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Major Events by Decade (1950s-Present)
Major Events by Decade (1950s-Present)
Copyright © 2015 Bert N. Langford (Images may be subject to copyright. Please send feedback)
On this Main Menu Page ("Major Events by Decade"), and the individual Decade web pages below it, we overview the following topics:
- Culture
- Television
- Movies/Stage
- Music
- The Economy
- Technology
- Political Events
- and Military Engagements.
Click on the following (blue/underlined Hyperlinks) for full amplification of each decade, starting with the 1950s and ending with the Present Decade starting in 2010. Below we will highlight the most outstanding individuals and events, for each decade:
Sports : 1950 to Present
We feature Sports as a Genre Web Page (under the above menu choice "Best of Media"): below we also cover the major sports championships:
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1950-1959
We feature Sports as a Genre Web Page (under the above menu choice "Best of Media"): below we also cover the major sports championships:
- Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series Champions
- National Football League (NFL) Superbowl Champions
- National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Champions
- National Basketball Association Champions
- FIFA World Cup (Soccer)
- Major Pro Golf Championships
- Major Pro Tennis Championships
- Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing
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1950-1959
- Martin Luther King, Jr. emerged to become the prominent leaders of the Civil Rights movement, which began in earnest in the 1960s.
- Television became mainstream, and reflected the culture of a simpler time. Westerns were huge then. And sitcoms like "I Love Lucy" and "The Honeymooners reflected that same, simpler culture.
- Movies saw period (and religious) blockbusters such as Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, The Robe, and Cleopatra, and others. Science Fiction was also a popular movie genre. And we were introduced to teen idol movies starring such popular icons as Marlon Brando and James Dean.
- Music began moving away from crooners and big band music into Rock and Roll, Rhythm and Blues (R&B) and Soul. Noteworthy entertainers starting in the 1950s include Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, Little Richard, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Brenda Lee, Johnny Mathis, Johnny Cash, etc.
- The Economy grew significantly as the country recovered from World War II and the Korean Conflict. The middle class enjoyed its biggest expansion in this decade, with union members comprising almost half of the American work force.
- Technology during this decade saw the start of the space race with first, The Soviet Union's Sputnik satellite, followed by the United States with Explorer I just three months later. And, for which all American have benefited, the U.S. Interstate Highway System began!
- Political Climate: The Cold War created a politically conservative climate with Congressional hearings in both houses of Congress, for which the period was known as the "Red Scare.
- Military Engagements started with the Korean conflict then the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Cuba became a communist nation only 90 miles off-shore from the U.S., in-all leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis in the next decade.
1960-1969
- "The Sixties", as the decade became known in both scholarship and popular culture, represented the counterculture and revolution in social norms. Progressive legislation passed for Civil Rights, Voting Rights, and Fair Housing. In addition 1967 was the summer of love in San Francisco, as well as the Woodstock Festival in 1969. The decade was also labeled the Swinging Sixties because of the fall or relaxation of social taboos especially relating to racism and sexism that occurred during this time.
- Television: The most popular American TV series of the 1960s include The Ed Sullivan Show, Science Fictions series like Star Trek, The Outer Limits, and The Twilight Zone, Mysteries like The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Variety shows like Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In and The Dick Van Dyke show, as well as The Beverly Hillbillies, and Westerns like Bonanza and Gunsmoke.
- Movies include the highest grossing "The Sound of Music" (1965), as well as The Birds, Bonnie and Clyde, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Easy Rider (1969), The Graduate (1969 and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1969). Acting careers launched or furthered include Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, Audrey Hepburn, Steve McQueen, Julie Andrews, Goldie Hawn, Sidney Poitier, and many others.
- Music: The taste of the American listeners expanded from the folksinger, doo-wop and saxophone sounds of the 1950s to the Motown sound, folk rock and the British Invasion led by The Beatles in 1964. The rise of the counterculture movement, particularly among the youth, created a market for rock, soul, pop, reggae and blues music. Musical artists of the decade also included The Supremes, Simon and Garfunkel, The Moody Blues, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, The Grateful Dead, The Four Seasons, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Beach Boys, and Jefferson Airplane.
- The Economy The decade began with a recession from 1960–61, at that time unemployment was considered high at around 7%. In his campaign John F. Kennedy promised to "get America moving again." His goal was economic growth of 4-6% per year and unemployment below 4%, to do this he instituted a 7% tax credit for businesses that invest in new plants and equipment. By the end of the decade median family income had risen from $8,540 in 1963 to $10,770 by 1969.
- Technology The Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union dominated the 1960s, ending the decade on 20 July 1969, with the landing of Apollo 11 on the Moon by Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, and the Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin.
- Political Climate: the Decade was a tumultuous one for America:
- 1963 – Kennedy was assassinated and replaced by Lyndon Johnson.
- Medicare became a national social insurance program, administered by the U.S. federal government since 1966, currently using about 30 private insurance companies across the United States. Medicare provides health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older who have worked and paid into the system. It also provides health insurance to younger people with disabilities, end stage renal disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Richard Milhous Nixon (January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994) was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974 when he became the only U.S. president to resign the office.
- Military Engagements:
- The War in Vietnam would eventually lead to a commitment of over half a million American troops, resulting in over 58,500 American deaths and producing a large-scale antiwar movement in the United States.
- The Bay of Pigs Invasion was a failed military invasion of Cuba undertaken by the CIA-sponsored paramilitary group Brigade 2506 on 17 April 1961.
- Six Day War (June 1967) – a war between Israel and the neighboring states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The Arab states of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria also contributed troops and arms. At the war's end, Israel had gained control of the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.
1970-1979:
Culture:
In the Western world, social progressive values that began in the 1960s, such as increasing political awareness and political and economic liberty of women, continued to grow. Industrialized countries, except Japan, experienced an economic recession due to an oil crisis caused by oil embargoes by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries.
With the assassinations of both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Senator Bobby Kennedy, many blacks were compelled to reject ideas of negotiation and instead embrace isolation. The feminist movement also splintered from a larger push for Civil Rights in the 1970s.
Culture:
In the Western world, social progressive values that began in the 1960s, such as increasing political awareness and political and economic liberty of women, continued to grow. Industrialized countries, except Japan, experienced an economic recession due to an oil crisis caused by oil embargoes by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries.
With the assassinations of both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Senator Bobby Kennedy, many blacks were compelled to reject ideas of negotiation and instead embrace isolation. The feminist movement also splintered from a larger push for Civil Rights in the 1970s.
Television:
For TV, the trends included the decline of the "family sitcoms" and rural-oriented programs to more socially contemporary shows and "young, hip and urban" sitcoms in the United States. Westerns lost favor. The women's movement ushered in a slew of programming featuring strong, independent females as central characters. Minority-centric television programming also featured prominently during the 1970s. Shows featuring minorities as main characters. TV medical shows came to light, along with sexually-oriented shows. Long-running soap operas emerged, along with game shows. Variety shows began to lose favor.
For TV, the trends included the decline of the "family sitcoms" and rural-oriented programs to more socially contemporary shows and "young, hip and urban" sitcoms in the United States. Westerns lost favor. The women's movement ushered in a slew of programming featuring strong, independent females as central characters. Minority-centric television programming also featured prominently during the 1970s. Shows featuring minorities as main characters. TV medical shows came to light, along with sexually-oriented shows. Long-running soap operas emerged, along with game shows. Variety shows began to lose favor.
Movies:
Top-grossing films of the decade included Star Wars, Jaws, The Exorcist, and Godfather (both the original and Part II, as well as Patton, The French Connection, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, an Rocky). Best actors included George C. Scott (Patton), Gene Hackman (The French Connection), Marlon Brando (The Godfather), and Jack Nicholson (The Last Detail). Best actresses included Jane Fonda (Klute and Coming Home), Liza Minelli (Cabaret), Faye Dunaway (Network), Diane Keaton (Annie Hall) and Sally Field (Norma Rae).
Top-grossing films of the decade included Star Wars, Jaws, The Exorcist, and Godfather (both the original and Part II, as well as Patton, The French Connection, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, an Rocky). Best actors included George C. Scott (Patton), Gene Hackman (The French Connection), Marlon Brando (The Godfather), and Jack Nicholson (The Last Detail). Best actresses included Jane Fonda (Klute and Coming Home), Liza Minelli (Cabaret), Faye Dunaway (Network), Diane Keaton (Annie Hall) and Sally Field (Norma Rae).
Music:
The decade saw a mixture of musical artists like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, James Taylor, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Yes, Pink Floyd, Rush, Queen, The Who, Genesis, King Crimson, Judas Priest, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and disco-era stars like The Bee Gees, Village People, and Donna Summer.
The decade saw a mixture of musical artists like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, James Taylor, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Yes, Pink Floyd, Rush, Queen, The Who, Genesis, King Crimson, Judas Priest, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and disco-era stars like The Bee Gees, Village People, and Donna Summer.
The Economy:
The 1970s were perhaps the worst decade of most industrialized countries' economic performance since the Great Depression. The oil shocks of 1973 and 1979 added to the existing ailments and conjured high inflation throughout much of the world for the rest of the decade. U.S. manufacturing industries began to decline as a result, with the United States running its last trade surplus (as of 2009) in 1975. The average annual inflation rate increased (from 1900 to 1970 @ 2.5%) to an average rate of 7.06% for the 1970s, topping out at 13.29% in December 1979.
The 1970s were perhaps the worst decade of most industrialized countries' economic performance since the Great Depression. The oil shocks of 1973 and 1979 added to the existing ailments and conjured high inflation throughout much of the world for the rest of the decade. U.S. manufacturing industries began to decline as a result, with the United States running its last trade surplus (as of 2009) in 1975. The average annual inflation rate increased (from 1900 to 1970 @ 2.5%) to an average rate of 7.06% for the 1970s, topping out at 13.29% in December 1979.
Technology:
As the 1960s ended, the United States had made two successful manned lunar landings. Many Americans lost interest afterward, feeling that since the country had accomplished President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing on the moon by the end of the 1960s, and there was no need for further missions. The remaining Apollo and Saturn hardware was used for the Skylab space station program in 1973–1974, and for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP), which was carried out in July 1975. After successful vaccination campaigns throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the WHO certified the eradication of smallpox in December 1979. The birth of modern computing was in the 1970s.
As the 1960s ended, the United States had made two successful manned lunar landings. Many Americans lost interest afterward, feeling that since the country had accomplished President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing on the moon by the end of the 1960s, and there was no need for further missions. The remaining Apollo and Saturn hardware was used for the Skylab space station program in 1973–1974, and for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP), which was carried out in July 1975. After successful vaccination campaigns throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the WHO certified the eradication of smallpox in December 1979. The birth of modern computing was in the 1970s.
Political Climate:
By the time of 1980, the misery index (the sum of the unemployment rate and the inflation rate) had reached an all-time high of 21.98%. The economic problems of the 1970s would result in a sluggish cynicism replacing the optimistic attitudes of the 1950s and 1960s. The 1970s were marked by the energy crisis which peaked in 1973 and 1979. Gasoline was rationed in many countries. In the United States, customers with a license plate ending in an odd number were only allowed to buy gasoline on odd-numbered days, while even-numbered plate-holders could only purchase gasoline on even-numbered days. Ecological awareness rose substantially, which had a major effect on the economy.
By the time of 1980, the misery index (the sum of the unemployment rate and the inflation rate) had reached an all-time high of 21.98%. The economic problems of the 1970s would result in a sluggish cynicism replacing the optimistic attitudes of the 1950s and 1960s. The 1970s were marked by the energy crisis which peaked in 1973 and 1979. Gasoline was rationed in many countries. In the United States, customers with a license plate ending in an odd number were only allowed to buy gasoline on odd-numbered days, while even-numbered plate-holders could only purchase gasoline on even-numbered days. Ecological awareness rose substantially, which had a major effect on the economy.
Military Engagements:
The Vietnam War came to a close in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the unconditional surrender of South Vietnam on April 30, 1975.
The Yom Kippur War (1973) - the war was launched by Egypt against Israel in October 1973 with the Israelis repelling the invasion. In 1978, Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel at Camp David in the United States, ending outstanding disputes between the two countries. Sadat's actions would lead to his assassination in 1981.
The Munich massacre takes place at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, where Palestinian Arab terrorists of the Black September terrorist organization kidnap and murder eleven Israeli athletes.
The Vietnam War came to a close in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the unconditional surrender of South Vietnam on April 30, 1975.
The Yom Kippur War (1973) - the war was launched by Egypt against Israel in October 1973 with the Israelis repelling the invasion. In 1978, Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel at Camp David in the United States, ending outstanding disputes between the two countries. Sadat's actions would lead to his assassination in 1981.
The Munich massacre takes place at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, where Palestinian Arab terrorists of the Black September terrorist organization kidnap and murder eleven Israeli athletes.
Culture:
The decade saw great social, economic, and general change as wealth and production migrated to newly industrializing economies.
The 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow were disrupted by a boycott led by the United States and 64 other countries in protest of the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The decade saw great social, economic, and general change as wealth and production migrated to newly industrializing economies.
The 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow were disrupted by a boycott led by the United States and 64 other countries in protest of the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Television:
The 1980s was the decade of transformation in television. And it also saw the debut of prime-time soap operas like Dallas and Dynasty. The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson dominated late-night TV. Prime-time TV included The Love Boat, Lou Grant, One Day at a Time, Newhart, Taxi, MacGyver, L.A. Law, M*A*S*H, Barney Miller, Laverne and Shirley, Mork and Mindy, Miami Vice, the Jeffersons, and many more.
The 1980s was the decade of transformation in television. And it also saw the debut of prime-time soap operas like Dallas and Dynasty. The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson dominated late-night TV. Prime-time TV included The Love Boat, Lou Grant, One Day at a Time, Newhart, Taxi, MacGyver, L.A. Law, M*A*S*H, Barney Miller, Laverne and Shirley, Mork and Mindy, Miami Vice, the Jeffersons, and many more.
Movies:
Movies dominating the decade included Ordinary People, Gandhi, Terms of Endearment, Platoon, Rain Man, and Driving Miss Daisy.
Highest-grossing films included E.T. The Extra-Terrestial, Star Wars, the Indiana Jones franchise, Back to the Future, Top Gun, and Fatal Attraction. Other popular movies included Dirty Dancing, Flashdance, Footloose, and The Raging Bull.
The 1980s also spawned the Brat Pack films like The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off .
The decade's movies launched the careers of high-profile celebrities like Demi Moore, Joe Pesci, Keanu Reeves, Kevin Bacon, Rob Lowe, and Patrick Swayze. And such films propelled the careers of modern celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Eddie Murphy, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone to international recognition.
Movies dominating the decade included Ordinary People, Gandhi, Terms of Endearment, Platoon, Rain Man, and Driving Miss Daisy.
Highest-grossing films included E.T. The Extra-Terrestial, Star Wars, the Indiana Jones franchise, Back to the Future, Top Gun, and Fatal Attraction. Other popular movies included Dirty Dancing, Flashdance, Footloose, and The Raging Bull.
The 1980s also spawned the Brat Pack films like The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off .
The decade's movies launched the careers of high-profile celebrities like Demi Moore, Joe Pesci, Keanu Reeves, Kevin Bacon, Rob Lowe, and Patrick Swayze. And such films propelled the careers of modern celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Eddie Murphy, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone to international recognition.
Music:
The 1980s saw the emergence of dance music and new wave. As disco fell out of fashion in the decade's early years, genres such as post-disco, Italo disco, Euro disco and dance-pop became more popular.
Rock music continued to enjoy a wide audience. Soft rock, glam metal, thrash metal, shred guitar characterized by heavy distortion, pinch harmonics and whammy bar abuse became very popular.
Adult contemporary, quiet storm, and smooth jazz gained popularity. In the late 1980s, glam metal became the largest, most commercially successful brand of music in the United States and worldwide.
The 1980s are commonly remembered for an increase in the use of digital recording, associated with the usage of synthesisers, with synth-pop music and other electronic genres featuring non-traditional instruments increasing in popularity.
Also during this decade, several major electronic genres were developed, including electro, techno, house, freestyle and Eurodance, rising in prominence during the 1990s and beyond.
Throughout the decade, R&B, hip hop and urban genres were becoming commonplace, particularly in the inner-city areas of large, metropolitan cities; rap was especially successful in the latter part of the decade, with the advent of the golden age of hip hop. These urban genres—particularly rap and hip hop—would continue their rise in popularity through the 1990s and 2000s.
A 2010 survey conducted by the digital broadcaster Music Choice, which polled over 11,000 European participants, revealed that the 1980s is the most favored tune decade of the last 50 years.
The 1980s saw the emergence of dance music and new wave. As disco fell out of fashion in the decade's early years, genres such as post-disco, Italo disco, Euro disco and dance-pop became more popular.
Rock music continued to enjoy a wide audience. Soft rock, glam metal, thrash metal, shred guitar characterized by heavy distortion, pinch harmonics and whammy bar abuse became very popular.
Adult contemporary, quiet storm, and smooth jazz gained popularity. In the late 1980s, glam metal became the largest, most commercially successful brand of music in the United States and worldwide.
The 1980s are commonly remembered for an increase in the use of digital recording, associated with the usage of synthesisers, with synth-pop music and other electronic genres featuring non-traditional instruments increasing in popularity.
Also during this decade, several major electronic genres were developed, including electro, techno, house, freestyle and Eurodance, rising in prominence during the 1990s and beyond.
Throughout the decade, R&B, hip hop and urban genres were becoming commonplace, particularly in the inner-city areas of large, metropolitan cities; rap was especially successful in the latter part of the decade, with the advent of the golden age of hip hop. These urban genres—particularly rap and hip hop—would continue their rise in popularity through the 1990s and 2000s.
A 2010 survey conducted by the digital broadcaster Music Choice, which polled over 11,000 European participants, revealed that the 1980s is the most favored tune decade of the last 50 years.
Economy:
The early 1980s was marked by a severe global economic recession that affected much of the developed world. Inflation peaked in the U.S. in April 1980 at 14.76% and subsequently fell to a low of 1.10% in December 1986 but then rebounded to 4.65% at the end of the decade.
The early 1980s was marked by a severe global economic recession that affected much of the developed world. Inflation peaked in the U.S. in April 1980 at 14.76% and subsequently fell to a low of 1.10% in December 1986 but then rebounded to 4.65% at the end of the decade.
Technology:
The 1980s had many fundamental advances in medicine and biology. The 1980s are also considered to be the decade when video games achieved massive popularity. The personal computer experienced explosive growth in the 1980s, transitioning from a hobbyist's toy to a full-fledged consumer product. The IBM PC, launched in 1981, became the dominant computer for professional users. High definition television (HDTV) of both the analog and digital variety were first developed in the 1980s though their use did not become widespread until the mid-2000s.
The 1980s had many fundamental advances in medicine and biology. The 1980s are also considered to be the decade when video games achieved massive popularity. The personal computer experienced explosive growth in the 1980s, transitioning from a hobbyist's toy to a full-fledged consumer product. The IBM PC, launched in 1981, became the dominant computer for professional users. High definition television (HDTV) of both the analog and digital variety were first developed in the 1980s though their use did not become widespread until the mid-2000s.
Political Climate:
Ronald Reagan was elected U.S. President in 1980. He pursued a hard line policy towards preventing the spread of communism, initiating a considerable buildup of U.S. military power to challenge the Soviet Union. He further directly challenged the Iron Curtain by demanding that the Soviet Union dismantle the Berlin Wall. Despite a peak in tensions in the early part of the decade, the Cold War was coming to an end by the late-1980s.
It came to be called the "end of history". By 1989, the Soviet Union announced the abandonment of political hostility toward the Western world and the Cold War ended with the USSR's demise after the August Coup of 1991.
Ronald Reagan was elected U.S. President in 1980. He pursued a hard line policy towards preventing the spread of communism, initiating a considerable buildup of U.S. military power to challenge the Soviet Union. He further directly challenged the Iron Curtain by demanding that the Soviet Union dismantle the Berlin Wall. Despite a peak in tensions in the early part of the decade, the Cold War was coming to an end by the late-1980s.
It came to be called the "end of history". By 1989, the Soviet Union announced the abandonment of political hostility toward the Western world and the Cold War ended with the USSR's demise after the August Coup of 1991.
Military Engagements:
The Cold War split the temporary wartime alliance against Nazi Germany, leaving the USSR and the US as two superpowers. The U.S. and USSR never engaged directly in full-scale armed combat but they each armed heavily in preparation for a possible all-out nuclear world war. Each side had a nuclear deterrent that deterred an attack by the other side, on the basis that such an attack would lead to total destruction of the attacker: the doctrine of mutually assured destruction (MAD).
Pressures for national independence grew stronger in Eastern Europe, especially Poland. In 1989, a wave of revolutions that peacefully (with the exception of the Romanian Revolution) overthrew all of the Communist regimes of Central and Eastern Europe. The Communist Party of the Soviet Union itself lost control and was banned following an abortive coup attempt in August 1991. This in turn led to the formal dissolution of the USSR in December 1991 and the collapse of Communist regimes in other countries such as Mongolia, Cambodia and South Yemen.
The United States remained as the world's only superpower.
Manuel Antonio Noriega Moreno was military dictator of Panama from 1983 to 1989 who attempted to close the Panama Canal. He was forceably removed from power by the United States, wherein Noriega was captured, detained as a prisoner of war, and flown to the United States. Noriega was tried on eight counts of drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering in April 1992.
The Cold War split the temporary wartime alliance against Nazi Germany, leaving the USSR and the US as two superpowers. The U.S. and USSR never engaged directly in full-scale armed combat but they each armed heavily in preparation for a possible all-out nuclear world war. Each side had a nuclear deterrent that deterred an attack by the other side, on the basis that such an attack would lead to total destruction of the attacker: the doctrine of mutually assured destruction (MAD).
Pressures for national independence grew stronger in Eastern Europe, especially Poland. In 1989, a wave of revolutions that peacefully (with the exception of the Romanian Revolution) overthrew all of the Communist regimes of Central and Eastern Europe. The Communist Party of the Soviet Union itself lost control and was banned following an abortive coup attempt in August 1991. This in turn led to the formal dissolution of the USSR in December 1991 and the collapse of Communist regimes in other countries such as Mongolia, Cambodia and South Yemen.
The United States remained as the world's only superpower.
Manuel Antonio Noriega Moreno was military dictator of Panama from 1983 to 1989 who attempted to close the Panama Canal. He was forceably removed from power by the United States, wherein Noriega was captured, detained as a prisoner of war, and flown to the United States. Noriega was tried on eight counts of drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering in April 1992.
Culture:
The 1990s was characterized by the rise of multiculturalism and alternative media, which continued into the 2000s. Movements such as grunge, the rave scene and hip hop spread around the world to young people during the decade, aided by then-new technology such as cable television and the World Wide Web.
The dot-com bubble of 1997–2000 brought wealth to some entrepreneurs before its crash between 2000 and 2001.
The 1990s was characterized by the rise of multiculturalism and alternative media, which continued into the 2000s. Movements such as grunge, the rave scene and hip hop spread around the world to young people during the decade, aided by then-new technology such as cable television and the World Wide Web.
The dot-com bubble of 1997–2000 brought wealth to some entrepreneurs before its crash between 2000 and 2001.
Television:
TV shows, mostly sitcoms, were popular with the American audience. Series include Friends, Coach, Empty Nest, Cheers, Growing Pains, Night Court, Family Matters, Newhart, The Golden Girls, Seinfeld, Home Improvement, and others.
In early 1993, one of the last westerns ever to air on television was Walker, Texas Ranger, a crime drama which also starred Chuck Norris as the title character. Lasting for 9 seasons, the show tackled a wide variety of subjects, and was one of the few television shows ever to feature karate.
Medical dramas started to come into television in the ’90s. E/R was one show that stood out, and was the vehicle to launch George Clooney's film career.
TV shows, mostly sitcoms, were popular with the American audience. Series include Friends, Coach, Empty Nest, Cheers, Growing Pains, Night Court, Family Matters, Newhart, The Golden Girls, Seinfeld, Home Improvement, and others.
In early 1993, one of the last westerns ever to air on television was Walker, Texas Ranger, a crime drama which also starred Chuck Norris as the title character. Lasting for 9 seasons, the show tackled a wide variety of subjects, and was one of the few television shows ever to feature karate.
Medical dramas started to come into television in the ’90s. E/R was one show that stood out, and was the vehicle to launch George Clooney's film career.
Movies:
The first full-length Computer-Generated-Imaging (CGI) movie, Pixar's Toy Story (1995), is released, revolutionizing animated films.
The films produced by the Walt Disney Animation Studios became popular once more when the studio returned to making traditionally animated musical family classics such as Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), and The Lion King (1994).
Movies also included Dances with Wolves (1990), Ghost 1990), Pretty Woman (1990),
The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Jurassic Park (1993), Forrest Gump (1994). Titanic (1997), Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Oscar actor winners included Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino, Tom Hanks, and Jack Nicholson.
Oscar actress winners included Kathy Bates, Jodie Foster, Susan Sarandon, Frances McDormand, and Hillary Swank.
The first full-length Computer-Generated-Imaging (CGI) movie, Pixar's Toy Story (1995), is released, revolutionizing animated films.
The films produced by the Walt Disney Animation Studios became popular once more when the studio returned to making traditionally animated musical family classics such as Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), and The Lion King (1994).
Movies also included Dances with Wolves (1990), Ghost 1990), Pretty Woman (1990),
The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Jurassic Park (1993), Forrest Gump (1994). Titanic (1997), Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Oscar actor winners included Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino, Tom Hanks, and Jack Nicholson.
Oscar actress winners included Kathy Bates, Jodie Foster, Susan Sarandon, Frances McDormand, and Hillary Swank.
Music:
Musical Artists included Green Day, U2, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gin Blossoms, Stone Temple Pilots, The Smashing Pumpkins, Bush, and Alice in Chains.
In the 1990s, country music became a worldwide phenomenon thanks to Billy Ray Cyrus, Shania Twain, and Garth Brooks. Clint Black, George Strait, Reb McEntire, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, and LeAnn Rimes. The Dixie Chicks became one of the most popular country bands in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Musical Artists included Green Day, U2, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gin Blossoms, Stone Temple Pilots, The Smashing Pumpkins, Bush, and Alice in Chains.
In the 1990s, country music became a worldwide phenomenon thanks to Billy Ray Cyrus, Shania Twain, and Garth Brooks. Clint Black, George Strait, Reb McEntire, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, and LeAnn Rimes. The Dixie Chicks became one of the most popular country bands in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The Economy
Many countries, institutions, companies, and organizations were prosperous during the 1990s. The decade is seen as a time of great prosperity in the United States under the Presidency of Bill Clinton, largely due to the unexpected advent of the Internet and the explosion of technology industries that came with it. The U.S. economy experiences its longest period of peace time economic expansion during the decade beginning in 1991. Personal incomes doubled from the recession in 1990, and there was higher productivity overall. After the 1996 Welfare Reform Act there was a reduction of poverty, and the Wall Street stock exchange stayed over the 10,500 mark from 1999 to 2001.
Many countries, institutions, companies, and organizations were prosperous during the 1990s. The decade is seen as a time of great prosperity in the United States under the Presidency of Bill Clinton, largely due to the unexpected advent of the Internet and the explosion of technology industries that came with it. The U.S. economy experiences its longest period of peace time economic expansion during the decade beginning in 1991. Personal incomes doubled from the recession in 1990, and there was higher productivity overall. After the 1996 Welfare Reform Act there was a reduction of poverty, and the Wall Street stock exchange stayed over the 10,500 mark from 1999 to 2001.
Technology:
The 1990s were a revolutionary decade for digital technology. Between 1990 and 1997, individual personal computer ownership in the US rose from 15 to 35%. Cell phones of the early-1990s and earlier ones were very large, lacked extra features, and were used by only a few percent of the population of even the wealthiest nations.
Only a few million people used online services in 1990, and the World Wide Web had only just been invented. The first web browser went online in 1993 and by 2001, more than 50% of some Western countries had Internet access, and more than 25% had cell phone access. Businesses start to build E-commerce websites.
The 1990s were a revolutionary decade for digital technology. Between 1990 and 1997, individual personal computer ownership in the US rose from 15 to 35%. Cell phones of the early-1990s and earlier ones were very large, lacked extra features, and were used by only a few percent of the population of even the wealthiest nations.
Only a few million people used online services in 1990, and the World Wide Web had only just been invented. The first web browser went online in 1993 and by 2001, more than 50% of some Western countries had Internet access, and more than 25% had cell phone access. Businesses start to build E-commerce websites.
Political Climate:
Germany reunified in 1990 as a result of the fall of the Berlin Wall and after integrating the economic structure and provincial governments, focused on modernization of the former communist East. People who were brought up in a socialist culture became integrated with those living in capitalist western Germany. In 1999, Vladimir Putin is placed as as acting president of Russian.
Nelson Mandela is release from jail in February 1990 to become President of South Africa in 1994 along with the end of Apartheid in South Africa in 1994.
Germany reunified in 1990 as a result of the fall of the Berlin Wall and after integrating the economic structure and provincial governments, focused on modernization of the former communist East. People who were brought up in a socialist culture became integrated with those living in capitalist western Germany. In 1999, Vladimir Putin is placed as as acting president of Russian.
Nelson Mandela is release from jail in February 1990 to become President of South Africa in 1994 along with the end of Apartheid in South Africa in 1994.
Military Engagements:
The Gulf War code-named Operation Desert Shield was a war successfully waged by coalition forces from 34 nations led by the United States against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.
The Communist Party of the Soviet Union itself lost control and was banned following an abortive coup attempt in August 1991. This in turn led to the formal dissolution of the USSR in December 1991 and the collapse of Communist regimes in other countries such as Mongolia, Cambodia and South Yemen. The United States remained as the world's only superpower.
Manuel Antonio Noriega was tried on eight counts of drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering in April 1992. In addition, he threatened to cease allowing U.S. Vessels through the Canal.
The Gulf War code-named Operation Desert Shield was a war successfully waged by coalition forces from 34 nations led by the United States against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.
The Communist Party of the Soviet Union itself lost control and was banned following an abortive coup attempt in August 1991. This in turn led to the formal dissolution of the USSR in December 1991 and the collapse of Communist regimes in other countries such as Mongolia, Cambodia and South Yemen. The United States remained as the world's only superpower.
Manuel Antonio Noriega was tried on eight counts of drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering in April 1992. In addition, he threatened to cease allowing U.S. Vessels through the Canal.
Culture:
The growth of the Internet contributed to globalization during the decade, which allowed communication among those around the world. The economic growth of the 2000s had considerable environmental consequences, raised demand for diminishing energy resources, and was still shown to be vulnerable as demonstrated during the Global Financial Crisis late in the decade. Climate change became a major issue for governments, populations and scientists.
The growth of the Internet contributed to globalization during the decade, which allowed communication among those around the world. The economic growth of the 2000s had considerable environmental consequences, raised demand for diminishing energy resources, and was still shown to be vulnerable as demonstrated during the Global Financial Crisis late in the decade. Climate change became a major issue for governments, populations and scientists.
Television:
American television in the 2000s saw the sharp increase in popularity of reality television, including a decline in the number of sitcoms and an increase in reality shows, crime and medical dramas, paranormal/crime shows, and action/drama shows.
Adult-oriented animated programming also continued a sharp upturn in popularity with controversial cartoons.
The decade also saw the return of prime time soap operas, a genre that had been popular in the 1980s and early 1990s.
American television in the 2000s saw the sharp increase in popularity of reality television, including a decline in the number of sitcoms and an increase in reality shows, crime and medical dramas, paranormal/crime shows, and action/drama shows.
Adult-oriented animated programming also continued a sharp upturn in popularity with controversial cartoons.
The decade also saw the return of prime time soap operas, a genre that had been popular in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Movies:
Usage of computer-generated imagery became more widespread in films during the 2000s.
Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore is the highest grossing documentary of all time.
Online films became popular, and conversion to digital cinema started.
Oscar for Best Picture went to such movies as the Gladiator (2000), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Crash (2005) and others.
Oscars for Best Actor went to Russel Crowe, Denzel Washington, Sean Penn (2), Jamie Foxx, Jeff Bridges and others. Oscars for Best Actress included Julie Roberts, Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, Hilary Swank, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock and others.
The Most Popular Movies included Avatar as well as two from the Pirates of Caribbean franchise, four for the "Lord of the Rings" franchise, and six from the Harry Potter franchise.
Usage of computer-generated imagery became more widespread in films during the 2000s.
Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore is the highest grossing documentary of all time.
Online films became popular, and conversion to digital cinema started.
Oscar for Best Picture went to such movies as the Gladiator (2000), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Crash (2005) and others.
Oscars for Best Actor went to Russel Crowe, Denzel Washington, Sean Penn (2), Jamie Foxx, Jeff Bridges and others. Oscars for Best Actress included Julie Roberts, Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, Hilary Swank, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock and others.
The Most Popular Movies included Avatar as well as two from the Pirates of Caribbean franchise, four for the "Lord of the Rings" franchise, and six from the Harry Potter franchise.
Music:
The Internet allowed unprecedented access to music and allowed artists to distribute music freely without label backing. The Internet also offers musicians a plethora of musical influences to draw from.
In the 2000s Hip hop reached its commercial peak, inspired various subsets of culture, and the genre continued to dominate the music scene of the decade.
Billboard magazine named Eminem as the artist with the best performance on the Billboard charts and named Beyoncé as the female artist of the decade.
Reunions included Duran Duran, Simon and Garfunkel and Led Zeppelin. (According to Guinness World Records 2009, Led Zeppelin set the world record for the "Highest Demand for Tickets for One Music Concert" as 20 million requests for the reunion show were rendered online.)
The Internet allowed unprecedented access to music and allowed artists to distribute music freely without label backing. The Internet also offers musicians a plethora of musical influences to draw from.
In the 2000s Hip hop reached its commercial peak, inspired various subsets of culture, and the genre continued to dominate the music scene of the decade.
Billboard magazine named Eminem as the artist with the best performance on the Billboard charts and named Beyoncé as the female artist of the decade.
Reunions included Duran Duran, Simon and Garfunkel and Led Zeppelin. (According to Guinness World Records 2009, Led Zeppelin set the world record for the "Highest Demand for Tickets for One Music Concert" as 20 million requests for the reunion show were rendered online.)
Economy:
The decade was marked by two financial and economic crises.
During 2003, the price of oil per-barrel rose above $30, reached $60 by August 11, 2005, and peaked at $147.30 in July 2008.
The decade was marked by two financial and economic crises.
- In 2000, the Dot-com bubble burst, causing turmoil in financial markets and a decline in economic activity in the developed economies, in particular in the United States.
- In 2007, the rise in interest rates and the collapse of the housing market caused a wave of loan payment failures in the U.S. The subsequent mortgage crisis caused a global financial crisis, because the subprime mortgages had been secured and sold to international banks and investment funds.
During 2003, the price of oil per-barrel rose above $30, reached $60 by August 11, 2005, and peaked at $147.30 in July 2008.
Technology:
- The Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Mission successfully reached the surface of Mars in 2004; while Opportunity discovers evidence that an area of Mars was once covered in water. Both rovers were each expected to last only 90 days, however both completely exceeded expectations and continued to explore through the end of the decade and beyond.
- Since November 2, 2000, the International Space Station has remained continuously inhabited. The Space Shuttles helped make it the largest space station in history, despite one of the Shuttles disintegrating upon re-entry in 2003. By the end of 2009 the station was supporting 5 long-duration crew members.
- The Human Genome Project was completed in 2003, with 99% of the human genome sequenced to 99.99% accuracy.
- CERN's Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest and highest-energy particle accelerator ever made, was completed in 2008.
- A huge jump in broadband internet usage: By February 2007, over 80% of U.S. Internet users were connected via broadband and broadband internet has been almost a required standard for quality internet browsing. Wireless internet became prominent by the end of the decade, as well as internet access in devices besides computers, such as mobile phones and gaming consoles.
- During this decade certain websites and search engines became prominent worldwide as transmitters of goods, services and information.
- Automotive navigation systems become widely popular making it possible to direct vehicles to any destination in real-time as well as detect traffic and suggest alternate routes with the use of GPS navigation devices.
Political Climate:
George W. Bush was sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States on January 20, 2001 following a sharply contested election.
On February 15, 2003 anti-war protests broke out around the world in opposition to the U.S. Invasion of Iraq, in what the Guinness Book of World Records called the largest anti-war rally in human history.
In reaction, New York Times writer Patrick Tyler wrote in a February 17 article that: "...the huge anti-war demonstrations around the world this weekend are reminders that there may still be two superpowers on the planet: the United States and world public opinion".
Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States in 2009, becoming the nation's first African American president.
George W. Bush was sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States on January 20, 2001 following a sharply contested election.
On February 15, 2003 anti-war protests broke out around the world in opposition to the U.S. Invasion of Iraq, in what the Guinness Book of World Records called the largest anti-war rally in human history.
In reaction, New York Times writer Patrick Tyler wrote in a February 17 article that: "...the huge anti-war demonstrations around the world this weekend are reminders that there may still be two superpowers on the planet: the United States and world public opinion".
Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States in 2009, becoming the nation's first African American president.
Military Engagements:
The September 11 attacks (also referred to as 9/11) were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda on the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Two of the four hijacked planes were crashed into the North and South towers, respectively, of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. In total, the attacks claimed the lives of 2,996 people (including the 19 hijackers) and caused at least $10 billion in property and infrastructure damage and $3 Trillion in total costs.
Suspicion for the attack quickly fell on al-Qaeda. The United States responded to the attacks by launching the War on Terror and invading Afghanistan to depose the Taliban, which had harbored al-Qaeda. Although al-Qaeda's leader, Osama bin Laden, initially denied any involvement, in 2004, he claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Having evaded capture for almost a decade, bin Laden was located and killed by members of the U.S. military in May 2011.
The September 11 attacks (also referred to as 9/11) were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda on the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Two of the four hijacked planes were crashed into the North and South towers, respectively, of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. In total, the attacks claimed the lives of 2,996 people (including the 19 hijackers) and caused at least $10 billion in property and infrastructure damage and $3 Trillion in total costs.
Suspicion for the attack quickly fell on al-Qaeda. The United States responded to the attacks by launching the War on Terror and invading Afghanistan to depose the Taliban, which had harbored al-Qaeda. Although al-Qaeda's leader, Osama bin Laden, initially denied any involvement, in 2004, he claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Having evaded capture for almost a decade, bin Laden was located and killed by members of the U.S. military in May 2011.
Culture:
The 2010s have been a period of concern for some time to governments and economists due to the fact that it is the decade in which most of the baby boomers in developed nations will retire, putting pressure on their pension programs. In the United States, proposals have been made to reforming Medicare and Social Security, including raising the age of retirement or abolishing certain programs entirely.
Acceptance of LGBT people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) slowly increases across the world, with significantly higher levels of support among younger generations than among older generations—though a growth in all age groups has occurred.
The 2010s have been a period of concern for some time to governments and economists due to the fact that it is the decade in which most of the baby boomers in developed nations will retire, putting pressure on their pension programs. In the United States, proposals have been made to reforming Medicare and Social Security, including raising the age of retirement or abolishing certain programs entirely.
Acceptance of LGBT people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) slowly increases across the world, with significantly higher levels of support among younger generations than among older generations—though a growth in all age groups has occurred.
Television:
The American soap opera format slides in popularity as reality television and daytime talk shows continue to move in on their time slots. Cable providers saw a decline in subscriber numbers as cord cutters unsubscribed in favor of online streaming services. TV sets start integrating the internet into traditional television. This gives more traditional and higher quality choices than cable, along with more family friendly middle class entertainment.
Most popular TV shows for the decade (as reported by TV.Com) include a variety of sitcoms, medical dramas, and police/drama/crime shows.
The American soap opera format slides in popularity as reality television and daytime talk shows continue to move in on their time slots. Cable providers saw a decline in subscriber numbers as cord cutters unsubscribed in favor of online streaming services. TV sets start integrating the internet into traditional television. This gives more traditional and higher quality choices than cable, along with more family friendly middle class entertainment.
Most popular TV shows for the decade (as reported by TV.Com) include a variety of sitcoms, medical dramas, and police/drama/crime shows.
Movies:
Oscar Winners for Best Picture included Argo; for Best Actor Daniel Day-Lewis; and for Best Actress; Jennifer Lawrence.
Oscar Winners for Best Picture included Argo; for Best Actor Daniel Day-Lewis; and for Best Actress; Jennifer Lawrence.
Music:
Indie rock, as well as other genres like indie pop and indie folk, broke through the mainstream in the early 2010s. It is now one of the most successful genres of the decade.
In the early 2010s, popular hard rock and heavy metal bands (mostly originating in previous decades) have been releasing successful albums.
Progressive rock and progressive metal has seen an upsurge of popularity since the last few years of the 2000s; the most since the early-mid-1970s.
Metalcore has also seen a surge in popularity, along with post-hardcore.
Country music continued to maintain its popularity, both as a radio format and in retail; attributed both to the faithfulness of country fans and to a rise in popularity of the genre.
Indie rock, as well as other genres like indie pop and indie folk, broke through the mainstream in the early 2010s. It is now one of the most successful genres of the decade.
In the early 2010s, popular hard rock and heavy metal bands (mostly originating in previous decades) have been releasing successful albums.
Progressive rock and progressive metal has seen an upsurge of popularity since the last few years of the 2000s; the most since the early-mid-1970s.
Metalcore has also seen a surge in popularity, along with post-hardcore.
Country music continued to maintain its popularity, both as a radio format and in retail; attributed both to the faithfulness of country fans and to a rise in popularity of the genre.
Economy:
The Great Recession, which began in the year 2007, ended in mid-2009. An explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig, operating in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana, left eleven crewmen dead and resulted in a fire that sank the rig and caused a massive-scale oil spill that became the worst environmental disaster in United States history.
The Great Recession, which began in the year 2007, ended in mid-2009. An explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig, operating in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana, left eleven crewmen dead and resulted in a fire that sank the rig and caused a massive-scale oil spill that became the worst environmental disaster in United States history.
Technology:
2011 July – The United States' Space Shuttle program draws to a close with the successful landing of its last mission, STS-135, flown by Space Shuttle Atlantis. Google develops the world's first self-driving car to be licensed for use on public roads. 2010 March – At CERN, the Large Hadron Collider's first high-power collisions took place.
2011 July – The United States' Space Shuttle program draws to a close with the successful landing of its last mission, STS-135, flown by Space Shuttle Atlantis. Google develops the world's first self-driving car to be licensed for use on public roads. 2010 March – At CERN, the Large Hadron Collider's first high-power collisions took place.
Political Climate:
March 2010 – The Obama administration's efforts to implement health care reform in the United States eventually led to the House of Representatives voting in favor of enacting the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. And on July 20, 2015, Cuba and the United States of America reestablish full diplomatic relations, ending a 54-year stretch of hostility between the nations.
March 2010 – The Obama administration's efforts to implement health care reform in the United States eventually led to the House of Representatives voting in favor of enacting the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. And on July 20, 2015, Cuba and the United States of America reestablish full diplomatic relations, ending a 54-year stretch of hostility between the nations.
Military Engagements:
War on Terrorism (2001–present) continues. The campaigns were launched by the United States, with support from NATO and other allies, immediately following the 11 September 2001 attacks which were carried out by al-Qaeda. Today the term has become mostly associated with US/UK-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
War on Terrorism (2001–present) continues. The campaigns were launched by the United States, with support from NATO and other allies, immediately following the 11 September 2001 attacks which were carried out by al-Qaeda. Today the term has become mostly associated with US/UK-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.