World Events in 2017
#MeToo Movement
Following revelations about Harvey Weinstein's decades of sexual abuse, the #MeToo hashtag went viral in October. Millions shared their experiences of harassment and assault, toppling powerful figures across entertainment, media, politics, and business.
Grenfell Tower Fire
On 14 June, a fire engulfed the 24-storey tower block in North Kensington, London, killing 72 people. The tragedy exposed failures in building safety regulation and social housing policy, and became a symbol of inequality in modern Britain.
Manchester Arena Bombing
On 22 May, a suicide bomber detonated a device at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena, killing 22 people including children. The attack was the deadliest terror incident in the UK since the 7 July 2005 London bombings.
Hurricane Maria Devastates Puerto Rico
The Category 5 hurricane struck Puerto Rico in September, causing catastrophic damage and a humanitarian crisis. Nearly 3,000 people died. The island's power grid was destroyed, leaving much of the population without electricity for months.
London Terror Attacks
London suffered multiple terrorist incidents — a vehicle and knife attack on Westminster Bridge in March killed 5, and a van attack on London Bridge in June killed 8. The attacks heightened security concerns but drew resilient responses from Londoners.
Catalonia Independence Crisis
Catalonia held an independence referendum in October despite Spanish government opposition. Police violence against voters drew international condemnation. The Spanish government imposed direct rule, and Catalan leaders were arrested or fled.
Music in 2017
"Shape of You"
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran's dancehall-pop track spent 14 weeks at UK number one — a record-equalling run — and became the best-selling single of 2017 globally. Its marimba-driven beat was arguably the most ubiquitous sound of the year.
"Shape of You"
Ed Sheeran
Sheeran dominated America too, with 'Shape of You' spending 12 weeks at US number one. He simultaneously held multiple spots in the top 10 upon its release, crashing Spotify's servers on the day his album Divide dropped.
#1 Film of 2017
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Box Office: $1.33 billion
Rian Johnson's divisive sequel split the Star Wars fanbase but dominated the box office. Its subversive choices — including Luke Skywalker's characterisation — sparked passionate debate that continues to this day.
Born in 2017
Children of 2017
Born into the year of #MeToo — a generation whose parents lived through a social reckoning
Chicago West
Third child of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, born via surrogate January 2018 but conceived in 2017
Lost in 2017
Chuck Berry
Pioneer of rock and roll (Johnny B. Goode, Roll Over Beethoven)
Age 90
Tom Petty
Musician (Free Fallin', American Girl)
Age 66
Roger Moore
Actor (James Bond, The Saint)
Age 89
Mary Tyler Moore
Actress (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show)
Age 80
Malcolm Young
Co-founder and guitarist of AC/DC
Age 64
Technology in 2017
The iPhone X arrived with Face ID and no home button, setting the template for modern smartphones. Bitcoin surged to nearly $20,000, sparking cryptocurrency mania. Nintendo Switch launched and was instantly beloved. Smart speakers were the hot Christmas gift. Social media's dark side — fake news, echo chambers — was increasingly debated.
- ● iPhone X launched with Face ID and edge-to-edge display
- ● Bitcoin surged from $1,000 to nearly $20,000
- ● Nintendo Switch launched as a home-portable hybrid console
- ● Amazon, Google, and Apple competed in the smart speaker market
Cost of Living in 2017
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £220,000 | $225,000 |
| Average salary | £28,500 | $53,500 |
| Pint of milk | 50p | $0.87 |
| Loaf of bread | £1.36 | $2.80 |
| Dozen eggs | £2.05 | $2.25 |
| Pint of beer | £3.60 | $4.20 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £5.05 | $2.41 |
| Cinema ticket | £7.70 | $8.97 |
Shop 2017 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon
The Zeitgeist of 2017
The Harvey Weinstein scandal broke in October, unleashing the #MeToo movement and a reckoning with sexual harassment across industries. The UK suffered multiple terror attacks and the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Fidget spinners were everywhere. Despacito was inescapable. Grime music went mainstream with Stormzy. Athleisure was now just what people wore.
In the News in 2017
Terror attacks struck London and Manchester. The Grenfell Tower fire killed 72 people. Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. North Korea tested missiles over Japan. Catalonia held an independence referendum. The Rohingya crisis in Myanmar was described as ethnic cleansing.