World Events in 2014
Russia Annexes Crimea
In March, following the Ukrainian revolution, Russia annexed Crimea after a disputed referendum. Western nations imposed sanctions and Russia was expelled from the G8, marking the worst deterioration in East-West relations in decades.
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 Disappears
On 8 March, a Boeing 777 carrying 239 people vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Despite the largest search in aviation history, the aircraft was never found, becoming one of the greatest mysteries in modern aviation.
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 Shot Down
On 17 July, a second Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 was shot down by a Russian-made missile over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. The Dutch-led investigation concluded the missile was fired from rebel-held territory.
Scottish Independence Referendum
Scotland voted 55.3% to 44.7% to remain part of the United Kingdom on 18 September. The campaign generated extraordinary political engagement, with an 84.6% turnout — the highest for any UK election since 1950.
ISIS Declares Caliphate
The Islamic State captured large swathes of Iraq and Syria, declaring a caliphate in June. Their brutal tactics, including filmed executions, shocked the world and prompted a US-led military coalition to intervene.
Ebola Outbreak in West Africa
The largest Ebola outbreak in history swept through Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, ultimately killing over 11,000 people. The crisis exposed the fragility of health systems in developing nations.
Music in 2014
"Happy"
Pharrell Williams
Originally from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, Pharrell's irresistibly upbeat anthem spent four weeks at UK number one and was the year's best-seller. Its 24-hour music video was a landmark in online content.
"Happy"
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell's 'Happy' was the feel-good hit of the year on both sides of the Atlantic, spending ten weeks at US number one. It was nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar and became an anthem for positivity.
#1 Film of 2014
Transformers: Age of Extinction
Box Office: $1.10 billion
Michael Bay's fourth Transformers film topped the global box office largely thanks to its massive Chinese audience. While critically panned, it demonstrated the growing importance of the Chinese market to Hollywood.
Born in 2014
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
Second child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (born May 2015, but this era's royal baby anticipation was building)
Children of 2014
The first generation to grow up with smart speakers and voice assistants in their homes from infancy
Lost in 2014
Robin Williams
Actor and comedian (Good Will Hunting, Mrs Doubtfire, Aladdin)
Age 63
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Actor (Capote, The Big Lebowski, The Master)
Age 46
Lauren Bacall
Actress (To Have and Have Not, The Big Sleep)
Age 89
Maya Angelou
Author and poet (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings)
Age 86
Joan Rivers
Comedian and television host
Age 81
Technology in 2014
Streaming overtook DVD sales for the first time. Amazon launched the Echo smart speaker with Alexa. Apple Pay launched alongside the iPhone 6, which had the biggest screen yet. Uber was expanding aggressively into new cities. Facebook bought WhatsApp for $19 billion and Oculus VR for $2 billion.
- ● Amazon Echo and Alexa launched, bringing smart speakers to homes
- ● Apple Pay launched with the iPhone 6
- ● Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion
- ● The Ice Bucket Challenge proved viral media's fundraising power
Cost of Living in 2014
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £180,000 | $188,000 |
| Average salary | £27,000 | $52,000 |
| Pint of milk | 49p | $0.90 |
| Loaf of bread | £1.30 | $2.69 |
| Dozen eggs | £1.95 | $2.10 |
| Pint of beer | £3.30 | $3.90 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £5.30 | $3.36 |
| Cinema ticket | £7.20 | $8.17 |
Shop 2014 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon
The Zeitgeist of 2014
The Ice Bucket Challenge raised $115 million for ALS research and proved viral charity could work. Festival culture peaked. Normcore fashion — deliberately plain clothing — became a thing. Serial, the first blockbuster podcast, launched a new media format. Pharrell's hat was everywhere.
In the News in 2014
Malaysia Airlines suffered two disasters — MH370 vanished and MH17 was shot down over Ukraine. Russia annexed Crimea, triggering the worst East-West tensions since the Cold War. Scotland voted 55-45 to remain in the UK. The Ebola outbreak in West Africa killed over 11,000 people. ISIS declared a caliphate in Iraq and Syria.