World Events in 2003
Invasion of Iraq
On 20 March, a US-led coalition invaded Iraq claiming Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. Baghdad fell within three weeks and Saddam's statue was famously toppled on 9 April. No WMDs were ever found, and the occupation would last years.
Global Anti-War Protests
On 15 February, an estimated 6 to 10 million people marched in over 600 cities worldwide against the impending Iraq War. The London march attracted up to 2 million people, making it the largest protest in British history.
Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
On 1 February, Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart during re-entry over Texas, killing all seven crew members. A piece of insulating foam had struck the wing during launch, creating a breach that allowed superheated gases to penetrate the shuttle.
SARS Outbreak
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome spread from southern China to over 30 countries, infecting around 8,000 people and killing 774. The outbreak caused widespread panic and was a harbinger of future coronavirus pandemics.
Capture of Saddam Hussein
On 13 December, US forces found the former Iraqi dictator hiding in a cramped underground hole near his hometown of Tikrit. His dishevelled appearance was broadcast worldwide, a stark contrast to his former image of power.
Music in 2003
"Where Is the Love?"
The Black Eyed Peas
Released in the shadow of the Iraq War, the socially conscious anthem spent seven weeks at number one in the UK and became one of the defining songs of the year.
"In Da Club"
50 Cent
50 Cent's debut single was inescapable in 2003, spending nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and helping his album 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' sell nearly a million copies in its first week.
#1 Film of 2003
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Box Office: $1.14 billion worldwide
Peter Jackson's epic conclusion swept all 11 of its Oscar nominations, tying the record for most Academy Awards won by a single film. It was a triumphant end to the most ambitious film trilogy ever attempted.
Born in 2003
Kobbie Mainoo
English footballer who broke through at Manchester United and became an England international as a teenager
Olivia Rodrigo
American singer-songwriter whose debut single 'Drivers License' broke streaming records in 2021
Ryan Garcia
American boxer and social media star who became one of the most popular young fighters in the sport
Lana Condor
Vietnamese-American actress known for Netflix's To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Lost in 2003
Johnny Cash
Legendary American country singer-songwriter known as 'The Man in Black'
Age 71
Bob Hope
British-American comedian and actor who entertained US troops for decades
Age 100
Fred Rogers
Beloved American television host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
Age 74
Gregory Peck
Oscar-winning American actor best known for playing Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird
Age 87
Barry White
American soul and R&B singer known for his deep voice and romantic ballads
Age 58
Technology in 2003
MySpace launched and quickly became the dominant social network. Apple's iTunes Store opened, legitimising digital music. Skype brought free internet calling to the masses. The Blackberry was the must-have business gadget.
- ● Apple launched the iTunes Music Store — 99 cents per song
- ● MySpace launched and rapidly gained millions of users
- ● Skype released for free internet voice calls
- ● LinkedIn launched as a professional networking site
Cost of Living in 2003
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £125,000 | $170,000 |
| Average salary | £21,500 | $42,000 |
| Pint of milk | £0.27 | $0.38 |
| Loaf of bread | £0.57 | $1.05 |
| Dozen eggs | £1.38 | $1.13 |
| Pint of beer | £2.10 | $3.20 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £3.55 | $1.59 |
| Cinema ticket | £4.90 | $6.03 |
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The Zeitgeist of 2003
The year was dominated by the Iraq War — millions protested worldwide before the invasion, and the toppling of Saddam's statue became an iconic image. Pop culture offered escapism through the final Lord of the Rings film and the rise of emo/pop-punk. Fashion embraced polo shirts with popped collars and Von Dutch caps. Beckham mania peaked as he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid.
In the News in 2003
The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated on re-entry, killing all seven crew. Arnold Schwarzenegger became Governor of California. The SARS outbreak caused global panic. Concorde made its final flight. The UK government's case for Iraq's 'weapons of mass destruction' was increasingly questioned.