The year 1986 was designated as the International Year of Peace by the United Nations. Aruba gains increased autonomy from the Netherlands by separating from the Netherlands Antilles. Spain and Portugal enter the European Community, which becomes the European Union in 1993.
What happened and who was famous in 1986? Browse important and historic events, world leaders, famous birthdays and notable deaths from the year 1986.
1986 was a very eventful year, with so many big events from all over the world making the headlines. This 1986 timeline takes you through all the important 1986 events, from changes in politics to Nobel Prizes and much more.
Events from the year 1986 in the United States. January 12 – STS-61-C: Space Shuttle Columbia is launched with the first Hispanic-American astronaut, Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz. January 20 – The first federal Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring Martin Luther King Jr., is observed.