World Events in 1996
Dunblane School Massacre
On 13 March, Thomas Hamilton shot dead 16 children and their teacher at Dunblane Primary School in Scotland before killing himself. The tragedy led to the UK's strict handgun ban.
Euro 96 in England
England hosted the European Football Championship, creating a summer of national euphoria. Gazza's goal against Scotland and Southgate's penalty miss against Germany became defining moments.
Dolly the Sheep Cloned
Scientists at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh successfully cloned Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. The breakthrough raised profound ethical questions about cloning technology.
IRA Bombing of Manchester
On 15 June, the IRA detonated a 1,500 kg truck bomb in Manchester's city centre, injuring over 200 people. It was the largest bomb detonated on British soil since World War II and ended the IRA ceasefire.
Bill Clinton Re-elected
President Clinton defeated Republican Bob Dole to win a second term in the White House. The US economy was booming and Clinton's approval ratings remained high despite ongoing scandals.
TWA Flight 800 Crash
TWA Flight 800 exploded and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after takeoff from JFK Airport on 17 July, killing all 230 people on board. The cause was eventually determined to be a fuel tank explosion.
Music in 1996
"Wannabe"
Spice Girls
The debut single from the Spice Girls spent seven weeks at number one and launched the biggest pop phenomenon of the late 1990s. It went on to top charts in 37 countries.
"Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)"
Los Del Rio
The insanely catchy Spanish dance track spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the quintessential novelty hit of the 1990s.
#1 Film of 1996
Independence Day
Box Office: $817 million worldwide
Roland Emmerich's alien invasion blockbuster starring Will Smith became the biggest film of 1996. The image of the White House being destroyed became an iconic piece of 90s cinema.
Born in 1996
Zendaya
Actress and singer known for Euphoria and the Spider-Man films
Tom Holland
British actor who plays Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Lando Norris
British-Belgian Formula One driver for McLaren
Hailee Steinfeld
Actress and singer, Oscar-nominated for True Grit at age 14
Lost in 1996
Ella Fitzgerald
The First Lady of Song, one of the greatest jazz vocalists ever
Age 79
Tupac Shakur
Influential rapper and actor, killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas
Age 25
Francois Mitterrand
President of France for 14 years, the longest-serving French president
Age 79
Gene Kelly
Actor, dancer, and star of Singin' in the Rain
Age 83
Technology in 1996
Nokia was becoming the dominant mobile phone brand. DVD players went on sale in Japan. Hotmail launched as one of the first free web-based email services. The Nintendo 64 arrived, and Pokémon Red and Blue debuted in Japan.
- ● Hotmail launched as a free web-based email service
- ● Nintendo 64 released with Super Mario 64
- ● DVD format launched in Japan
- ● Pokémon Red and Green released in Japan, starting a global phenomenon
Cost of Living in 1996
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £64,600 | $118,000 |
| Average salary | £17,000 | $35,000 |
| Pint of milk | 31p | $0.62 |
| Loaf of bread | 60p | $0.79 |
| Dozen eggs | £1.14 | $1.10 |
| Pint of beer | £1.48 | $2.60 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £2.40 | $1.23 |
| Cinema ticket | £3.40 | $4.42 |
Shop 1996 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon
The Zeitgeist of 1996
Euro 96 in England created a wave of national euphoria, with Three Lions becoming an anthem. The Spice Girls burst onto the scene demanding you tell them what you really really want. TFI Friday was essential Friday night viewing. Trainspotting made heroin chic both fascinating and disturbing.
In the News in 1996
A bomb exploded at the Atlanta Olympics. Dunblane school massacre led to the UK banning handguns. Dolly the Sheep was cloned at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh. Prince Charles and Princess Diana's divorce was finalised.