Timeline Tuesday 13 March 1979

Events on Tuesday 13 March 1979 2

• 1979 European Monetary System established European Communities create a currency stability zone The European Monetary System came into force on 13 March 1979, linking the currencies of most European Communities member states through the Exchange Rate Mechanism. It aimed to reduce exchange-rate volatility ahead of eventual monetary union. The system operated, with periodic crises, until it was superseded by the euro in 1999.
• 1979 New Jewel Movement seizes power in Grenada Maurice Bishop takes power in a near-bloodless coup The Marxist New Jewel Movement, led by Maurice Bishop, overthrew Grenadian Prime Minister Eric Gairy on 13 March 1979 while Gairy was abroad. Bishop established the People's Revolutionary Government, aligning Grenada with Cuba. The government lasted until Bishop's own overthrow and execution in 1983, which triggered the US invasion of Grenada.