It's hard to believe but 2019 marks 33 years since 1986 - a year that saw the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the Chernobyl disaster, and the launch of the first global satellite navigation system, the Global Positioning System (GPS). It's been a long, eventful journey since then, and today we take a look back at some of the defining moments of the past 33 years.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
One of the most iconic events of the past 33 years was the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The wall, which had divided the city since 1961, was finally breached after months of protests and unrest. The fall of the wall symbolized the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.
The World Wide Web
In 1989, the world wide web was born when British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee developed the first web browser. The web revolutionized the way people communicate, learn, and do business, and it has since grown to become one of the most important tools of our day.
The Dot-Com Boom
One of the most significant events of the past 33 years was the dot-com boom of the late 1990s. Companies such as Amazon, Google, and eBay were founded during this time and quickly grew to become some of the most influential companies in the world. The dot-com boom also gave rise to a new wave of entrepreneurs who are now some of the most successful businesspeople in the world.
9/11 and the War on Terror
September 11th 2001 will forever be remembered as one of the darkest days in modern history. The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon marked the beginning of the War on Terror, a conflict which continues to this day. The events of 9/11 also changed the way we view security and terrorism, and many security measures have been implemented in recent years in an attempt to prevent similar attacks.
The Rise of Social Media
Social media has become an integral part of modern life in the past decade. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have changed the way we communicate and interact with one another. They have also enabled individuals to become influencers and have a direct impact on the world around them.
The Introduction of Smartphones
In 2007, Apple released the first iPhone, which revolutionized the way we use technology. The introduction of smartphones made it easier for people to access the internet and stay connected with one another. Smartphones have since become ubiquitous, and they continue to shape the way we interact with the world around us.
The Global Financial Crisis
In 2008, the global financial crisis shook the world. The crisis, which was caused by the collapse of the US housing market, had a devastating impact on the global economy. Many countries were forced to implement austerity measures in an attempt to stabilize their economies, and the crisis is still having an impact on the world today.
The Arab Spring
In 2011, a wave of protests swept across the Middle East and North Africa in what became known as the Arab Spring. The protests, which were sparked by a desire for greater democracy, resulted in the overthrow of several long-standing dictatorships, although some of these countries have since descended into chaos.
The Rise of China
China has become one of the world's largest economies in the past 33 years. Its economy is now the second-largest in the world, and it is home to many of the world's leading companies. China is also becoming increasingly influential on the world stage, and its rise is likely to have a profound effect on the global economy in the coming years.
Brexit
In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in a historic referendum. The decision to leave has had far-reaching implications for the UK and the EU, and it is still unclear what the long-term effects will be. Brexit has sparked intense debate both within the UK and across Europe, and it is likely to remain a prominent issue for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in 1986?
1986 was a significant year, marked by several major events including the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the Chernobyl disaster, and the launch of the first global satellite navigation system, the Global Positioning System (GPS).
When was the Berlin Wall breached?
The Berlin Wall was breached in 1989 after months of protests and unrest.
When was the World Wide Web created?
The World Wide Web was created in 1989 by British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee.
What caused the global financial crisis?
The global financial crisis was caused by the collapse of the US housing market in 2008.
What was the Arab Spring?
The Arab Spring was a wave of protests that swept across the Middle East and North Africa in 2011. The protests were sparked by a desire for greater democracy and resulted in the overthrow of several long-standing dictatorships.
How has China's economy grown?
China's economy has grown significantly in the past 33 years. It is now the second-largest economy in the world and is home to many of the world's leading companies.
What is Brexit?
Brexit is the popular name for the UK's decision to leave the European Union, which was made in a referendum in 2016.
What impact has Brexit had?
Brexit has had far-reaching implications for the UK and the EU, and it is still unclear what the long-term effects will be. It has sparked intense debate both within the UK and across Europe.
What impact has social media had?
Social media has had a profound impact on the way we communicate and interact with one another. It has enabled individuals to become influencers and have a direct impact on the world around them.
What impact have smartphones had?
Smartphones have made it easier for people to access the internet and stay connected with one another. They have become ubiquitous and continue to shape the way we interact with the world around us.
What impact has the global financial crisis had?
The global financial crisis had a devastating impact on the global economy. Many countries were forced to implement austerity measures in an attempt to stabilize their economies, and the crisis is still having an impact on the world today.
What are the long-term effects of 9/11?
The events of 9/11 changed the way we view security and terrorism, and many security measures have been implemented in recent years in an attempt to prevent similar attacks. It also had a profound psychological effect on many people, particularly those who lived in or near the affected areas.
What effect has the rise of China had?
China's rise has had a profound effect on the global economy. Its economy is now the second-largest in the world, and it is rapidly becoming increasingly influential on the world stage.