World Events in 1994
Nelson Mandela Elected President of South Africa
In the first fully democratic election in South Africa's history, Nelson Mandela and the ANC won a landslide victory. Mandela was inaugurated on 10 May, completing the country's transition from apartheid.
Channel Tunnel Opens
The Channel Tunnel between England and France was officially opened on 6 May by Queen Elizabeth II and President Mitterrand. The 31-mile tunnel was the longest undersea tunnel in the world.
Rwandan Genocide
Between April and July, an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were massacred in Rwanda over approximately 100 days. The international community was widely criticised for failing to intervene.
IRA Ceasefire Declared
On 31 August, the IRA announced a complete cessation of military operations, raising hopes for peace in Northern Ireland. Loyalist paramilitaries followed with their own ceasefire in October.
Death of Kurt Cobain
Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain was found dead on 8 April at his home in Seattle, aged 27. His death marked the symbolic end of the grunge movement and he became an icon of Generation X.
O.J. Simpson Car Chase and Trial
O.J. Simpson led police on a televised slow-speed chase in a white Ford Bronco on 17 June. He was subsequently charged with the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in what became the 'trial of the century.'
Music in 1994
"Love Is All Around"
Wet Wet Wet
Featured in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral, it spent 15 weeks at number one in the UK, only kept from the record by the band voluntarily withdrawing it.
"I'll Make Love to You"
Boyz II Men
The smooth R&B ballad spent 14 weeks at number one, matching the record Boyz II Men had set themselves two years earlier.
#1 Film of 1994
The Lion King
Box Office: $968 million worldwide
Disney's animated epic featuring the voices of Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, and James Earl Jones became the highest-grossing film of 1994. Its Elton John soundtrack was everywhere.
Born in 1994
Justin Bieber
Canadian pop superstar discovered on YouTube who became a global phenomenon
Harry Styles
Singer who rose to fame in One Direction before a hugely successful solo career
Dakoda Johnson
Actress known for the Fifty Shades of Grey film series
Marcus Rashford
Manchester United and England footballer and child poverty campaigner
Lost in 1994
Kurt Cobain
Nirvana frontman and voice of Generation X
Age 27
Ayrton Senna
Three-time Formula One World Champion, killed at the San Marino Grand Prix
Age 34
John Smith
Leader of the Labour Party whose sudden death paved the way for Tony Blair
Age 55
Richard Nixon
37th President of the United States who resigned over the Watergate scandal
Age 81
Technology in 1994
The internet began its journey into homes with early dial-up services like CompuServe and AOL. Sony launched the PlayStation in Japan, changing gaming forever. Amazon was founded in Jeff Bezos's garage. Netscape Navigator brought web browsing to the mainstream.
- ● Sony PlayStation launched in Japan
- ● Amazon founded by Jeff Bezos
- ● Netscape Navigator browser released
- ● The first banner ad appeared on HotWired.com
Cost of Living in 1994
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £60,139 | $109,000 |
| Average salary | £15,820 | $33,000 |
| Pint of milk | 29p | $0.59 |
| Loaf of bread | 56p | $0.75 |
| Dozen eggs | £1.10 | $0.97 |
| Pint of beer | £1.35 | $2.40 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £2.15 | $1.11 |
| Cinema ticket | £3.20 | $4.18 |
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The Zeitgeist of 1994
Britpop exploded with Oasis and Blur leading the charge. Kurt Cobain's death in April shook the music world. Friends debuted on TV and instantly defined 90s fashion and humour. The World Cup in the USA ended with Roberto Baggio skying a penalty in the final.
In the News in 1994
The National Lottery launched in the UK with its famous crossed-fingers branding. Tony Blair became Labour leader after John Smith's sudden death. O.J. Simpson's slow-speed car chase was watched by 95 million Americans.