World Events in 2019
Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire
On 15 April, a devastating fire broke out in the medieval cathedral in Paris, causing the iconic spire to collapse. Millions watched in horror as the 850-year-old landmark burned. Over €1 billion was pledged for reconstruction within days.
Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Protests
Millions took to the streets of Hong Kong beginning in June, initially opposing an extradition bill and then demanding broader democratic freedoms. The protests, lasting months, drew increasingly forceful responses from police and drew global attention.
Greta Thunberg and Climate Strikes
The Swedish teenager's school strike movement grew into a global phenomenon, with an estimated 6 million people joining climate strikes in September. Thunberg addressed the UN, telling world leaders 'How dare you,' and was named Time Person of the Year.
Boris Johnson Becomes PM and Wins Election
Boris Johnson replaced Theresa May as Conservative leader and Prime Minister in July. After months of parliamentary deadlock over Brexit, he called a snap election in December and won a commanding 80-seat majority on a 'Get Brexit Done' platform.
Trump Impeached
The US House of Representatives impeached President Trump in December on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his dealings with Ukraine. The Senate acquitted him in February 2020.
Christchurch Mosque Shootings
On 15 March, a white supremacist terrorist attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 51 worshippers. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern won global praise for her compassionate response and swift action on gun reform.
Music in 2019
"Someone You Loved"
Lewis Capaldi
The Scottish singer's heart-wrenching ballad spent seven weeks at UK number one and was the year's best-seller. Capaldi's self-deprecating humour on social media made him as famous for his personality as his voice.
"Old Town Road"
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
The country-rap fusion spent a record-breaking 19 weeks at US number one, smashing the record held by 'Despacito' and 'One Sweet Day'. Its journey from TikTok meme to global hit redefined how songs could go viral.
#1 Film of 2019
Avengers: Endgame
Box Office: $2.80 billion
The conclusion to Marvel's Infinity Saga became the highest-grossing film of all time (before adjusting for inflation), surpassing Avatar. 'I am Iron Man' and the portals scene became iconic moments in cinema history.
Born in 2019
Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
Son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Prince Harry and Meghan Markle), born 6 May 2019
Children of 2019
The last birth year before the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the world
Lost in 2019
Karl Lagerfeld
Fashion designer, creative director of Chanel
Age 85
Toni Morrison
Nobel Prize-winning author (Beloved, Song of Solomon)
Age 88
Doris Day
Actress and singer (Pillow Talk, Que Sera Sera)
Age 97
Peter Fonda
Actor (Easy Rider)
Age 79
Niki Lauda
Three-time Formula One World Champion
Age 70
Technology in 2019
The streaming wars intensified as Disney+ launched to challenge Netflix. Apple TV+ also entered the fray. 5G networks began rolling out. TikTok exploded, becoming the most downloaded app in the world. Deepfakes emerged as a concern. Foldable phones actually launched — Samsung's Galaxy Fold, albeit with teething problems.
- ● Disney+ launched with 10 million subscribers on day one
- ● 5G networks began commercial rollout
- ● TikTok became the world's most downloaded app
- ● Samsung Galaxy Fold launched as the first mainstream foldable phone
Cost of Living in 2019
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £235,000 | $260,000 |
| Average salary | £30,000 | $54,000 |
| Pint of milk | 52p | $0.89 |
| Loaf of bread | £1.40 | $2.90 |
| Dozen eggs | £2.15 | $2.35 |
| Pint of beer | £3.79 | $4.50 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | £5.20 | $2.60 |
| Cinema ticket | £8.00 | $9.16 |
Shop 2019 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon
The Zeitgeist of 2019
Climate activism surged — Greta Thunberg's school strikes inspired millions, and Extinction Rebellion blocked London streets. Brexit paralysis continued with three Prime Ministers in quick succession becoming two. Fleabag won everything. Old Town Road blurred genre boundaries. VSCO girls and OK Boomer defined internet culture. The decade ended with a sense of things about to change.
In the News in 2019
Boris Johnson became Prime Minister and won a general election. Hong Kong erupted in pro-democracy protests. Notre-Dame Cathedral caught fire. Trump was impeached by the House. Extinction Rebellion staged disruptive protests worldwide. A new virus was detected in Wuhan in December.