With another lockdown in full swing, we have all found ourselves with far more time on our hands than usual. All of us are looking forward to life getting back to “normal”, but for the older generation in particular, this has been a chance to look back and reflect on fond memories and times passed.
One way to reminisce and delve back into history is with an original edition of a newspaper, perhaps one from a special or significant date. Historic Newspapers offers an archive of over four million newspapers, stretching back all the way to 1901.
These newspapers are perfect for the nostalgic family member in your life, and are particularly effective as anything from a graduation present to a 90th birthday gift. With that in mind, we look back here at some of the biggest events in the world over the past ninety years, decade-by-decade.
1930s
The Great Depression swept its way across the globe following the Wall Street Crash at the end of the roaring twenties.
Hitler came to power in Germany, ultimately culminating in the invasion of Poland four months before the end of the decade. In the same year, Gone with the Wind becomes the most successful motion picture in history.
1940s
World War II rages on for half a decade until the suicide of Hitler, bringing about the surrender of Germany and the end of both the war and the Holocaust.
George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four is published, while Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby dominate the music charts.
1950s
Cold War tensions rise and are compounded by the beginning of the Space Race. TV networks broadcast in colour for the first time, ushering in the so-called “Golden Age of Television”.
A young Elvis Presley bursts onto the scene.
1960s
The Civil Rights Movement gains momentum in America, most notably with Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. King is later assassinated, as is US President John F. Kennedy. Hippies, drugs, rock n’ roll and free love grab the attention of the younger generation.
England win their first and to date only football World Cup.
1970s
As America navigates its way through both the Vietnam War and the Watergate Scandal, Margaret Thatcher becomes Britain’s first female Prime Minister.
The videogame Pong is released, and Star Wars hits theatres.
Muhammad Ali defeats George Foreman in “The Rumble in the Jungle”.
1980s
The Live Aid concerts raise £150 million towards ending famine in Ethiopia, a year before the worst nuclear disaster in history occurs at Chernobyl.
The world is entertained by the Rubik’s Cube, the personal computer, and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.
Right at the end of the decade, the Berlin Wall finally falls.
1990s
Nelson Mandela is released from prison after 27 years, and goes on to become President of South Africa.
Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, is killed in a car crash in Paris.
The invention of the internet alters numerous aspects of daily life forever.
Dolly the Sheep becomes the first cloned mammal on Earth.
2000s
Terrorists attack the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Youtube and Facebook are founded, and the Freeview television platform is launched across the UK.
Usain Bolt becomes the fastest man of all-time at the Beijing Olympics.
2010s
Queen Elizabeth II becomes the UK’s longest-reigning monarch. Donald Trump is voted in as President of the United States, and Britain votes to leave the European Union.
Avengers: Endgame becomes the highest-grossing film ever, making $2.8 billion at the box office.
*Collaborative Post*
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