Lesser-known facts about the father of modern science
The year 1995, now 30 years ago, was a defining period in global history, marked by events that shaped the political, social, and cultural landscapes. From the O.J. Simpson verdict that captivated the world, to the Srebrenica massacre that highlighted the horrors of war, 1995 was a year of significant change and reflection.
Click on for a look back a the world events that defined 1995.
Austria, Finland, and Sweden officially joined the European Union, expanding the bloc's membership to 15 nations.
The WTO was established to replace the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The WTO aims to regulate international trade, promote free trade agreements, and resolve disputes between nations.
The Great Hanshin earthquake struck southern Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, with a maximum Shindo of 7. The 6.9-magnitude quake caused widespread devastation, claiming over 6,400 lives and displacing hundreds of thousands.
On February 9, 1995, Bernard Harris became the first Black man to walk in space. His historic spacewalk aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour marked a milestone.
Barings Bank, the UK's oldest investment banking firm, collapsed after rogue trader Nick Leeson (pictured) incurred massive losses in unauthorized trades.
The Aum Shinrikyo cult released sarin gas in the Tokyo subway system, killing 14 people and injuring over a thousand. This horrifying terrorist attack shocked Japan and the world.
Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov returned to Earth after spending a record-breaking 438 days aboard the Mir space station.
The Schengen Agreement came into effect, easing cross-border travel in participating European countries. This milestone eliminated internal borders, allowing for free movement of people and goods.
The "Queen of Tejano Music" was tragically murdered by her former fan club president, Yolanda Saldívar. The loss of the 23-year-old star shocked fans worldwide and underscored her immense influence on Latin music.
Timothy McVeigh detonated a bomb at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people, including 19 children. It became the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in US history.
The US government ceased funding the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET), marking the complete privatization of the Internet.
On May 14, 1995, the Dalai Lama named six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima the 11th Panchen Lama. Days later, Chinese authorities detained him, sparking global criticism. Nyima remains forcibly detained, along with his family, in an undisclosed location.
A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Neftegorsk on Sakhalin Island, Russia, with a Mercalli intensity of IX. The disaster destroyed the town, killing nearly 2,000 people and injuring hundreds.
Japanese police safely rescued 365 hostages from a hijacked All Nippon Airways flight at Hakodate Airport. The lone hijacker, armed with a knife, demanded the release of Aum Shinrikyo cult leader Shoko Asahara.
The Sampoong Department Store in Seoul, South Korea, catastrophically collapsed, killing 502 people and injuring 937. Poor construction practices and negligence were cited as causes.
The Iraq disarmament crisis began as the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) reported a weakening of UN Security Council unity. Nations like France and Russia prioritized economic ties with Iraq over its disarmament, creating significant diplomatic tensions. Pictured is the UN disarmament chief for Iraq, Rolf Ekéus.
Space Shuttle Atlantis made history on June 29 by docking with the Russian Mir space station for the first time. This mission marked a milestone in US-Russia space cooperation.
President Bill Clinton announced the restoration of diplomatic relations between the US and Vietnam, 20 years after the Vietnam War had ended. This marked a new chapter in reconciliation and diplomacy.
Between July 11 and 22, Bosnian Serb forces massacred over 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica, a UN-designated safe area. It's considered the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II.
Microsoft launched Windows 95 on August 24, revolutionizing personal computing with its user-friendly interface and groundbreaking Start menu.
On October 3, O.J. Simpson was acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The high-profile trial captivated global audiences and highlighted racial tensions in the US.
The Million Man March, organized by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, gathered hundreds of thousands of African-American men in Washington, D.C., promoting unity, empowerment, and social justice.
A devastating fire in the Baku Metro in Azerbaijan killed 289 passengers, making it the deadliest subway disaster in history. The tragedy highlighted safety concerns in public transportation systems.
Quebec narrowly rejected independence from Canada in a referendum, with 50.58% voting to remain. The close result underscored deep divisions over sovereignty within the province and the nation.
In November 1995, the Indian government officially renamed Bombay to Mumbai, reclaiming its historic name and honoring Marathi heritage.
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated at a peace rally in Tel Aviv. His death was a significant blow to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and global hopes for resolution.
Typhoon Angela wreaked havoc on the Philippines and Vietnam, leaving 882 people dead and causing US$315 million in damages.
A car bomb exploded outside the Egyptian Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, destroying the building's facade. At least 13 people were killed and dozens more were wounded.
The Dayton Agreement was signed in Paris, officially ending the Bosnian War. The peace deal brought a resolution to the devastating conflict, establishing Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single state.
American Airlines Flight 965, a Boeing 757, crashed into a mountain near Buga, Colombia, killing 160 passengers and crew. The tragedy was one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Colombia.
Sources: (Historic Newspapers) (BBC) (History)
See also: 30 songs turning 30 in 2025
World events that defined 1995
What made a mark 30 years ago
LIFESTYLE History
The year 1995, now 30 years ago, was a defining period in global history, marked by events that shaped the political, social, and cultural landscapes. From the O.J. Simpson verdict that captivated the world, to the Srebrenica massacre that highlighted the horrors of war, 1995 was a year of significant change and reflection.
Click on for a look back a the world events that defined 1995.