Born in 1971 - Zodiac Signs, Personality and Horoscopes

1971 Tropical Ephemeris

What happened in January 1971

• January 2, 1971: 66 people are killed and over 200 injured during a crush in Glasgow, Scotland. This tragedy highlighted the need for improved crowd control measures at large events.
• January 5, 1971: The first ever One Day International cricket match is played between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This marked the beginning of a new era in international cricket.
• January 8, 1971: Tupamaros kidnap Geoffrey Jackson, British ambassador to Uruguay, in Montevideo, keeping him captive until September. This incident strained diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Uruguay.
• January 9, 1971: Uruguayan president Jorge Pacheco Areco demands emergency powers for 90 days due to kidnappings, and receives them the next day. This move was controversial, as it was seen as a curtailment of civil liberties.
• January 12, 1971: The landmark United States television sitcom All in the Family, starring Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker, debuts on CBS. This show was groundbreaking for its portrayal of social and political issues.
• January 14, 1971: Seventy Brazilian political prisoners are released in Santiago, Chile; Giovanni Enrico Bucher is released January 16. This was a significant step towards improving human rights in Chile.
• January 15, 1971: The Aswan High Dam officially opens in Egypt. This dam was a major infrastructure project that provided electricity, irrigation, and flood control to Egypt.
• January 18, 1971: Strikes in Poland demand the resignation of Interior Minister Kazimierz \u015awita\u0142a. He resigns January 23 and is replaced by Franciszek Szlachcic. This event reflected the growing discontent among Polish workers.
• January 19, 1971: Representatives of 23 western oil companies begin negotiations with OPEC in Tehran to stabilize oil prices; February 14 they sign a treaty with 6 Khalij el-Arab countries. This agreement had a significant impact on the global oil market.
• January 24, 1971: The Guinean government sentences to death 92 Guineans who helped Portuguese troops in the failed landing attempts in November 1970; 72 are sentenced to hard labor for life; 58 of the sentenced are hanged the next day. This harsh punishment highlighted the Guinean government's determination to maintain its independence.
• January 25, 1971: In Uganda, Idi Amin deposes Milton Obote in a coup, and becomes president. Amin's rule was characterized by human rights abuses and economic decline.
• January 31, 1971: Apollo program: Apollo 14 (carrying astronauts Alan Shepard, Stuart Roosa, and Edgar Mitchell) lifts off on the third successful lunar landing mission. This mission further demonstrated the United States' dominance in space exploration.
• February 4, 1971: Rolls-Royce, a British luxury car manufacturer, goes bankrupt and is nationalized by the government due to financial difficulties.
• February 5, 1971: Apollo 14, a NASA mission, successfully lands on the Moon, marking the third crewed landing on the lunar surface.
• February 6, 1971: A major earthquake measuring 4.6 Mb strikes the Italian province of Viterbo, causing significant damage and casualties.
• February 7, 1971: Switzerland extends voting rights to women in state elections, although not in all canton-specific ones, marking a step towards gender equality.
• February 8, 1971: The Nasdaq Composite, a new stock market index focused on technology and growth companies, is launched in the United States.
• February 9, 1971: A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.5–6.7 hits the Greater Los Angeles Area, resulting in widespread damage and numerous casualties.
• February 10, 1971: A total lunar eclipse is visible across the Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Africa, marking the 50th lunar eclipse of Lunar Saros 123.
• February 11, 1971: The United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and other nations sign the Seabed Treaty, prohibiting the placement of nuclear weapons on the ocean floor.
• February 13, 1971: South Vietnamese troops, supported by American air and artillery, launch an invasion into Laos as part of the Vietnam War.
• February 15, 1971: The United Kingdom and Ireland adopt decimal currency, replacing the traditional pounds, shillings, and pence system, marking a significant change in their monetary systems.
• February 16, 1971: In Italy, a local parliament selects Catanzaro as the capital of Calabria, sparking riots in Reggio di Calabria due to the decision.
• February 20, 1971: The U.S. Emergency Broadcast System mistakenly sends an erroneous warning across radio and television stations, causing confusion and concern before being rescinded.
• February 21, 1971: The Convention on Psychotropic Substances, an international treaty aimed at controlling psychoactive substances, is signed in Vienna.
• February 23, 1971: South Vietnamese General Do Cao Tri dies in a helicopter crash during Operation Lam Son 719, a military campaign in Laos.
• February 25, 1971: A partial solar eclipse is visible across Europe, Africa, and Asia, marking the 18th solar eclipse of Solar Saros 149.
• February 26, 1971: United Nations Secretary General U Thant proclaims the March equinox (March 21) as Earth Day, raising awareness about environmental issues.
• February 27, 1971: The first Dutch abortion clinic, Mildredhuis in Arnhem, begins performing abortions, marking a significant step in reproductive rights.
• February 28, 1971: Evel Knievel, a renowned daredevil, sets a world record by successfully jumping 19 cars on a motorbike in Ontario, California.
• March 1, 1971: Bombing in the men's room at the United States Capitol by the Weather Underground, a radical left-wing organization.
• March 2, 1971: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, leader of the Awami League, launched the non-cooperation movement in East Pakistan, demanding greater autonomy.
• March 4, 1971: The Century's Snowstorm (la tempête du siècle) hits southern Quebec and Montreal, Canada, bringing record snowfall.
• March 5, 1971: Pakistani army occupies East Pakistan, escalating tensions and leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War.
• March 6, 1971: A fire breaks out in a mental hospital in Burghölzli, Switzerland, resulting in the deaths of 28 people.
• March 7, 1971: Die Sendung mit der Maus, a popular children's television program in Germany, airs its first episode.
• March 8, 1971: The Citizens' Commission to Investigate the FBI breaks into the FBI's Media, Pennsylvania offices, exposing government surveillance practices.
• March 10, 1971: William McMahon replaces John Gorton as the Prime Minister of Australia after a tied vote of confidence.
• March 11, 1971: THX 1138, George Lucas' first full-length film, premieres in theaters, showcasing his unique filmmaking style.
• March 12, 1971: Hafez al-Assad assumes the presidency of Syria, marking the beginning of his long and influential rule.
• March 16, 1971: Trygve Bratteli forms a government in Norway, leading the country through a period of economic and social change.
• March 18, 1971: A landslide in Chungar, Peru, crashes into Yanawayin Lake, resulting in the tragic loss of 200 lives.
• March 23, 1971: General Alejandro Lanusse seizes power in Argentina through a military coup, leading to political instability and human rights abuses.
• March 25, 1971: Operation Searchlight, a brutal military crackdown, is launched in East Pakistan by the Pakistani army, sparking the Bangladesh Liberation War and resulting in widespread atrocities.
• March 26, 1971: East Pakistan's independence is declared by Ziaur Rahman on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking the beginning of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
• March 27, 1971: Ziaur Rahman, a major in the Pakistani army, repeatedly declares East Pakistan's independence from Kalurghat Radio Station, Chittagong.
• March 29, 1971: U.S. Army lieutenant William Calley is found guilty of murdering 22 civilians in the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War, highlighting the atrocities committed during the conflict.
• March 30, 1971: Starbucks, a global coffeehouse chain, is founded in Seattle, Washington, revolutionizing the coffee industry.
• April 1, 1971: The United Kingdom lifted all restrictions on gold ownership, which had been in place since 1939.
• April 5, 1971: In Ceylon, a group calling themselves the People's Liberation Front began a rebellion against the Bandaranaike government.
• April 12, 1971: Palestinians retreated from Amman to the north of Jordan.
• April 17, 1971: The People's Republic of Bangladesh formed under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Mujibnagor.
• April 19, 1971: The government of Bangladesh fled to India.
• April 20, 1971: Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education: The Supreme Court of the United States ruled unanimously that busing of students may be ordered to achieve racial desegregation.
• April 21, 1971: Siaka Stevens was sworn in as the first president of Sierra Leone.
• April 25, 1971: Todor Zhivkov was reelected as the leader of the Bulgarian Communist Party.
• April 26, 1971: The government of Turkey declared a state of siege in 11 provinces, including Ankara, in response to violent demonstrations.
• April 30, 1971: The Milwaukee Bucks swept the Baltimore Bullets in four games to win their first NBA championship.
• May 1, 1971: Amtrak begins intercity rail passenger service in the United States.
• May 2, 1971: In Ceylon, left-wing guerillas launch a series of assaults against public buildings.
• May 3, 1971: Arsenal F.C. wins the English League First Division championship at the home of their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with Ray Kennedy scoring the winner. (Arsenal will go on to win the league and cup 'double' six days later by defeating Liverpool in the FA Cup final).
• May 5, 1971: The U.S. dollar floods the European currency markets and especially threatens the Deutsche Mark; the central banks of Austria, Belgium, Netherlands and Switzerland stop the currency trading.
• May 6, 1971: The government of Ceylon begins a major offensive against the People's Liberation Front.
• May 9, 1971: Arsenal FC beats Liverpool F.C. 2\u20131 to win the English FA Cup, thus completing the league and cup 'double'.
• May 12, 1971: An earthquake in Turkey destroys most of the city of Burdur.
• May 15, 1971: Israeli ambassador to Turkey Efraim Elrom is kidnapped; he is found killed in Istanbul May 25.
• May 16, 1971: A coup attempt is exposed and foiled in Egypt.
• May 18, 1971: The U.S. Congress formally votes to end funding for the American Supersonic Transport program.
• May 19, 1971: Mars probe program: Mars 2 is launched by the Soviet Union.
• May 22, 1971: An earthquake lasting 20 seconds destroys most of Bing\u00f6l, Turkey; more than 1,000 are killed and 10,000 are made homeless.
• May 23, 1971: Aviogenex Flight 130 crashes at Rijeka Airport, Yugoslavia, killing 78 people, mostly British tourists.
• May 26, 1971: Austria and the People's Republic of China establish diplomatic relations.
• May 27, 1971: Six armed passengers hijack a Romanian passenger plane and force it to fly to Vienna.
• May 30, 1971: Mariner program: Mariner 9 is launched toward Mars.
• May 31, 1971: The birth of Bangladesh is declared by the government in exile in territory formerly part of Pakistan.
• June 1, 1971: Vietnam War: Vietnam Veterans for a Just Peace speaks against war protests, claiming to represent most U.S. veterans in Southeast Asia.
• June 6, 1971: Soyuz 11 (Vladislav Volkov, Georgi Dobrovolski, Viktor Patsayev) is launched as part of the Soyuz program.
• June 10, 1971: The U.S. ends its trade embargo of China, improving diplomatic relations.
• June 11, 1971: Neville Bonner becomes the first Indigenous Australian to sit in the Australian Parliament, marking a significant step in Indigenous representation.
• June 13, 1971: The New York Times begins publishing the Pentagon Papers, a leaked classified study revealing U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
• June 14, 1971: Norway starts oil production in the North Sea, boosting its economy and energy independence.
• June 17, 1971: Japan and the U.S. sign the Okinawa Reversion Agreement, agreeing to return control of Okinawa to Japan.
• June 18, 1971: Southwest Airlines, a low-cost carrier, begins operations between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, revolutionizing air travel.
• June 20, 1971: Britain grants asylum to Soviet space scientist Anatoli Fedoseyev, causing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
• June 21, 1971: Britain initiates new negotiations for EEC membership in Luxembourg, seeking closer ties with European countries.
• June 25, 1971: Madagascar accuses the U.S. of plotting to overthrow its government, leading to strained diplomatic relations and the recall of the U.S. ambassador.
• June 27, 1971: Bill Graham closes the legendary Fillmore East concert venue in New York City, ending an era of iconic music performances.
• June 28, 1971: Jerome A. Johnson shoots Joe Colombo, head of the Colombo crime family, during an Italian-American rally, putting him in a coma.
• June 30, 1971: In New York Times Co. v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that the Pentagon Papers can be published, protecting freedom of the press.
• July 3, 1971: Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, dies of heart failure at age 27 in his Paris apartment.
• July 4, 1971: Michael S. Hart posts the first e-book, the U.S. Declaration of Independence, on the University of Illinois mainframe, starting Project Gutenberg.
• July 5, 1971: The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is certified, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.
• July 6, 1971: Hastings Banda is declared President for Life of Malawi.
• July 9, 1971: The United Kingdom increases its troops in Northern Ireland to 11,000.
• July 10, 1971: A coup attempt in Morocco sees 1,400 cadets seize the king's palace, killing 28; 158 rebels die in the ensuing clash.
• July 13, 1971: Ólafur Jóhannesson forms a government in Iceland.
• July 15, 1971: U.S. President Richard Nixon announces his 1972 visit to China.
• July 17, 1971: Italy and Austria sign a treaty resolving the dispute over South Tyrolean territory.
• July 18, 1971: The Trucial States are formed in the Persian Gulf region.
• July 19, 1971: The South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City tops out, becoming the second-tallest building in the world.
• July 22, 1971: A BOAC flight from London to Sudan is forced to land in Libya, where two leaders of a failed coup are removed and executed.
• July 24, 1971: Georgina Rizk of Lebanon is crowned Miss Universe 1971.
• July 25, 1971: Italian pianist Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli records two Debussy works for Deutsche Grammophon, his fifth recording.
• July 26, 1971: Apollo 15, carrying astronauts David Scott, Alfred Worden, and James Irwin, is launched.
• July 28, 1971: Abdel Khaliq Mahjub, Sudanese communist leader, is hanged.
• July 29, 1971: The United Kingdom cancels its Black Arrow launch vehicle program, ending its involvement in the Space Race.
• July 30, 1971: In Japan, an All Nippon Airways Boeing 727 collides with a fighter jet, resulting in 162 fatalities.
• July 31, 1971: Apollo 15 astronauts David Scott and James Irwin become the first to use the Lunar Roving Vehicle on the Moon.
• August 1, 1971: The Concert for Bangladesh, attended by 40,000 people, raises awareness and funds for refugees of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
• August 2, 1971: J. C. Penney introduces its iconic Helvetica wordmark, which remains its trademark to this day.
• August 5, 1971: The South Pacific Forum (SPF), a regional organization promoting cooperation among Pacific Island countries, is established.
• August 6, 1971: A lengthy total lunar eclipse, visible from multiple continents, occurs, marking the 38th eclipse in Lunar Saros 128.
• August 7, 1971: Apollo 15, a manned space mission to the Moon, successfully returns to Earth, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
• August 9, 1971: India and the Soviet Union sign a 20-year treaty of friendship and cooperation, solidifying their political and economic ties.
• August 10, 1971: The first book in the beloved Mr. Men series, 'Mr. Tickle,' is published, introducing these iconic characters to children worldwide.
• August 11, 1971: Construction begins on the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, a multi-purpose stadium known for hosting major sporting events and concerts.
• August 12, 1971: Syria severs diplomatic relations with Jordan due to ongoing border clashes, escalating tensions between the two countries.
• August 14, 1971: British troops are deployed to the Ireland border to curb arms smuggling, highlighting the ongoing political and security concerns in the region.
• August 15, 1971: Jackie Stewart secures the Formula One World Drivers' Championship title, demonstrating his dominance in the sport.
• August 16, 1971: Hastings Banda, the President of Malawi, becomes the first black president to visit South Africa, marking a symbolic moment in the struggle against apartheid.
• August 18, 1971: Australia and New Zealand announce their decision to withdraw troops from Vietnam, signaling a shift in their involvement in the ongoing conflict.
• August 19, 1971: A right-wing coup in Bolivia triggers a rebellion, with miners and students supporting President Juan José Torres, ultimately leading to the takeover by Hugo Banzer.
• August 20, 1971: The International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Intelsat) is established, aiming to provide global satellite communications services, becoming effective in February 1973.
• August 21, 1971: A bomb explodes at a Liberal Party campaign rally in Manila, Philippines, injuring several anti-Marcos political candidates, highlighting political tensions and violence in the country.
• August 25, 1971: Border clashes erupt between Tanzania and Uganda, escalating tensions between the two nations.
• August 26, 1971: Greece transitions to a civilian government, marking a significant political shift in the country.
• August 30, 1971: In Alberta, Canada, the Progressive Conservatives, led by Peter Lougheed, defeat the long-standing Social Credit government, ending 36 years of their uninterrupted rule.
• September 2, 1971: The United Arab Republic is renamed to the Arab Republic of Egypt, reflecting the dissolution of the union with Syria.
• September 3, 1971: Qatar gains independence from the United Kingdom, becoming the first British protectorate in the Persian Gulf to do so.
• September 4, 1971: A Boeing 727 crashes into a mountain near Juneau, Alaska, killing all 111 people on board, making it the deadliest air disaster in Alaska's history.
• September 8, 1971: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is inaugurated in Washington, D.C., with a performance of Leonard Bernstein's Mass.
• September 9, 1971: John Lennon releases his second solo album, Imagine, featuring the title track which becomes a worldwide hit.
• September 17, 1971: Hugo L. Black retires as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States after a record-breaking 34 years of service, passing away eight days later.
• September 19, 1971: Tram service in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, comes to an end after over a century of operation.
• September 21, 1971: Pakistan declares a state of emergency due to political unrest and tensions with India.
• September 24, 1971: Britain expels 90 Soviet intelligence officials, including KGB and GRU members, amid Cold War tensions.
• September 27, 1971: Japanese Emperor Hirohito makes his first overseas trip, visiting several countries in Europe.
• September 28, 1971: Cardinal József Mindszenty, who sought refuge in the U.S. Embassy in Budapest since 1956, is allowed to leave Hungary and travel to Austria.
• September 29, 1971: A cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, striking the Indian state of Orissa, causes widespread devastation and claims the lives of approximately 10,000 people.
• October 1, 1971: Walt Disney World, a major theme park resort, opens in Orlando, Florida, attracting millions of visitors and becoming a symbol of American entertainment and tourism.
• October 4, 1971: Pink Floyd records their groundbreaking film, Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii, at the ancient Amphitheatre of Pompeii, combining music and stunning visuals.
• October 13, 1971: The Pittsburgh Pirates defeat the Baltimore Orioles in Game 4 of the World Series, marking the first Major League Baseball postseason game played at night.
• October 14, 1971: Greenpeace, a prominent environmental organization, is founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, advocating for environmental protection and raising awareness about global issues.
• October 17, 1971: The Pittsburgh Pirates clinch the 1971 World Series title by defeating the Baltimore Orioles, securing their first World Series victory since 1960.
• October 18, 1971: The Knapp Commission begins public hearings in New York City, investigating police corruption and misconduct, leading to significant reforms in the police department.
• October 21, 1971: U.S. President Richard Nixon nominates Lewis Franklin Powell Jr. and William H. Rehnquist to the U.S. Supreme Court, shaping the court's future decisions and jurisprudence.
• October 24, 1971: Texas Stadium, a renowned sports and entertainment venue, opens in Irving, Texas, hosting the Dallas Cowboys and becoming a prominent landmark.
• October 25, 1971: The United Nations General Assembly recognizes the People's Republic of China as the legitimate government of China, expelling the Republic of China (Taiwan), shifting global diplomatic relations.
• October 27, 1971: The Democratic Republic of the Congo undergoes a name change to Zaire, reflecting political and cultural shifts within the country.
• October 28, 1971: The House of Commons of the United Kingdom votes in favor of joining the European Economic Community (EEC), marking a significant step towards the country's integration with Europe.
• October 29, 1971: Vietnamization, the process of reducing American troop presence in Vietnam, reaches a milestone as the number of U.S. troops drops to a record low, signaling a shift in the war strategy.
• October 30, 1971: Rev. Ian Paisley establishes the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland, a significant political development shaping the region's political landscape.
• October 31, 1971: A bomb explodes atop the Post Office Tower in London, causing significant damage and raising concerns about security and terrorism.
• November 3, 1971: The UNIX Programmer's Manual is published, laying the foundation for the widely used UNIX operating system.
• November 6, 1971: Operation Grommet: The U.S. tests a powerful thermonuclear warhead in Alaska, demonstrating its nuclear capabilities.
• November 8, 1971: Led Zeppelin releases their iconic album Led Zeppelin IV, achieving remarkable sales and critical acclaim.
• November 9, 1971: A Royal Air Force C-130 plane crashes in the Ligurian Sea, resulting in the tragic loss of all 51 individuals on board.
• November 10, 1971: Khmer Rouge forces launch an attack on Phnom Penh and its airport in Cambodia, causing significant casualties and damage.
• November 12, 1971: Vietnam War - Vietnamization: President Nixon sets a deadline for the withdrawal of additional U.S. troops from Vietnam, marking a shift in the war strategy.
• November 13, 1971: Mariner 9 becomes the first spacecraft to successfully enter Mars orbit, initiating a groundbreaking mission to study the Red Planet.
• November 14, 1971: Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria is enthroned, marking a significant event in the Coptic Orthodox Church.
• November 15, 1971: Intel releases the world's first microprocessor, the Intel 4004, revolutionizing the field of computing and ushering in the era of microprocessors.
• November 18, 1971: Oman gains independence from the United Kingdom, marking a milestone in its history and the end of British rule.
• November 20, 1971: A bridge under construction in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, collapses, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The bridge was later reconstructed and became part of the Linha Vermelha elevate.
• November 22, 1971: The Cairngorm Plateau disaster, Britain's worst mountaineering tragedy, claims the lives of five children and their leader due to exposure in the Scottish mountains.
• November 23, 1971: The People's Republic of China takes the Republic of China's seat on the United Nations Security Council, reflecting the changing geopolitical landscape.
• November 24, 1971: D. B. Cooper skyjacks a Northwest Orient Airlines plane, parachutes with ransom money, and disappears without a trace, leaving behind an enduring mystery.
• November 28, 1971: The 59th Grey Cup Game concludes with the Calgary Stampeders defeating the Toronto Argonauts, securing their victory in the Canadian Football League championship.
• November 30, 1971: Iranian forces occupy the Persian Gulf islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunbs, and Lesser Tunbs, asserting their control over these territories.
• December 1, 1971: Khmer Rouge rebels intensify assaults on Cambodian government positions, forcing their retreat from Kompong Thmar and Ba Ray, near Phnom Penh. This event is significant as it marked the escalation of the Cambodian Civil War, which would eventually lead to the Khmer Rouge's victory and the Cambodian genocide.
• December 2, 1971: Six of the seven Trucial States unite to form the United Arab Emirates. This event is significant as it marked the formation of a new nation in the Middle East and the beginning of a new era of cooperation and development in the region.
• December 3, 1971: The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 begins with Pakistan's preemptive attacks on Indian airbases, followed by India's invasion of East Pakistan. This event is significant as it led to the liberation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh.
• December 4, 1971: The Montreux Casino burns down during a Frank Zappa concert, inspiring Deep Purple's song "Smoke on the Water". This event is significant as it marked the end of an era for the casino, which had been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century.
• December 7, 1971: The Battle of Sylhet takes place between the Pakistani military and the Mukti Bahini. This event is significant as it was a major battle in the Bangladesh Liberation War and contributed to the eventual surrender of the Pakistani forces.
• December 8, 1971: U.S. President Richard Nixon orders the 7th Fleet to move towards the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean. This event is significant as it demonstrated the United States' support for Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani War.
• December 10, 1971: The John Sinclair Freedom Rally takes place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, featuring a performance by John Lennon. This event is significant as it was a major protest against the imprisonment of activist John Sinclair and helped raise awareness of the issue of political prisoners.
• December 11, 1971: Nihat Erim forms the new government of Turkey, serving as prime minister for the second time. This event is significant as it marked the beginning of a new era in Turkish politics.
• December 16, 1971: Victory Day of Bangladesh: The Pakistan Army in East Pakistan surrenders to the joint forces of India and the Bengali nationalist separatists, ending the Bangladesh Liberation War. This event is significant as it marked the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
• December 18, 1971: The U.S. dollar is devalued for the second time in history. This event is significant as it had a major impact on the global economy and led to the collapse of the Bretton Woods system of fixed exchange rates.
• December 19, 1971: Clube Atlético Mineiro wins the Brazil Football Championship. This event is significant as it marked the club's first national championship title.
• December 20, 1971: Two groups of French doctors involved in humanitarian aid merge to form Médecins Sans Frontières. This event is significant as it marked the beginning of a new era in humanitarian aid, with MSF becoming one of the world's leading providers of medical assistance in conflict and disaster zones.
• December 24, 1971: Giovanni Leone is elected President of the Italian Republic. This event is significant as it marked the beginning of a new era in Italian politics.
• December 25, 1971: In the longest American football game in history, the Miami Dolphins beat the Kansas City Chiefs after 82 minutes and 40 seconds of playing time. This event is significant as it set a new record for the longest game in NFL history.
• December 26, 1971: Former teacher Patrick Critton hijacks Air Canada Flight 932 and diverts it to Cuba. He would remain a fugitive for almost 30 years. This event is significant as it was one of the most daring hijackings in Canadian history.
• December 29, 1971: The United Kingdom gives up its military bases in Malta. This event is significant as it marked the end of British military presence on the island, which had lasted for over 150 years.
• December 30, 1971: The first McDonald's in Australia opens in Yagoona, Sydney. This event is significant as it marked the beginning of McDonald's expansion into Australia, which has since become one of the company's most successful markets.