The 1960’s
Money and Inflation 1960's
To provide an estimate of inflation we have given a guide to the value of $100 US Dollars for the
first year in the decade to the equivalent in today's money
If you have $100 Converted from 1960 to 2005 it would be equivalent to $679.09 today
In 1960 a new house cost $12,700.00 and by 1969 was $15,500.00
In 1960 the average income per year was $5,315.00 and by 1969 was $8,540.00
In 1960 a gallon of gas was 25 cents and by 1969 was 35 cents
In 1960 the average cost of new car was $2,600.00 and by 1969 was $3,270.00
A few more prices from the 60's and how much things cost
Volkswagen beetle $1,769 From Car Prices in the 60's Ford Mustang 2 door hardtop $2368 ,
Misses Swinging Shifts Skirts $5.00 , Oxford men's Shoes $12.95 1960 Men's Pocket Watch
$9.44 Automatic Can Opener $8.88 Automatic Electric Blanket $9.94 Oranges 89 cents for 2
dozen Oven ready Turkeys 39 cents per pound From Price of Food 60's Modern Walnut
Bookcase $29.97 Coal $14.95 ton
Toys 1960s
The popular toys of the decade were anything
space related due to mans race to the moon,
Barbie, GI Joe plus showing a heavy influence
from childrens TV shows and pop music and
culture
Events 1960's
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The 60's were a decade once again dominated by a war (VIETNAM ) not a world war but
the effects were still felt throughout the world. It is also the start of showing how the
people can effect politics through the power of "peaceful" demonstrations, students were
the driving force because with education comes empowerment and with empowerment
comes a voice , and in the 60's students learnt how to use that voice.
In the West although politicians would have liked to stopped demonstrations ( and tried )
against their policies, due to "freedom of speech" it was not possible
Many of the conflicts during the 60's could be considered to be part of the ongoing cold
war between the East and the West (Communism -- Capitalism), but due to the Nuclear
Capabilities of both sides nether wanted to start a full scale war as they realized there
could be no winner but both believed their ideology was best, they tried in other ways to
influence the politics throughout the world.
Many believe the closest the world has come to a World Wide Nuclear War was in 1962
during the Cuban Missile Crisis
John F. Kennedy served as the 35th President of the United States from January 20, 1961
till his assassination on November 22, 1963 at Dallas, Texas by Lee Harvey Oswald. His
presidency although cut short due to his murder is remembered for multiple reasons
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including his commitment that the United States Of America should commit itself to
landing a man on the Moon and returning him back safely to the earth before the end of
the decade. The Cuban Crisis and Bay of Pigs Invasion. And creating the Peace Corps to
help underdeveloped nations in areas such as education, farming, health care and
construction. For such a short term in office his achievements endeared him to the
American People.
During the 60's the Charismatic Martin Luther King who was a civil rights advocate and
exceptionally gifted speaker , followed other great leaders throughout history by using
non-violent means together with the power of speech and managed to create change
through his influence created by the strong following he had. He was assassinated on
April 4th 1968 By James Earl Ray
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and The Voting Rights Act of 1965 changed the lives of the
African Americans minority by ensuring equal rights for all
The Sixties also bought the space race to new heights and ended the race to land a man on
the moon and bring him back when America through the Apollo 11 mission on July 20,
1969 put Neil Alden Armstrong and Edwin Eugene 'Buzz' Aldrin, Jr. became the first
humans to land on the Moon fulfilling the American Dream to place a man on the moon
before the Russians ( Space Race ). The words spoken by Neil Armstrong "That's one
small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" going into the history books for now and
future generations to come.
Both martin Luther King and John F Kennedy were assassinated during the 60's
Popular Culture
This was the Decade of the Smiley Face found on anything and everything around the world
including T Shirts , it's popularity was at its peak in the mid to late 1960's
This decade can also be summed up with a few well chosen phrases which epitomize the decade
" The Space Race ", " Cuban Missile Crisis" , " Continuing Cold War", "Kennedy
Assassination", " Martin Luther King", "Vietnam", "Civil Rights and Riots", "Hippies and
Flower Power" , "The Beatles and Rock and Roll"
This was the start of the skateboarding era which was started by some surfing enthusiasts in
California who were frustrated by the weather and put roller skates on the front and back end of
wooden planks
Fashion
Early 60's for women wore mini-skirts and leather boots and men wore Paisley shirts and velvet
trousers Later 60's from 1966 started the introduction of Psychedelic clothes with bright colors
for both men and women and the age of the Hippie is born. Men started to wear hair longer and
women identified with the hippie look by wearing skirts and dresses longer often known as
Maxies and anything and everything had color including the body
Some of the Most Well Known Movie Stars of the Sixties
John Wayne
Elvis Presley
Elizabeth Taylor
Julie Andrews
Richard Burton
Doris Day
Paul Newman
Rock Hudson
Music 1960's
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Following on from the 50's rock and roll with Bill Hayley and Elvis Presley new groups
appear in the 60's who are considered as an alternative music culture but become so
popular that they quickly become mainstream, two of the dominant forces being THE
BEATLES and THE ROLLING STONES who gain world-wide notoriety and popularity
TV Shows 1960s
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Perry Mason 1957 - 1966.
Route 66 1960 - 1964.
Rawhide 1959 - 1966.
The Monkees 1966 - 1968.
Ironside 1967 - 1975. .
Hogan's Heroes 1965 - 1971.
Lassie 1954 - 1973.
Flipper 1964 - 1967.
The Benny Hill Show 1969 - 1989.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus 1969 - 1974.
Bonanza 1959 - 1973.
The Brady Bunch 1969 - 1974.
The Fugitive 1963 - 1967.
The Man From Uncle 1964 - 1968.
Doctor Who 1963 - 1989.
Gilligan's Island 1964 - 1967.
Gunsmoke 1955 - 1975.
Columbo 1968 - 2003.
The Virginian 1962 - 1971.
Mr Ed 1961 - 1966.
The Twilight Zone ( Original Series ) 1959 - 1964.
I Dream of Jeannie 1965 - 1970.
Bewitched 1964 - 1972.
Get Smart 1965 - 1970
Green Acres 1965 - 1971.
Sporting Changes In The 60's
Baseball
Old ballparks including Ebbett’s Field, Sportsman’s Park, Forbes Field and Crosley Field are
torn down, making way for newer, shinier stadiums many as indoor pitches.
Players Association forces owners to up salaries and provide better benefits including pensions.
Basketball
1963 - 1964 Season Clash Between Owners and Players (who refuse to play) just before All-Star
Game over wages and pensions. Owners agree to demands allowing match to continue.
New League The ABA or American Basketball Association formed in 1967 luring away NBA
stars and rookies out of college.
American Football
Offensive formations evolve in both the college and pro ranks including the wishbone and the
shotgun Formation
American Football League ALF Created and Later Merge With NFL
Super Bowls Born As A (Championship Game Between NFL and AFL 1967 and 1968 ) Green
Bay Packers Win Under Vince Lombardi
Technology 60's
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Although the USSR appeared to be ahead in the space race in the 50's and 60's the
ultimate prize went to the United States in 1969 when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin
were landed on the moon and returned safely back to earth, many who remember the
immortal words " One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind ".
Inventions
Cash Dispenser ----- 1969 Turkey by Luther Simjian
CCDs ----- 1969 USA Charge Coupled Device - to capture image
Communication Satellite ----- 1962 USA Telstar
Computer Mouse ----- 1964 USA by Douglas Engelbart
Fibre Optics ----- 1966 England by Charles Keo and George Hockham
Heart Pacemaker ----- 1960 USA by Wilson Greatbatch
Human Space Travel ----- 1961 Russia Yuri Gagarin - the first human in space
Hypertext ----- 1965 USA for linking text
Internet ----- 1969 USA US military
Kevlar ----- 1966 USA by Stephanie Kwolek
Laser ----- 1960 USA by Theodore Maiman
LEDs ----- 1962 USA Light Emitting Diodes - used for displays
Manned Moon Landing ----- 1969 USA Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin walk on Moon
Moon Landing ----- 1966 Russia Luna 9 lands softly on the Moon
Optical Disk ----- 1965 USA by James Russell - now Compact Disk CD / DVD History of
Hifi and Music Players and Media
Portable Calculator ----- 1967 USA Texas Instruments
Space Docking ----- 1966 USA Gemini VIII docks with an orbiting satellite
Space Walk ----- 1965 Russia Aleksei Leonov - first person outside space vehicle
Tape Cassette ----- 1963 Netherlands
Venus Probe ----- 1962 USA Mariner 2 - the first planetary probe
Weather Satellite ----- 1960 USA Tiros I
The 1970’s
Money and Inflation 1970's
To provide an estimate of inflation we have given a guide to the value of $100 US Dollars for the
first year in the decade to the equivalent in today's money
If you have $100 Converted from 1970 to 2005 it would be equivalent to $517.65 today
In 1970 a new house cost $23,400.00 and by 1979 was $58,500.00 Examples of homes and
Property for sale in the Seventies
In 1970 the average income per year was $9,350.00 and by 1979 was $17,550.00
In 1970 a gallon of gas was 36 cents and by 1979 was 86 cents
In 1970 the average cost of new car was $3,900.00 and by 1979 was $5,770.00
Toys From The 1970s
The New Digital Based Toys and Computers
including Simon and the development of the
Atari computer and gaming system. Other
Popular toys also included Hot Wheels For Boys
and Barbie For Girls, with space, music and pop
culture toys also popular.
Events 1970's
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The oil crisis in 1973 was caused when Arab members of the Organization of Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC), during the Yom Kippur War, announced that they would
no longer ship petroleum to nations that had supported Israel in its conflict with Syria and
Egypt , to the United States and its allies in Western Europe. It was also announced that
the price for Oil would increase drastically. The west was by now dependent on oil and
together with prices quadrupling and measures for rationing the western world went into
recession and suffered massive inflationary pressure. At that time the United States did
have their own oil reserves and although they were affected the biggest impact was on
European Economies .
After nearly 10 years of war in Vietnam 1973 was also the year that allied forces pulled
out of Vietnam
Another significant factor in the 70's was the growth in women's rights and women's
role in society including the ability to decide when, where and if they wished to have
children ( partly through the availably of the contraceptive pill )
President Richard Nixon was forced to resign on 8th August as president of the United
States due to imminent impeachment related to the Watergate scandal.
With the continuing Cold War between the East and West the arms race continued with
each side trying to find the ultimate weapon
Popular Culture
The Waterbed The 70's produced many icons , one of those being the modern waterbed created
by Charles Hall in 1968, This was fueled by the sexual revolution of the Decade encompassing
the Waterbed .
Music
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Progressive rock created a new generation of bands including Genesis, Yes, Emerson,
Lake & Palmer and Pink Floyd. Many other singers and bands also started or
strengthened their fan base including The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith,
AC/DC, Queen, Black Sabbath .
In Europe, the music was not as progressive from bands like T Rex, Gary Glitter and
David Bowie, and bands like Slade and the Sweet. and possibly the most successful in the
70's being ABBA
Some of the Most Well of the Seventies
Paul Newman
Woody Allen
Robert Redford
Barbara Streisand
Clint Eastwood
Al Pacino
John Wayne
Burt Reynolds
TV Shows
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The Waltons 1972 - 1981.
Chips 1977 - 1983.
Ironside 1967 - 1975.
Lassie 1954 - 1973.
Starsky and Hutch 1975 - 1979.
Dukes Of Hazzard 1979 - 1985.
The Benny Hill Show 1969 - 1989.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus 1969 - 1974.
The Muppet Show 1976 - 1981.
Bonanza 1959 - 1973.
The Brady Bunch 1969 - 1974.
Dallas 1978 - 1991.
Charlie's Angels 1976 - 1981.
Little House on the Prairie 1974 - 1983.
Doctor Who 1963 - 1989.
Gunsmoke 1955 - 1975.
Columbo 1968 - 2003.
Kojak 1973 - 1978.
All In The Family 1971 - 1979.
Laverne & Shirley 1976 - 1983.
The Odd Couple 1970 - 1974.
Bewitched 1964 - 1972.
Happy Days 1974 - 1984.
Sanford and Son 1972 - 1977.
Taxi 1978 - 1983.
Sporting Changes During the Decade
Baseball
Players go on strike in 1972 the first players strike in sports history.
Players gain free agency after 6 years allowing them to demand higher wages.
Hank Aaron breaks the legendary Babe Ruth’s Record and sets a new record of 755 home runs in
1974 which stood for 30 more years
Basketball
The ABA or American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association NBA agree
to merger accepting 4 new teams into the NBA Denver, New York, San Antonio and Indiana.
At the end of the 70's two major changes in the game happened 1. ESPN and 2. the three point
line was added.
Association Football (Soccer)
Television Increases the Popularity of the game to new heights.
Red and Yellow Cards Introduced
German and British clubs rule European Football for ten years from 1974 to 1984
American Football
Division I, Division II and Division III set up in college football
The Steelers, Dolphins, Raiders, Vikings, Cowboys and Rams Dominate Respective Divisions
NFL extended its regular season to 16 games
Ice Hockey
WHA teams join the NHL
First Summit Series played
Bobby Orr and Boston Bruins win Stanley Cup
Soviets Dominate World Championships and Olympics
For More Sporting history, Origins, Events and Changes, Please Check Out Our New Sports
History Section.
Technology
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The 70's were the start in many ways of the Electronics and digital revolution, with the
invention of transistors and Integrated Circuits in the late 60's, companies now found
ways to use the technology which caused the phenomenal growth in smaller more
powerful and cheaper products ranging from Calculators to Televisions.
The decade also saw the beginning of the Home Computer due to Intel creating the first
cheap microprocessor - the Intel 4004, and other integrated circuits. In the beginning the
computers were mainly for the hobbyists and included the Apple II, the TRS-80, the
Commodore PET, and Atari 400/800 and with the growth of these home computers
Bulletin Boards became a popular way for people to find others with similar interests
The first use of card access Electronic Locks appear
As people realized the power of these new home computers a new use was found and that
was the beginning of the video game . When we look at those games now we see how
basic they were but the technology available and the understanding of what could be done
limited those early games.
With the invention of the microwave oven and the capability to manufacture and sell
them cheaply, many homes adopted the technology in their kitchens
Due in part to the increased use of the 747 a Jumbo Jet able to carry large numbers of
passengers across continents air travel booms and causes new problems with pollution,
delays and air traffic control
1970’s Inventions
Barcode ----- 1973 USA
E-Mail ----- 1971 USA
Floppy Disk ----- 1971 USA by Alan Shugart
Genetic Engineering ----- 1973 USA by S Cohen and H Boyer
Ink Jet Printer ----- 1976 USA
In Vitro Fertilization ----- 1978 England "test tube baby"
Laser Printer ----- 1975 USA
LCDs ----- 1970 England by George Gray - Liquid Crystal Display
Microprocessor ----- 1971 USA
MRI Scanner ----- 1977 USA by Raymond Damadian
Personal Computer ----- 1975 USA
Space Station ----- 1973 USA Skylab
The 1980’s
Money and Inflation 1980's
To provide an estimate of inflation we have given a guide to the value of $100 US Dollars for the
first year in the decade to the equivalent in today's money
If you have $100 Converted from 1980 to 2005 it would be equivalent to $243.45 today
In 1980 a new house cost $68,714.00 and by 1989 was $120,00.00 Check Examples of Some of
the Houses and Prices For Sale In The 80s in Our 80s Homes Section
In 1980 the average income per year was $19,170.00 and by 1989 was $27,210.00
In 1980 a gallon of gas was $1.19 and by 1989 was 97 cents
In 1980 the average cost of new car was $7,210.00 and by 1989 was $15,400.00
A few more prices from the 80's and how much things cost
Camero Coupe $7,571 From Car Prices in the 80's
Pontiac Grand AM $9,965 Nike Air Force Basketball Shoes $54.90 Tailored Style Silk Blouse
$15.99 From Prices for clothes and fashions in the 80's
Hands Free Operating Car Phone History of Mobile Phones $788
Milk 85 cents 1/2 gallon From Our 80s Price of Food Section
Toys
The popular toys at of the decade also signaled
the age of the video game in arcades, Games
Machines and PC's the most popular games
being Space Invaders and Pac Man plus
talking dolls were all the rage and at the end of
the decade Children's very own Sony Walkmans
Events 1980's
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During the 80's we also saw the collapse of the traditional communism and the end of the
cold war .The fragmentation of communism included the collapse of the Berlin wall and
the breakup up of what was the USSR towards the end of the 80's. and leading to German
reunification.
The 80's also signaled a period of the rise of conservatism as the in political and cultural
life, caused by Margaret Thatcher in the UK and Ronald Reagan in the USA .
Argentina invaded and occupied the Falkland islands in 1982 but is subsequently
defeated by the United Kingdom.
China continued its growth and liberalization but suffered unrest towards the end of the
80's after student's protested in Tiananmen Square on June 4th 1989 and the authorities
used force to quell the protests
Famine in Ethiopia was shown to the world on our television screens in 1984 - 1985 and
the pain and suffering caused the western world to find new ways to help including the
Live Aid concert and many of the most popular stars contributed their time and
performed for free in cities throughout the world , This has to be one of the most
successful campaigns ever to create awareness and raise much needed funds by those
who have the power to draw TV audiences around the globe.
Many South American Countries return to democracy after a period of dictatorships
The mixing of politics and Sport in both 1980 and 1984 Olympics Boycotts by the
world’s major powers
Sporting Changes In The 80's
Baseball
Players go on strike again in 1981 they win but lose fans for the game through their actions for
striking and from drugs or alcohol used by the players.
Basketball
During the eighties new stars emerge Larry Bird, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Hakeem Olajuwon
and Michael Jordan drawing fans back to the games .
Association Football (Soccer)
24 teams fight for the World Cup in 1982
Soccer Hooliganism and the Heysel Stadium Disaster give English Football a bad name the
Hooliganism continues through to the mid 90's
American Football
Miami Hurricanes win college national championships
California Teams The Raiders and San Francisco 49ers Dominate The NFL
The 80's was the decade of the quarterback and the best of them was Joe Montana
The 1985 Chicago Bears with running back Walter Payton considered by many to be one of the
greatest teams of all time.
Ice Hockey
New York Islanders Dominate The First Half Of The Decade
The Great One Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier Help Edmonton Oilers Dominate The Second
Half Of The Decade
For More Sporting history, Origins, Events and Changes, Please Check Out Our New Sports
History Section.
Technology 1980's
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The 80's signaled the start of the computer age, following on from the creation of
Microsoft and Apple towards the end of the 70's , the technology and the speed of
innovation both in Hardware and Software together with the cheapness provided a speed
of growth and take up . The birth of the IBM PC signaled the start of Personal
Computers first in the Offices and then into people’s homes becoming an integral part of
our lives. following on from Micrsofts MSDOS on PC's to the first versions of Windows
a GUI Graphical User Interface
As well as the Hardware and Software changes a new technology was evolving starting
as Bulletin boards later to become what we now know as the Internet invented by
English physicist Tim Berners and the beginnings of the World Wide Web
This was also the Decade that the Post-It was introduced which came from a glue
invented in 1968 accidentally while trying to discover a stronger glue at 3M by Spencer
Silver
Another technology that was also just starting was that of cellular mobile phones, in the
beginning the phones were big and heavy and hit and miss for signal strength, but as with
the Internet would change our lives .
After many years of ignoring the impact on our environment, the world also took more
notice of the impact that we were having on our planet and more research was done on
the effects on global warming through population growth, land clearing of rain forests
for agriculture and logging, increased use of fossil fuels for power generation together
with our love affair with the car for transport.
Popular Culture 1980's
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John Lennon is shot outside his New York apartment
MTV (Music Television) is launched
Floppy shirts, Backcombed hair, Padded shoulders, big hairdoes and white stilettoes
The Simpsons Is First Seen On Tracey Ullman Show April 5th 1987
Michael Jackson releases his second adult solo album, Thriller.
Some of the Most Well Known Movie Stars of the Eighties
Clint Eastwood
Burt Reynolds
Harrison Ford
Michael J Fox
Eddie Murphy
Tom Cruise
Dudley Moore
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Popular Musicians
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Bucks Fizz
The Jam
Olivia Newton-John
Chicago
Lionel Richie
ABBA
Black Sabbath
Queen
The Police
Tina Turner
David Bowie
Whitney Houston
Culture Club
Bruce Springsteen
U2
Television During the Decade
The 1980s was an important decade in the television industry. Not only were great strides made
in the way of “pushing the envelope” with shows like Married…With Children, but other
programs displayed a stark contrast with family-friendly issues and themes. The Cosby Show
began in the middle of the decade and it enjoyed several years as the #1 television program
because it was a witty and realistic rendering of family life during the era. It also destroyed the
stereotype of poor African-American families that shows in the past only helped to reinforce.
Heathcliff Huxtable – the father on The Cosby Show – was an obstetrician while his wife –
Claire – was a successful lawyer.
TV Shows 1980s
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Married with Children 1987 - 1997.
Baywatch 1989 - 1999.
Chips 1977 - 1983.
Hill Street Blues 1981 - 1987.
Highway to Heaven 1984 - 1989.
Knight Rider 1982 - 1986.
Dukes Of Hazzard 1979 - 1985.
The Benny Hill Show 1969 - 1989.
Fame 1982 - 1987.
Cagney & Lacey 1982 - 1988.
Dallas 1978 - 1991.
Matlock 1986 - 1992.
MacGyver 1985 - 1992.
Little House on the Prairie 1974 - 1983.
Doctor Who 1963 - 1989.
Columbo 1968 - 2003.
The A Team 1983 - 1987.
Laverne & Shirley 1976 - 1983.
The Cosby Show 1984 - 1992.
Happy Days 1974 - 1984.
Cheers 1982 - 1993.
Taxi 1978 - 1983.
Benson 1979 - 1986.
Growing Pains 1985 - 1992.
The Eighties also saw the creation of a number of cable networks that viewers still enjoy today.
The Weather Channel – based in Atlanta, GA – premiered in 1982 as a cable network that
covered the weather 24 hours a day. The Cable News Network, better known as CNN, was also
created as television’s first 24-hour news network. It created a trend and today you have the
option of several 24-hour cable news networks to choose from. Rupert Murdoch also created the
Fox Network in the 1980s as a challenge to the only three major networks at the time – NBC,
CBS, and ABC. Even though many people scoffed at the idea of Fox being a major competitor,
it has since created several popular and award-winning shows in its more than 20 year existence.
Music Television (MTV) was also a major breakthrough network in the decade and today
viewers can choose from a large number of music-based television channels.
Other shows that began in the Eighties that are still memorable and popular today include
Cheers, The Golden Girls, Miami Vice, and Family Ties. Along with The Simpsons, many of
these programs are available as DVD box sets for those who lived through the era and want to
experience a feeling of nostalgia by experiencing these shows again.
Condensed from The People’s History, available at www.thepeopleshistory.com
The 1990’s
Money and Inflation 1990's
To provide an estimate of inflation we have given a guide to the value of $100 US Dollars for the
first year in the decade to the equivalent in today's money
If you have $100 Converted from 1990 to 2005 it would be equivalent to $153.76 today
In 1990 a new house cost $123,000.00 and by 1999 was $131,700.00
In 1990 the average income per year was $28,970.00 and by 1999 was $40,810.00
In 1990 a gallon of gas was $1.34 and by 1999 was $1.22
In 1990 the average cost of new car was $16,000.00 and by 1999 was $21,100.00
A few more prices from the 90's and how much things cost
Ford Mustang Convertible $14,289.00 Ohio 1990 From Car Prices in the 90's Plymouth
Voyager $15,999 New Jersey 1996 Leather Bomber Jacket $99.99 Annapolis 1993 From Clothes
Prices in the 90's Levi Denim Jeans $34.99 Super Nintendo $159.00 Cellular Car Phone History
of Mobile Phones $325.00 Ohio 1990 From Electrical and Electronic Prices in the 90's Pork
Chops $1.98 Pork Chops $2.99 per pound Pennsylvania 1998 From Price of Food 90's Frozen
Peas 97 cents per pound Solid Pine Armoire $539.00 New Jersey 1996 From Furniture Prices
90's Lazy Boy Recliner $260.00 Snowboard $199.00 New Jersey 1996
Toys 1990s
Technology also had a major impact on Popular
1990s Toys with computer gaming systems and
the games available increasing in price with
vastly improved graphics and gaming
capabilities.
Events 1990's
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After a number of years fighting between Iran and Iraq , Saddam Hussein needed
additional funds and invaded neighboring oil rich Kuwait, The UN showed it's strength
and a coalition force fully backed by the United Nations first bombed and then a month
later mounted a ground attack to send the Iraq army back to Iraq and retook possession of
Kuwait . ( This was known as The Gulf War )
Condensed from The People’s History, available at www.thepeopleshistory.com
1991 U.S. and Soviet Union sign START I treaty, agreeing to further reduce strategic nuclear
arms (July 31). Senate Judiciary Committee conducts televised hearings to investigate
allegations of past sexual harassment brought against Supreme Court nominee Clarence
Thomas by Anita Hill, a law professor at the University of Oklahoma (Oct. 11–13).
1992 Following the breakup of the Soviet Union in Dec. 1991, President Bush and Russian
president Boris Yeltsin meet at Camp David and formally declare an end to the cold war
(Feb. 1). The acquittal of four white police officers charged in the 1991 beating of black
motorist Rodney King in Los Angeles sets off several days of rioting, leading to more than
50 deaths, thousands of injuries and arrests, and $1 billion in property damage (April 29).
President Bush authorizes sending U.S. troops to Somalia as part of UN relief effort (Dec.
4). President Bush grants pardons to six officials convicted or indicted in the Iran-Contra
scandal, leading some to suspect a cover-up (Dec. 24).
1993 Bill Clinton is inaugurated as the 42nd president (Jan. 20). Bomb explodes in basement
garage of World Trade Center, killing 6, injuring 1,000, and causing more than $500
million in damage (Feb. 26). After 51-day standoff with federal agents, Branch Davidian
compound in Waco, Tex., burns to the ground, killing 80 cult members (April 19).
President Clinton orders missile attack against Iraq in retaliation for alleged plot to
assassinate former President Bush (June 26). Eighteen U.S. soldiers are killed in ambush
by Somali militiamen in Mogadishu (Oct. 3–4). President Clinton signs North American
Free Trade Agreement into law (Dec. 8).
1994 Paula Jones, a former Arkansas state employee, files a federal lawsuit against President
Clinton for sexual harassment (May 6).
1995 Bombing of federal office building in Oklahoma City kills 168 people (April 19). U.S.
establishes full diplomatic relations with Vietnam (July 11). President Clinton sends first
8,000 of 20,000 U.S. troops to Bosnia for 12-month peacekeeping mission (Dec.). Budget
standoff between President Clinton and Congress results in partial shutdown of U.S.
government (Dec. 16–Jan. 6).
1997 Clinton's second inauguration (Jan. 20).
1998 President Clinton denies having had a sexual relationship with a White House intern
named Monica Lewinsky (Jan. 17). President Clinton releases 1999 federal budget plan; it
is the first balanced budget since 1969 (Feb. 2). In televised address, President Clinton
admits having had a sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky (Aug. 17). U.S. launches
missile attacks on targets in Sudan and Afghanistan following terrorist attacks on U.S.
embassies in Kenya and Tanzania (Aug. 20). U.S. and Britain launch air strikes against
weapons sites in Iraq (Dec. 16). House of Representatives votes to impeach President
Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice (Dec. 19).
1999 Senate acquits Clinton of impeachment charges (Feb. 12). NATO wages air campaign
against Yugoslavia over killing and deportation of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo (March
24–June 10). School shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., leaves 14
students (including the 2 shooters) and 1 teacher dead and 23 others wounded (April 20).
U.S. and China sign historic trade agreement (Nov. 15).
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Sporting Changes In The 90's
Baseball
Players go on strike again in 1994 / 1995 Fans Fed Up With the greed of Players and Owners
show their frustration and attendance Drops 20%.
Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire Chase Maris record of 61 home runs in one season ( set in
1961 ) in 1998 with Mark McGwire winning with 70 home runs for the year.
Basketball
Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls won six titles in the 90's 91, 92, 93, 96, 97 and 98
The decade also saw the creation of the “Dream Team,” the 1992 Olympic men’s basketball
team, many think the greatest team of players ever to play on one team, they destroyed the
competition and of course won the gold medal in Barcelona.
After strikes by players during the last few decades, owners turn the tables when they Lockout
the Players in 1998.
American Football
College Football headed by Nebraska and Florida State.
Dallas Cowboys after having a rough period in the late 80's gain a new owner who brings in new
management helping the Cowboys to win the 92, 93 and 96 Super Bowls
Ice Hockey
NHL Expands and Labor Unrest by Players with two lockouts in the decade
Technology 1990's
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The 90's saw the growth of the World Wide Web and the Personal Computer PC, In
1991 when the WWW first became available for the public it grew dramatically with
users multiplying at the rate of about 3500 times a year , by the year 2000 there were an
estimated 295 million users on the Internet. This in turn caused a continuing revolution
in communication and business.
Possibly the field of Medical Science and the advances made in the late 90's will have the biggest
impact on our society with 2 advances that leave us with moral and political questions for the
future.
1. Cloning is the ability to clone one animal from the cell of another animal. A sheep later called
Dolly which was cloned from the cell of an adult Ewe and was fused with an unfertilized egg cell
from which the nucleic DNA had been removed.
2. Stem Cell Research In 1998 stem cells derived from the human embryo were first isolated,
and research to help in many of the diseases and illnesses we suffer from is currently underway.
But any research has a reliance on the use of a human embryo which is morally repugnant to
many in our society.
Many believed prior to this that this was the stuff of science fiction. The human race will need to
wrestle with the moral dilemmas social and political implications of this technology for many
years to come.
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The 90's also saw the development and growth of Genetic engineering or genetic
modification (GM) Foods and the growth of the new science of Biotechnology. GM is
used to help make plants resistant to herbicides and insecticides, by the late 90's about
100.00 million acres were planted with Soybean, Maize, Cotton, Canola, and it is
estimated that over 60% of products on U.S. grocery shelves include GM ingredients.
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The first cases of Avian Flu were found in China in the late 70's and China ordered the
killing of all chickens in its territory following the first cases of human deaths. There are
15 types of bird, or avian, flu. The most contagious strains, which are usually fatal in
birds, are H5 and H7. The type currently causing concern is the deadly strain H5N1,
which can prove fatal to humans.

The 90's saw the growth of many technology companies from small beginnings to a
market dominant position , possibly the best example is Microsoft who from small
beginnings now have their operating systems installed on 80% of the world's computers.
Microsoft managed to provide users with the technology they wanted at an affordable
price but also due to its strength in the market leaves little room for new companies to
emerge. After many years of being the hero of people and governments, both the United
States and the European Union are attacking Microsoft for the restraint of competition.

The biggest assistance for many of the technological advances in the 90's was the
improvements in communication including Internet access, allowing a global sharing of
information and Mobile Communications, in the late 80's mobile phone technology was
still in its infancy but by the end of the 1990's owning a mobile phone was a fact of life,
they are now part of everyday life, If you love them or hate them depends on your view
of privacy including your own and others.
Popular Culture 1990's
Television Trends of the 1990s
The 1990s was an important decade in the history of television. Many programs that defined the
decade are still popular even years after the last episodes were aired. Seinfeld – which has often
been voted as the best show in the history of television – began and ended its nine seasons during
the 1990s. In a way, Seinfeld redefined the sitcom genre by its seemingly pointless plots and
unwavering characters.
Other shows came to a dramatic end in the 1990s, too. For the better part of the decade, NBC
dominated Thursday nights with their “Must See TV” lineup. The Cosby Show led this lineup
for many years, but it aired its last episode in the spring of 1992. Cheers was also a part of the
NBC Thursday night lineup, but this show ended its nine-year run in 1993. In addition, Johnny
Carson also said his final on-air joke in May of 1992, making way for Jay Leno to replace him
on The Tonight Show.
Television in the 1990s also created a great deal of controversy. Beavis and Butthead – an
animated program on MTV – was blamed for a young boy burning down his family’s mobile
home. South Park also continued to push the envelope with child characters who were sassy and
rebellious against their parents and teachers.
The reality show genre became widely popular in the 1990s and its popularity still continues to
this day. MTV created the first popular reality show with The Real World. Other networks
followed suit with CBS’s widely popular Survivor, which helped to pave the way for the
plethora of reality shows on television today.
Children also benefited from the available programs of the 1990s. The Tiny Toons Adventures
was a different take on the characters made popular by the Looney Toons. The Animaniacs,
Family Guy, and King of the Hill also redefined animated television with wittier dialogue that
was meant to entertain adults while still being appealing for children to watch.
Music of the 1990s
The musical era of the 1990s was one filled with a variety of pop, rap, and alternative music
artists as well as a plethora of one-hit wonders. It was a time when musical taste was as varied as
the events that were happening at the time. Many of the most popular acts that emerged in the
1990's were bands and artists who enjoyed a type of resurgence in the mainstream music scene
after their popularity had dwindled for a decade or so. Other artists were just starting out during
this decade and make a huge impact on the musical scene. Following is an explanation of some
of the most memorable artists that helped to define the era in terms of musical differentiations as
well as some artists who are best forgotten.
The early years of the 1990s began with a surge in popularity for music genres like techno
(often called dance or house music) and hip-hop that continued throughout the decade. Groups
like Technotronic entered the Billboard charts with big hits like “Pump Up the Jam” and “Get
Up (Before the Night is Over)”. Others will undoubtedly remember the hits from C+C Music
Factory, including “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” that is still a popular
dance song at many of the dance clubs across the country. Similarly, the hip-hop music scene
achieved popularity with artists like MC Hammer, Tone Loc, and Vanilla Ice. The subject
matter that these artists chose to use in their music was as varied as their audiences. MC
Hammer, for instance, sung (or rapped, depending on you want to refer to it) about subjects
including the rise of his career as well as songs about praying for the betterment of society. On
the other hand, Tone Loc’s songs were riddled with sexual lyrics and innuendo that seem tame
and conservative by today’s standards.
Around late 1992 to early 1993 , there was a change starting in the mainstream radio playlists.
While the sexual lyrics of techno and hip-hop still dominated the airwaves, a new style of rock
music was making an impact. Bands like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden were offering
youngsters a new type of rock music to listen to that contained catchy lyrics about the angst and
trials of teenage years. These songs also seemed to send a message about the status quo of
society and the helplessness that was felt among the teens and early adults of the era. Songs like
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” spoke about a teen revolution in a seemingly meaningless
world. The song also marked the beginning of the grunge and alternative rock phase that
remained popular throughout the mid-1990s.
By late 1995, many young people were getting tired of the hopelessness that the grunge and
alternative bands were inundating the airwaves with. They were ready for something fresh and
new. As a result of this feeling, there was a movement of “happy rock” that was in direct contrast
to the negativity of the grunge bands. Bands like Hootie and the Blowfish, Sister Hazel, and
The Bodeans perpetuated upbeat melodies and positive lyrics that many people were ready for
after years of negativity. These bands also created a resurgence in songs that dealt with love and
relationships through ballads and happier-sounding songs. “All For You” by Sister Hazel was a
popular song about the things a person does for another in a relationship while, contrastingly,
“Let Her Cry” by Hootie and the Blowfish dealt with a tearful breakup that deeply hurt both
people.
The “happy rock” years in the mid-90s helped to pave the way for the “bubblegum pop” that
followed in the waning years of the decade. Artists like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera
dominated the mainstream pop music scene well into the late 1990s and beyond. The sexual
lyrics and innuendos also came back in the songs of this era that was once popular in the early
years of the decade, but they were more blatant than before. The videos were more sexual in
nature, too. The later years of the decade also saw a new popularity for traditional boy bands.
The Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, and N’Sync enjoyed the same amount of, if not more,
popularity than older boy bands like New Kids on the Block from the late 1980s.
The music in the 1990s went through a series of changes in regards to the mainstream radio
airwaves. Ironically, it was nearly a full-circle of styles and tastes that resulted in recreating the
mainstream sound that is strongly reminiscent of popular music in the 1980s. Many of these
bands and artists had staying power, though. Nearly a decade later, we are still being exposed to
many of their antics or effects that they had on the musical front. Fortunately, several of these
acts have matured in recent years and continue to produce quality music while others with less
talent have fallen by the wayside in recent years.
TV Shows 1990s
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Married with Children 1987 - 1997.
Ally McBeal 1997 - 2002.
Baywatch 1989 - 1999.
MacGyver 1985 - 1992.
The X Files 1993 - 2002.
Friends 1994 - 2004.
Columbo 1968 - 2003.
The Cosby Show 1984 - 1992.
Cheers 1982 - 1993.
Will and Grace 1998 - 2006.
That '70s Show 1998 - 2006.
Condensed from The People’s History, available at www.thepeopleshistory.com
The 2000’s
2000 According to the census, the nation's population numbers more than 280 million (April 1).
No clear winner is declared in the close presidential election contest between Vice
President Al Gore and Texas governor George W. Bush (Nov. 7). More than a month after
the presidential election, the U.S. Supreme Court rules against a manual recount of ballots
in certain Florida counties, which it contends would violate the Constitution's equal
protection and due process guarantees. The decision provokes enormous controversy, with
critics maintaining that the court has in effect determined the outcome of the election (Dec.
12). Bush formally accepts the presidency, having won a slim majority in the electoral
college but not a majority of the popular vote (Dec. 13).
2001 George W. Bush is inaugurated as the 43rd president (Jan. 20). Two hijacked jetliners ram
twin towers of World Trade Center in worst terrorist attack against U.S.; a third hijacked
plane flies into the Pentagon, and a fourth crashes in rural Pennsylvania. More than 3,000
people die in the attacks (Sept. 11). U.S. and Britain launch air attacks against targets in
Afghanistan after Taliban government fails to hand over Saudi terrorist Osama bin Laden,
the suspected mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks (Oct. 7). Following air campaign and
ground assault by Afghani opposition troops, the Taliban regime topples (Dec. 9);
however, the hunt for bin Laden and other members of al-Qaeda terrorist organization
continues.
2002 In his first State of the Union address, President Bush labels Iran, Iraq, and North Korea an
“axis of evil” and declares that U.S. will wage war against states that develop weapons of
mass destruction (Jan. 29). President Bush signs legislation creating a new cabinet
department of Homeland Security. (Nov. 25).
2003 Space shuttle Columbia explodes upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven
astronauts on board (Feb. 1). War waged by the U.S. and Britain against Iraq begins
(March 19). President Bush signs $350 billion tax-cut bill (May 28).
2004 The U.S. returns sovereignty to an interim government in Iraq, but maintains roughly
135,000 troops in the country to fight a growing insurgency (June 28). Four hurricanes
devastate Florida and other parts of the southern United States (Aug. and Sept.).
2005 The U.S. engagement in Iraq continues amid that country's escalating violence and fragile
political stability. Hurricane Katrina wreaks catastrophic damage on Mississippi and
Louisiana; 80% of New Orleans is flooded (Aug. 29–30). All levels of government are
criticized for the delayed and inadequate response to the disaster. Sandra Day O'Connor
announces her retirement as a Supreme Court Justice (July 1). Chief Justice William H
Rehnquist passes away after battling thyroid cancer (Sept. 3). John G. Roberts assumes the
role of chief justice (Sept. 29).
2006 The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the population of the United States has reached 300
million (Oct. 17).
2007 California Democrat Nancy Pelosi becomes the first woman Speaker of the House of
Representatives (Jan. 4). Attorney General Alberto Gonzales admits that the Justice
Department made mistakes and exercised poor judgment in firing nine federal prosecutors
in late 2006 (March 13). Male student kills two in a Virginia Tech dorm. Two hours later,
he kills 30 more in a classroom building before committing suicide. The shooting rampage
is the most deadly in U.S. history. Fifteen others are wounded (April 16). The minimum
wage in the U.S. increases to $5.85, up from $5.15. It's the first increase in 10 years. The
wage will increase 70 cents each year through 2009, when it reaches $7.25 an hour (July
24). An eight-lane interstate bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that is packed with cars
breaks into sections and falls into the river, killing 13 people (Aug. 1). The White House
announces that Alberto Gonzales, the beleaguered attorney general, has submitted his
resignation to President Bush (Aug. 27). In highly anticipated testimony, Gen. David
Petraeus tells members of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committees that
the U.S. military needs more time to meet its goals in Iraq. Petraeus rejects suggestions that
the U.S. shift from a counterinsurgency operation to training Iraqi forces and fighting
terrorists. Instead, he says the U.S. must continue all three missions (Sep 10).
2008 After months of campaigning and primary races, Barack Obama and John McCain are
finally chosen as the presidential nominees for the Democratic and Republican parties,
respectively (June 3). After months of unraveling, the economy finally comes crashing
down in 2008, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbling 4.4% in one day, Lehman
Brothers filing for bankruptcy, and Bush putting mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie
Mac under government conservatorship (Sept.). Democrats perform well across the board
in the November elections. Barack Obama becomes the first African-American to be
elected President, with 52.8% of the vote. In Congress, Democrats retain majorities in
both the House and the Senate, with 57 Senators and 178 Representatives (Nov. 4).
2009 (Jan. 22) President Obama signs executive orders closing all secret prisons and detention
camps run by the CIA, including the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba, and
banning coercive interrogation methods. (Feb. 7) The Senate votes in favor of a $168
billion package that gives rebates of $300-$600 for individuals earning up to $75,000 and
to couples with incomes up to $150,000. Families will be eligible for up to $300 in rebates
for each child. (Feb. 17) President Obama signs the $787 billion stimulus package into
law. The president's hope is that the package will create 3.5 million jobs for Americans in
the next two years. (March 2) Insurance giant American International Group reports a
$61.7 billion loss for the fourth quarter of 2008. A.I.G. lost $99.3 billion in 2008. The
federal government, which has already provided the company with a $60 billion loan, will
be giving A.I.G. an additional $30 billion. Nearly 80% of A.I.G. is now owned by the
federal government. (April 26) After confirming 20 cases of swine flu in the United States,
including eight in New York City, the U.S. declares the outbreak a public health
emergency. (June 25) Michael Jackson, lifelong musician, pop singer, and superstar, dies
at age 50. (Aug. 6) The Senate approves, 68 to 31, the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to
the U.S. Supreme Court. She's the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice and the third
woman to serve on the Court. (Aug. 25) Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy, a fixture in the
Senate for 46 years, dies of brain cancer at the age of 77. (Nov. 5) A shooting at the Fort
Hood army post in Texas kills 13 and injures 29. Ten of those killed are military personnel.
Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, an army psychiatrist, is charged with 13 counts of premeditated
murder. (Dec. 25) A Nigerian man on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit allegedly
attempted to ignite an explosive device hidden in his underwear. The alleged bomber,
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, told officials later that he was directed by the terrorist group
Al Qaeda.
2010 (Jan. 22) An explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico
sends millions of gallons of oil into the sea. The spill kills 11 and is the largest off-shore
spill in U.S. history as well as one of the largest spills in world history. (Aug. 5) The
United States Senate votes 63 to 37 to confirm President Obama's most recent nominee to
the U.S. Supreme Court, Elena Kagan, as the newest Justice. Kagan is only the fourth
woman to ever hold this position, and she'll be the third female member of the current
bench, joining Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor. Kagan is the former dean of
Harvard Law School; she'll be the only member of the current Supreme Court to have no
previous experience as a judge. (Dec. 18) The Senate votes 65 to 31 in favor of repealing
Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the Clinton-era military policy that forbids openly gay men and
women from serving in the military. Eight Republicans side with the Democrats to strike
down the ban. The repeal is sent to President Obama for his final signature. The ban will
not be lifted officially until Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and Admiral Mike
Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, agree that the military is ready to enact
the change and that it won't affect military readiness.
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