World Events in 1990
German Reunification
East and West Germany officially reunited on 3 October 1990, ending over four decades of division. The fall of the Berlin Wall the previous year had set the stage for this historic moment.
Nelson Mandela Released from Prison
After 27 years of imprisonment, Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison on 11 February. His release signalled the beginning of the end of apartheid in South Africa.
Iraq Invades Kuwait
On 2 August, Saddam Hussein's forces invaded and occupied Kuwait. The UN imposed sanctions and authorised the use of force, setting the stage for Operation Desert Storm.
Margaret Thatcher Resigns
After a leadership challenge and waning support over the poll tax, Margaret Thatcher resigned as Prime Minister on 22 November after 11 years in office. John Major succeeded her.
Channel Tunnel Breakthrough
Workers from the British and French sides of the Channel Tunnel met in the middle on 1 December 1990. It was the first physical link between Britain and mainland Europe since the Ice Age.
Music in 1990
"Unchained Melody"
The Righteous Brothers
Re-released after featuring in the film Ghost, it became the best-selling single of 1990 in the UK.
"Hold On"
Wilson Phillips
The debut single from the supergroup of Carnie and Wendy Wilson and Chynna Phillips topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the year's biggest hits.
#1 Film of 1990
Ghost
Box Office: $505 million worldwide
Starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg, Ghost became the highest-grossing film of 1990. The pottery wheel scene became one of cinema's most iconic moments.
Born in 1990
Steph Curry
NBA superstar and greatest three-point shooter in basketball history
Kristen Stewart
Actress best known for the Twilight saga and later acclaimed indie roles
Dev Patel
British actor who starred in Slumdog Millionaire and Lion
Jennifer Lawrence
Oscar-winning actress known for The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook
Lost in 1990
Greta Garbo
Legendary Swedish-American Hollywood actress of the silent and golden eras
Age 84
Sammy Davis Jr.
Entertainer and member of the Rat Pack, known for Mr. Bojangles
Age 64
Jim Henson
Creator of the Muppets and Sesame Street puppets
Age 53
Roald Dahl
Beloved children's author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and more
Age 74
Technology in 1990
The World Wide Web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN, though few outside academia knew about it yet. Home computing meant Amiga and Atari ST machines, and the first GPS satellites were being deployed. Microsoft shipped Windows 3.0, finally making PCs user-friendly.
- ● Windows 3.0 released by Microsoft
- ● Tim Berners-Lee proposes the World Wide Web
- ● The Hubble Space Telescope launched into orbit
- ● The first GPS satellite constellation becomes partially operational
Cost of Living in 1990
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £59,785 | $97,000 |
| Average salary | £13,760 | $30,000 |
| Pint of milk | 25p | $0.55 |
| Loaf of bread | 50p | $0.70 |
| Dozen eggs | £1.00 | $1.00 |
| Pint of beer | £1.10 | $2.00 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £1.80 | $1.16 |
| Cinema ticket | £2.80 | $4.23 |
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The Zeitgeist of 1990
Acid house and rave culture dominated British nightlife while hip-hop and R&B surged in the US. Shell suits, neon colours, and big hair were still everywhere. The World Cup in Italy captivated fans, with Gazza's tears becoming an iconic moment.
In the News in 1990
Poll tax riots erupted across Britain as Thatcher's flagship policy backfired spectacularly. Nelson Mandela walked free from prison after 27 years. Iraq invaded Kuwait in August, setting the stage for the Gulf War.