World Events · 1985
1985: Cold War Thaw and Global Unity
The year 1985 marked a crucial turning point in global politics as Mikhail Gorbachev assumed leadership of the Soviet Union, signaling a shift in the Cold War. Meanwhile, unprecedented global charity events like Live Aid united millions, even against a backdrop of severe natural disasters and tragedy.
- March 11, 1985 | Soviet Union
Mikhail Gorbachev Leads the USSR
Mikhail Gorbachev became General Secretary of the Communist Party, initiating reforms that would eventually end the Cold War.
- July 13, 1985 | Global
Live Aid Concerts Broadcast Globally
Over 1.9 billion viewers watched dual-continent mega-concerts organized by Bob Geldof to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief.
- November 19, 1985 | Switzerland
The Geneva Summit
US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met for the first time to discuss international diplomatic relations and nuclear arms control.
- September 19, 1985 | Mexico
Mexico City Earthquake
A devastating 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City, causing severe destruction and claiming thousands of lives.
- September 1, 1985 | North Atlantic
Discovery of the RMS Titanic Wreck
A joint French-American expedition led by Dr. Robert Ballard discovered the historic wreck of the RMS Titanic on the ocean floor.
- November 13, 1985 | Colombia
Armero Tragedy in Colombia
The eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano unleashed devastating mudslides that buried the town of Armero, killing over 20,000 people.
- July 10, 1985 | New Zealand
Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior
French secret service agents bombed and sank the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior in Auckland Harbor to stop nuclear testing protests.
- June 23, 1985 | Atlantic Ocean
Air India Flight 182 Bombing
A terrorist bomb exploded aboard Air India Flight 182 off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 people on board in a tragic disaster.
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