World Events in 1986
Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster
On 26 April, Reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine exploded, releasing radioactive contamination across Europe. It remains the worst nuclear power plant accident in history.
Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
On 28 January, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members including teacher Christa McAuliffe. Millions of schoolchildren watched the launch live on television.
Maradona's 'Hand of God'
At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Diego Maradona scored two of football's most famous goals against England — the controversial 'Hand of God' and the dazzling 'Goal of the Century' — in the same quarter-final match.
London's Big Bang
On 27 October, the deregulation of London's financial markets transformed the City into a global financial powerhouse. Electronic trading replaced the old open-outcry system on the stock exchange floor.
US Bombs Libya
In April, US aircraft bombed Tripoli and Benghazi in retaliation for Libyan-sponsored terrorism, including the bombing of a Berlin nightclub. Colonel Gaddafi survived but his adopted daughter was killed.
Iran-Contra Affair Breaks
In November, it was revealed that the Reagan administration had secretly sold arms to Iran and funnelled the profits to Contra rebels in Nicaragua, creating the biggest political scandal since Watergate.
Music in 1986
"Every Loser Wins"
Nick Berry
The EastEnders actor's ballad topped the UK chart for three weeks. It was the year's best-selling single in Britain — proof of the soap opera's enormous cultural power in the 1980s.
"That's What Friends Are For"
Dionne Warwick & Friends
A charity single for AIDS research featuring Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John. It raised over $3 million and won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Group.
#1 Film of 1986
Top Gun
Box Office: $357 million
Tom Cruise became the biggest movie star in the world as fighter pilot Maverick. The film boosted US Navy recruitment by 500% and made aviator sunglasses and leather jackets essential fashion items.
Born in 1986
Usain Bolt
Fastest man in history, eight Olympic gold medals
Lady Gaga
Singer, songwriter, and actress
Rafael Nadal
Tennis champion, 22 Grand Slam titles
Robert Pattinson
Actor (Twilight, The Batman)
Megan Fox
Actress (Transformers)
Lost in 1986
Christa McAuliffe
Teacher and astronaut, killed in Challenger disaster
Age 37
Cary Grant
Actor (North by Northwest, Charade)
Age 82
James Cagney
Actor (Yankee Doodle Dandy, White Heat)
Age 86
Simone de Beauvoir
French writer and feminist philosopher
Age 78
Technology in 1986
The Chernobyl disaster raised questions about nuclear technology. Pixar was incorporated as a company. The first laptop with a modern clamshell design appeared. Microsoft went public, making Bill Gates a billionaire on paper.
- ● Pixar incorporated as independent company
- ● Microsoft held its IPO, making Bill Gates a billionaire
- ● IBM PC convertible — early laptop with clamshell design
- ● Mir space station launched by the Soviet Union
Cost of Living in 1986
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £36,000 | $80,200 |
| Average salary | £9,900 | $25,300 |
| Pint of milk | 24p | $0.62 |
| Loaf of bread | 45p | $0.56 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £1.65 | $0.93 |
| Pint of beer | 58p | $1.35 |
| Dozen eggs | 68p | $0.87 |
| Cinema ticket | £2.20 | $3.71 |
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The Zeitgeist of 1986
A year of shocking disasters and unforgettable sporting moments. The Challenger explosion was watched by millions of schoolchildren. Chernobyl made the world fear nuclear power. But Maradona's 'Hand of God' at the World Cup and Ferris Bueller's Day Off kept spirits high. Top Gun made everyone want to be a fighter pilot.
In the News in 1986
The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster contaminated huge areas of Europe. The 'Big Bang' deregulated London's financial markets. Rupert Murdoch moved his papers to Wapping, breaking the print unions.