World Events in 2008
Global Financial Crisis
The collapse of Lehman Brothers on 15 September triggered the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Banks worldwide teetered on the brink, governments scrambled to provide bailouts worth trillions, and ordinary people lost homes, jobs, and savings. The UK nationalised Northern Rock and partly nationalised RBS and Lloyds.
Barack Obama Elected President
On 4 November, Barack Obama defeated John McCain to become the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the office. His 'Yes We Can' campaign inspired millions and his victory speech in Chicago's Grant Park drew over 200,000 people.
Beijing Olympics
China hosted the Olympics with a spectacular opening ceremony directed by Zhang Yimou. The games were dominated by Michael Phelps winning eight gold medals and Usain Bolt's electrifying 100m and 200m world records, which announced him as the fastest man in history.
Mumbai Terror Attacks
Over four days in late November, ten gunmen from Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out coordinated attacks across Mumbai, targeting the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a railway station, and a Jewish centre. 166 people were killed and over 300 wounded.
Russia-Georgia War
In August, a five-day war erupted between Russia and Georgia over the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia's swift military intervention and subsequent recognition of the regions' independence alarmed Western nations and foreshadowed later conflicts.
Music in 2008
"Hallelujah"
Alexandra Burke
The X Factor winner's cover of Leonard Cohen's classic became the fastest-selling single by a female artist in UK chart history, selling over 105,000 copies on its first day and becoming the Christmas number one.
"Low"
Flo Rida ft. T-Pain
The hip-hop club anthem spent 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 early in the year, with its 'apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur' hook becoming one of the most recognisable lines of the decade.
#1 Film of 2008
The Dark Knight
Box Office: $1.005 billion worldwide
Christopher Nolan's Batman sequel transcended the superhero genre to become a cultural event, driven by Heath Ledger's legendary posthumous performance as the Joker. Ledger would win a posthumous Oscar, and the film proved comic book movies could be prestige cinema.
Born in 2008
Blue Ivy Carter
Daughter of Beyonce and Jay-Z (born 2012 — note: limited notable 2008 births in public life yet)
Future Gen Alpha stars
Most public figures born in 2008 are still emerging as of the mid-2020s
Kai Rooney
Son of Wayne and Coleen Rooney who has pursued football in Manchester United's academy
Sunday Rose Kidman Urban
Daughter of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
Lost in 2008
Heath Ledger
Australian actor who posthumously won an Oscar for his iconic portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight
Age 28
Paul Newman
Oscar-winning American actor and philanthropist known for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and his Newman's Own food brand
Age 83
Charlton Heston
American actor who starred in Ben-Hur and Planet of the Apes
Age 84
Bernie Mac
American comedian and actor known for The Bernie Mac Show and Ocean's Eleven
Age 50
Technology in 2008
Apple launched the App Store alongside the iPhone 3G, creating the app economy. Google Chrome browser launched. Spotify began in Sweden, offering legal streaming music. Android phones arrived with the HTC Dream. Blu-ray won the format war as HD DVD was discontinued.
- ● Apple App Store launched with 500 apps — creating the app economy
- ● Google Chrome browser released
- ● Spotify launched in Sweden as a legal music streaming service
- ● First Android phone (HTC Dream/T-Mobile G1) released
Cost of Living in 2008
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £163,000 | $198,000 |
| Average salary | £24,500 | $47,000 |
| Pint of milk | £0.34 | $0.44 |
| Loaf of bread | £0.80 | $1.37 |
| Dozen eggs | £1.70 | $1.96 |
| Pint of beer | £2.55 | $3.55 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £4.70 | $3.27 |
| Cinema ticket | £5.70 | $7.18 |
Shop 2008 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon
The Zeitgeist of 2008
A year that began with normal life and ended with genuine fear about the future. Lehman Brothers collapsed in September and suddenly the word 'recession' was everywhere. Against this backdrop, Obama's 'Yes We Can' campaign offered hope. The Dark Knight became a cultural phenomenon, partly due to Heath Ledger's posthumous performance. Beijing hosted a dazzling Olympics, and Usain Bolt announced himself to the world.
In the News in 2008
The Mumbai terror attacks killed 166 people over four days. Fidel Castro officially stepped down as Cuba's leader. Oil hit a record $147 per barrel before crashing. Russia and Georgia fought a brief war over South Ossetia. The Large Hadron Collider was switched on at CERN.