World Events in 1988
Lockerbie Bombing
On 21 December, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 people on board and 11 on the ground. It was the deadliest terrorist attack in British history. Libya was later held responsible.
Piper Alpha Oil Rig Disaster
On 6 July, an explosion on the Piper Alpha oil platform in the North Sea killed 167 workers. It remains the world's deadliest offshore oil rig disaster and led to sweeping safety reforms.
Ben Johnson Stripped of Olympic Gold
At the Seoul Olympics, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson won the 100m in a world record 9.79 seconds, then tested positive for steroids and was stripped of his medal. It became the defining doping scandal in sport.
Iran-Iraq War Ends
After eight years and over a million deaths, Iran and Iraq agreed to a UN-brokered ceasefire in August. Both countries were devastated, and the conflict reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics.
George H.W. Bush Elected President
Vice President Bush defeated Democrat Michael Dukakis to win the presidency, promising a 'kinder, gentler nation' and famously pledging 'Read my lips: no new taxes.'
Armenian Earthquake
On 7 December, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake devastated northern Armenia, killing over 25,000 people and leaving 500,000 homeless. The disaster prompted an unusual Soviet acceptance of international aid.
Music in 1988
"Mistletoe and Wine"
Cliff Richard
The seemingly ageless Cliff Richard scored his 12th UK number one with this Christmas ballad. It was the best-selling single of 1988 in the UK.
"Faith"
George Michael
George Michael reinvented himself as a solo artist with this rockabilly-influenced pop track. The Faith album sold 25 million copies and proved Michael could succeed outside Wham!
#1 Film of 1988
Rain Man
Box Office: $354 million
Dustin Hoffman won the Oscar for his portrayal of autistic savant Raymond Babbitt opposite Tom Cruise. The film won Best Picture and made 'Rain Man' a cultural reference point for autism awareness.
Born in 1988
Adele
Singer (21, 25, 30), sixteen-time Grammy winner
Rihanna
Singer and fashion mogul
Rupert Grint
Actor (Ron Weasley in Harry Potter)
Russell Westbrook
NBA basketball star
Emma Stone
Actress (La La Land, Poor Things)
Lost in 1988
Enzo Ferrari
Founder of Ferrari automobiles
Age 90
Roy Orbison
Singer (Oh, Pretty Woman, Crying)
Age 52
Trevor Howard
Actor (Brief Encounter, The Third Man)
Age 71
Kenneth Williams
Actor and comedian (Carry On films)
Age 62
Technology in 1988
The first internet worm (Morris Worm) disrupted early internet. Stephen Hawking published 'A Brief History of Time.' Sega Mega Drive launched in Japan. The first transatlantic fibre optic cable was laid.
- ● Morris Worm — first internet worm disrupts 6,000 computers
- ● Stephen Hawking published A Brief History of Time
- ● Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) launched in Japan
- ● First transatlantic fibre optic cable (TAT-8) operational
Cost of Living in 1988
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £49,400 | $91,600 |
| Average salary | £11,500 | $27,300 |
| Pint of milk | 26p | $0.64 |
| Loaf of bread | 47p | $0.59 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £1.60 | $0.95 |
| Pint of beer | 68p | $1.50 |
| Dozen eggs | 75p | $0.81 |
| Cinema ticket | £2.50 | $4.11 |
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The Zeitgeist of 1988
The Second Summer of Love swept Britain as acid house and ecstasy culture took over abandoned warehouses and fields. Smiley face logos were everywhere. Rain Man won hearts, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit blended animation with live action. The Seoul Olympics showcased Ben Johnson's fall from grace.
In the News in 1988
Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed over Lockerbie, Scotland on 21 December, killing 270 people. The Piper Alpha oil rig explosion killed 167 workers in the North Sea. George H.W. Bush won the US presidential election. The Soviet Union began withdrawing from Afghanistan.