Bicentenary of James Cook in Australia Bicentenary of James Cook in Australia The Bicentenary of James Cook in Australia was commemorated in Australia in 1970. The British explorer Lieutenant (later Captain) James Cook sailed and charted the East Coast of Australia in 1770, and claimed the Eastern Seabord of the Continent for the British Crown. This is not considered the official bicentenary of Australia, but rather the mapping of the Eastern coastline. Commemorations were held in Australia in 1970. A commemorative 50 cent piece was issued. The name of the place on which he is believed to have made first landfall was renamed from Cape Everard
1988 Polish strikes 1988 Polish strikes The 1988 Polish strikes were a massive wave of workers' strikes which broke out in 1988 in the Polish People's Republic. The strikes, as well as street demonstrations, continued throughout spring and summer, ending in early September 1988. These actions shook the Communist regime of the country to such an extent, that it was forced to begin talking about recognising Solidarity. As a result, later that year, the regime decided to negotiate with the opposition, which opened way for the 1989 Round Table Agreement. The second, much bigger wave of strikes (August 1988) surprised both the government,