World Events in 1991
Gulf War - Operation Desert Storm
A US-led coalition launched a massive air campaign against Iraq on 17 January, followed by a ground offensive in February. Kuwait was liberated after just 100 hours of ground combat.
Dissolution of the Soviet Union
On 25 December, Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as Soviet president, and the USSR formally ceased to exist the following day. Fifteen independent republics emerged from the collapse.
Yugoslav Wars Begin
Slovenia and Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, triggering armed conflict. The wars would consume the Balkans for most of the decade and produce Europe's worst atrocities since World War II.
Apartheid Laws Repealed in South Africa
President F.W. de Klerk repealed the remaining apartheid laws including the Group Areas Act and the Population Registration Act. This marked a formal end to the legal framework of racial segregation.
Rajiv Gandhi Assassinated
Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a suicide bomber during an election rally on 21 May. The assassination was carried out by the Tamil Tigers.
Music in 1991
"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You"
Bryan Adams
From the Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves soundtrack, it spent a record-breaking 16 consecutive weeks at number one in the UK.
"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You"
Bryan Adams
The power ballad from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves dominated charts worldwide, spending seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
#1 Film of 1991
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Box Office: $520 million worldwide
James Cameron's sequel starring Arnold Schwarzenegger pushed the boundaries of CGI with its liquid metal T-1000. It was the highest-grossing film of 1991.
Born in 1991
Ed Sheeran
Singer-songwriter and one of the best-selling music artists of all time
Feliciano Lopez
Spanish tennis player known for his longevity on the ATP Tour
Tyler, the Creator
Rapper, producer, and fashion designer who founded Odd Future
Jamie Murray
British doubles tennis champion, brother of Andy Murray
Lost in 1991
Freddie Mercury
Lead vocalist of Queen, one of rock's greatest ever frontmen
Age 45
Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)
Beloved author and illustrator of children's books including The Cat in the Hat
Age 87
Miles Davis
Legendary jazz trumpeter and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century
Age 65
Robert Maxwell
Media mogul who died amid a massive pension fraud scandal
Age 68
Technology in 1991
The World Wide Web went public as Tim Berners-Lee published the first website. Ninetendo released the Super NES in the US, and mobile phones were starting to shrink from bricks to merely large handsets. Linus Torvalds released the first Linux kernel.
- ● The first website goes live at CERN
- ● Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) launched in the US
- ● Linux kernel first released by Linus Torvalds
- ● Apple launches the PowerBook laptop range
Cost of Living in 1991
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £62,455 | $100,000 |
| Average salary | £14,420 | $31,000 |
| Pint of milk | 26p | $0.56 |
| Loaf of bread | 52p | $0.72 |
| Dozen eggs | £1.04 | $1.01 |
| Pint of beer | £1.18 | $2.10 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £1.90 | $1.14 |
| Cinema ticket | £2.90 | $4.21 |
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The Zeitgeist of 1991
Grunge was emerging from Seattle with Nirvana's Nevermind transforming rock music overnight. In the UK, Madchester and the rave scene still dominated, with baggy jeans and bucket hats the uniform. Bryan Adams seemed to be number one forever.
In the News in 1991
Operation Desert Storm liberated Kuwait in just 100 hours of ground combat. The Soviet Union formally dissolved on Christmas Day. Robert Maxwell fell off his yacht amid a pensions scandal.