HomeBlog

What was going on when I was born?

Enter your birthdate to find out.

Historical Context for January 4, 1980

In 1980, the world population was approximately 4,447,606,236 people[†]

In 1980, the average yearly tuition was $738 for public universities and $3,225 for private universities. Today, these costs have risen to $9,750 and $35,248 respectively[†]

Filter by:

Headlines from January 4, 1980

U.S. Jury Is Investigating Esposito Race-Track Tie; Parr's Role Disclosed $14 Million Loan Arranged Angered at 'Extortion' U.S. Jury Investigating Esposito's Race-Track Role $60,000 Brokerage Fee Dismissed on Technicality

By Marcia Chambers

A Federal grand jury in Brooklyn is investigating activities by Meade H. Esposito, the head of the Brooklyn Democratic organization, and some of his business associates in connection with the financing and construction of the Parr Meadows quarterhorse race track in Yaphank, L.I.

None0 words
Continue reading...
Share

BUYING OF U.S. GRAIN IS SPEEDED BY SOVIET; Corn and Wheat Orders Apparently Placed in Fear of an Embargo Purchases Were Doubled U.S. Grain Purchases Speeded Up By Soviet Iran Loadings Refused 25 Million-Ton Agreement

By Seth S. King Special To the New York Times

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3--The Soviet Union, apparently anxious about the possibility of a United States grain embargo in retaliation for its intervention in Afghanistan, sharply increased the pace of its purchases of American wheat and corn today.

None0 words
Continue reading...
Share

Rhodesia Rebels Lag in Reporting To Truce Points; As Deadline Approaches, Fewer Than Half Are In Continuing Reports of Violence Rhodesian Rebels' Response Is Slow Nkomo Reschedules Return Armed Action Is an Option

By John F. Burns Special To the New York Times

SALISBURY, Rhodesia, Jan. 3--British officials reported today that a total of 6,880 Patriotic Front guerrillas had reported to cease-fire holding points around the country with only 30 hours to go before the assembly deadline of midnight tomorrow. The officials declared that "this isn't enough."

None0 words
Continue reading...
Share

PRESIDENT OBTAINS SUPPORT IN CONGRESS ON ARMING PAKISTAN; REPRISALS OVER AFGHANISTAN Carter Drafts Series of Measures Against Russians, Including Trade and Embassy Curb 3 Categories of Reprisal Steps Carter Gains Support in Congress On Reviving Arms Aid to Pakistan Pakistan Once a Close Ally

By Bernard Gwertzman Special To the New York Times

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3--President Carter won the backing of key members of Congress today for emergency legislation to lift a ban on military aid to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Soviet military intervention in neighboring Afghanistan.

None0 words
Continue reading...
Share

I was wondering if anything interesting on the news was going on when I was born, and decided to create this website for fun. The purpose is to show people what was going on when they were born. With this website I've found out that it was a pretty slow news day on my birthday, but I bet it would feel cool to know a historical event happened on your birthday.

The data used in this project is provided by the New York Times API. They have by far the best API I was able to find, with articles dating back to the 1950s. There weren't any other major newspapers that had an API with close to as much data. The closest was the Guardian API, but theirs only went back to the 1990s. I decided to only use articles from the New York Times because their API was by far the best. This tool works if you have a birthday after the 1950s or so.

Some important dates in history I'd recommend looking up on this website are:

  • 9/11/2001: The September 11 Attacks happened on this day, the news articles from this date provide great context to the tragedy our nation suffered and the immediate response from the American people. The headlines capture the shock, confusion, and unity that emerged in the aftermath of this devastating event.
  • 7/20/1969: The historic Apollo 11 moon landing, when humans first set foot on another celestial body. The articles from this date showcase humanity's greatest achievement in space exploration and the culmination of the space race.
  • 11/9/1989: The fall of the Berlin Wall, marking the beginning of the end of the Cold War. The coverage provides fascinating insights into this pivotal moment in world history and the emotions of people as decades of division came to an end.
  • 1/20/2009: Barack Obama's inauguration as the first African American President of the United States, a watershed moment in American history that represented a major milestone in the ongoing journey toward racial equality.
  • 8/15/1969: The Woodstock Music Festival began, marking a defining moment in American counterculture and music history. The coverage captures the spirit of the era and the unprecedented gathering of young people.

These historical events are just a few examples of the fascinating moments in history you can explore through this tool. Whether you're interested in your own birthday, significant historical dates, or just curious about what was making headlines on any given day, this website offers a unique window into the past through the lens of contemporary news coverage.

You can read more on our blog.