From political shifts and technological advancements to cultural breakthroughs, these events shape the world and influence the future. In this comprehensive overview, we’ll explore the most significant occurrences from 1981, highlighting key moments that continue to impact our lives today.

Historical events from year 1981. Learn about 651 famous, scandalous and important events that happened in 1981 or search by date or keyword.

Is 1981 a year special to you? Discover what 1981 was famous for, Key World Leaders of 1981, 1981 Time’s Person of the Year, the #1 song, movie and book in 1981, how old is someone born in 1981 and what Chinese zodiac sign is associated to 1981.

January 19 – United States and Iranian officials sign an agreement to release 52 American hostages after 14 months of captivity. January 20 – Ronald Reagan is sworn in as the 40th president of the United States, and George H. W. Bush is sworn in as the 43rd vice president.

Find out what happened in 1981, from major events and historical figures to pop culture and sports. Browse the calendar, highlights, and categories of 1981 in film, music, TV, and more.

1981. Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

Find out what happened in history year 1981, from political events to natural disasters, from cultural milestones to technological innovations. Browse the list of events by date and learn more about the world in 1981.

What happened in 1981 was a plethora of significant and transformative events that would shape the future of industries, politics, and popular culture. From political milestones to technological breakthroughs, the early '80s symbolized a period of rapid progress and innovation.

Explore the major events of 1981, from the inauguration of Ronald Reagan to the first London Marathon, through this interactive timeline. See how newspapers reported these events at the time with original clippings and photos.