1978

1978 was a year of notable political, scientific, and cultural developments around the world. It saw significant shifts in international diplomacy, pivotal changes in leadership, and milestones in science and popular culture.

Diplomacy: The Camp David Accords, negotiated in September 1978 with U.S. mediation, established a framework for peace between Israel and Egypt and laid groundwork for the 1979 Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty.

Religion: In October 1978, Cardinal Karol Józef Wojtyła was elected pope, chosen as John Paul II, the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, who led the Catholic Church until 2005.

Science and medicine: On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown became the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization, a milestone in reproductive medicine.

China: In December, the Third Plenum of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China signaled a shift toward economic reform and opening to the world, setting the stage for Deng Xiaoping's modernization program.

Disaster and tragedy: On November 18, 1978, the Jonestown mass murder–suicide in Guyana resulted in 918 deaths after the Jim Jones cult's exodus.

Legal: The U.S. Supreme Court, in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, ruled in 1978 that while race could be considered in admissions, quotas were unconstitutional, shaping affirmative action policy.

Sports and culture: The 1978 FIFA World Cup was held in Argentina, with the host nation winning the tournament; the final finished 3–1 against the Netherlands.

Film and music: 1978 saw the release of influential films such as Halloween and Grease, reflecting a diverse cinematic year.