constitutional dependence on the United Kingdom.

politicslaw
1982 Event

Thatcher on Falklands War

British prime minister Margaret Thatcher told journalists to "rejoice" upon hearing news of the successful recapture of South Georgia from Argentine forces in the Falklands War.

politicswar
1982 Event

HMS Sheffield sunk in Falklands War

During the Falklands War, HMS Sheffield was struck by an Exocet missile, leading to its sinking. This was the first Royal Navy ship sunk in action since World War II.

warpolitics
1982 Event

Coppergate Helmet Discovery

On May 12, 1982, the Coppergate Helmet, the best-preserved of the six known Anglo-Saxon helmets, was discovered. The helmet is a significant archaeological find.

explorationarts
1982 Event

Attempted Assassination of Pope John Paul II

On May 12, 1982, Juan María Fernández y Krohn attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II with a bayonet in Fátima, Portugal. The Pope survived the attack.

politicsreligion
1982 Event

Falklands War nuclear weapons decision

The British War Cabinet ordered that nuclear depth bombs on British ships return home during the Falklands War.

warpolitics
1982 Event

Assassination Attempt on Israeli Ambassador

An assassination attempt was made on Shlomo Argov, the Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom. This event triggered Israel's decision to invade Lebanon three days later.

politicswar
1982 Event

Falklands War Friendly Fire Incident

The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Cardiff engaged and destroyed a British Army helicopter in a friendly-fire incident during the Falklands War.

war
1982 Event

Falklands War: Argentine Air Force attacks British ships

During the Falklands War, the Argentine Air Force attacked British transport ships, killing 56 British servicemen and wounding 150 others.

warpolitics
1982 Event

Falklands War: Hercules attacked

During the Falklands War, the Argentine Air Force attacked the neutral oil tanker Hercules in the South Atlantic.

war
1982 Event

Operation Mole Cricket 19

The Israeli Air Force carried out Operation Mole Cricket 19, successfully suppressing Syrian air defenses in the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon.

war
1982 Event

Falklands War surrender

Falklands War: British prime minister Margaret Thatcher announced that white flags were flying over Port Stanley, in advance of the formal surrender of Argentine forces on June 14, 1982.

warpolitics
1982 Event

Holocaust and Genocide Conference

The International Conference on the Holocaust and Genocide, the first major conference in genocide studies, opened despite Turkish attempts to cancel it.

politicslaw
1982 Event

Vincent Chin beaten to death

Chinese American Vincent Chin died after being beaten into a coma by two automotive workers angry about Japanese auto company success.

lawpolitics
1982 Event

Iranian Diplomats Kidnapped in Lebanon

Four Iranian diplomats were kidnapped in northern Lebanon by Lebanese Phalange forces. Their fates remain unknown.

politicsdisaster
1982 Event

Michael Fagan breaks into Buckingham Palace

Michael Fagan, a British man, broke into Buckingham Palace and entered Queen Elizabeth II's bedroom while she was asleep.

politics
1982 Event

Italy wins FIFA World Cup

Italy defeated West Germany 3–1 to win their third FIFA World Cup title.

sports
1982 Event

Hyde Park and Regent's Park bombings

The Provisional Irish Republican Army detonated two bombs in London's Hyde Park and Regent's Park, killing eleven British Army personnel and seven horses.

war
1982 Event

Kim Duk-koo boxing death

South Korean boxer Kim Duk-koo suffered fatal brain injuries during a match with American Ray Mancini in Las Vegas, leading to significant rule changes in the sport.

sportslawmedicine
1982 Event

Michael Jackson's Thriller released

Michael Jackson's Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, was released.

musicentertainment

Dates in 1982

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in 1982?
The DayFacts collection currently has 21 entries from 1982: 21 events, 0 births, and 0 deaths.
Which events from 1982 are included?
Examples currently recorded for 1982 include: Final Performance of D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Canada Act 1982 Royal Assent, Thatcher on Falklands War.