April 1980

Wednesday 02:

U.S. President Jimmy Carter signs the Crude Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act in an effort to help the U.S. economy rebound.

Monday 07:

The United States severs diplomatic relations with Iran and imposes economic sanctions following the taking of American hostages on November 4, 1979.

Saturday 12:

Terry Fox began his trans-Canada marathon to raise money for cancer research (Marathon of Hope) by dipping his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean at St. John's, Newfoundland, aiming to dip it again in the Pacific Ocean at Vancouver, British Columbia.

Friday 18:

The Republic of Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) comes into being, with Canaan Banana as the country's first President.

Saturday 19:

In The Hague, Netherlands, Johnny Logan wins the twenty-fifth Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland singing "What's Another Year".

Thursday 24:

Eight U.S. servicemen died in Operation Eagle Claw as they attempted to end the Iran hostage crisis.

Wednesday 30:

Accession of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.