World Events in 2015
Paris Terror Attacks
On 13 November, coordinated terrorist attacks at the Bataclan concert hall, restaurants, and the Stade de France killed 130 people and injured over 400. ISIS claimed responsibility. France declared a state of emergency that lasted nearly two years.
European Migrant Crisis
Over a million refugees and migrants arrived in Europe, many fleeing the Syrian civil war. The image of three-year-old Alan Kurdi's body washed up on a Turkish beach became a defining photograph of the crisis and shifted public opinion.
Paris Climate Agreement
195 nations adopted the Paris Agreement in December, pledging to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. It was hailed as a historic breakthrough in international climate diplomacy, though implementation remained uncertain.
US Supreme Court Legalises Same-Sex Marriage
In Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that same-sex couples had a constitutional right to marry in all 50 states. The White House was lit in rainbow colours that evening.
Iran Nuclear Deal Agreed
After years of negotiation, Iran and six world powers reached a deal limiting Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was a landmark of diplomacy, though it remained controversial.
Nepal Earthquake
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on 25 April, killing nearly 9,000 people and destroying ancient temples in Kathmandu. A major aftershock struck less than three weeks later, compounding the devastation.
Music in 2015
"Uptown Funk"
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
This retro-funk banger spent seven weeks at UK number one and was the year's best-selling single. Its infectious groove and Bruno Mars's showmanship made it one of the decade's defining party tracks.
"Uptown Funk"
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Dominating both charts, 'Uptown Funk' spent a colossal 14 weeks at US number one, making it one of the longest-running chart-toppers in history. It won Record of the Year at the Grammys.
#1 Film of 2015
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Box Office: $2.07 billion
The long-awaited return to a galaxy far, far away shattered box office records. J.J. Abrams directed a nostalgic crowd-pleaser that introduced Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren while bringing back Han Solo, Leia, and Chewbacca. It became the third highest-grossing film of all time.
Born in 2015
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
Second child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, born 2 May 2015
Saint West
Second child of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, born December 2015
Lost in 2015
Terry Pratchett
Author of the Discworld series
Age 66
Leonard Nimoy
Actor (Spock in Star Trek)
Age 83
B.B. King
Blues guitarist and singer (The Thrill Is Gone)
Age 89
Christopher Lee
Actor (Dracula, Saruman, Count Dooku)
Age 93
Cilla Black
Singer and television presenter (Blind Date)
Age 72
Technology in 2015
Apple Watch launched, putting computers on wrists. Windows 10 was released as a free upgrade. Music streaming surpassed digital downloads for the first time. Hoverboards were the must-have gadget until they started catching fire. Virtual reality headsets were previewed but not yet on sale. Self-driving cars were being tested on public roads.
- ● Apple Watch launched, creating the modern smartwatch market
- ● Windows 10 released as a free upgrade
- ● Music streaming revenue surpassed digital downloads for the first time
- ● SpaceX successfully landed a Falcon 9 rocket booster for the first time
Cost of Living in 2015
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £190,000 | $196,000 |
| Average salary | £27,500 | $52,500 |
| Pint of milk | 49p | $0.87 |
| Loaf of bread | £1.32 | $2.72 |
| Dozen eggs | £1.98 | $2.15 |
| Pint of beer | £3.40 | $4.00 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £4.90 | $2.43 |
| Cinema ticket | £7.40 | $8.43 |
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The Zeitgeist of 2015
The European migrant crisis put images of desperate refugees on every front page. In lighter moments, the new Star Wars film generated unprecedented hype. Athleisure became acceptable everywhere. Netflix and chill entered the lexicon. Bake Off mania continued. Drake dominated music, and streaming overtook physical and download sales combined.
In the News in 2015
Terrorist attacks in Paris killed 130 people at the Bataclan theatre and other venues. A photo of drowned toddler Alan Kurdi crystallised the refugee crisis. The UK elected a surprise Conservative majority. Same-sex marriage was legalised across the US. The Iran nuclear deal was reached.