1967, Nov. 2001. The Encyclopedia of World History

The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001.


1967, Nov

Nur Ahmad Etemadi became the new prime minister.	1

1971–72

The worst drought in Afghanistan's recorded history. In spite of extensive international aid, some 100,000 people died during the resulting famine.	2

1973, July 17

A bloodless MILITARY COUP was organized by former prime minister MUHAMMAD DAOUD, who became the new head of state. The new government, which declared itself a republic, immediately suspended the constitution of 1964. The king, Zahir Shah, officially abdicated on Aug. 24.	3

1975, May 1

Nationalization of the country's banks.	4

1977, Jan. 30

Promulgation of a new constitution. Muhammad Daoud was elected president on Feb. 14.	5

1978, April 27

A MILITARY COUP installed the left-wing regime of Nur Muhammad Taraki, who became president and prime minister. Muhammad Daoud and several other leaders of the fallen government were executed.	6

1979, Sept. 16

Resignation of Pres. Taraki. Prime Minister Hafizullah Amin became the new president.	7

Dec. 21

THE SOVIET INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN immediately ignited a civil war (See Dec). The Soviet force consisted of 85,000 troops, rising to 120,000 by 1983. The war uprooted more than 3 million civilian refugees, who fled across the border to Pakistan and Iran. Six days later, Pres. Amin was overthrown and executed. BABRAK KARMAL succeeded to the presidency.	8


The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.