1990
Key events from 1990
1990
The year the Cold War truly ended—walls fell, nations reunited, and the world witnessed the power of peaceful transformation as one of history’s greatest leaders walked free.
🌍 Key World Events
| Date | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 11 | Nelson Mandela released from prison | After 27 years of imprisonment, his release marks the beginning of South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy. |
| Mar 11 | Lithuania declares independence from USSR | First Soviet republic to declare independence, beginning the dissolution of the Soviet Union. |
| Oct 3 | German reunification completed | East and West Germany officially reunite after 45 years of division, ending one of the Cold War’s most visible symbols. |
| Aug 2 | Iraq invades Kuwait | Saddam Hussein’s invasion triggers international crisis, leading to the Gulf War and reshaping Middle East politics. |
| Nov 22 | Margaret Thatcher resigns as British PM | After 11 years as Britain’s first female Prime Minister, Thatcher’s resignation marks the end of the “Thatcher Era.” |
| Dec 9 | Lech Wałęsa elected president of Poland | Former labor activist becomes Poland’s first democratically elected president, completing the nation’s peaceful transformation. |
🧪 Science & Technology
- Hubble Space Telescope launched (Apr 24) — Despite initial mirror flaws, Hubble begins its mission to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
- World Wide Web publicly debuts — Tim Berners-Lee releases the first web browser and web server, laying groundwork for the internet revolution.
- Human Genome Project officially launches — International effort begins to map all human genes, transforming medicine and biology.
- First successful gene therapy performed in the U.S., treating a 4-year-old girl with a rare immune disorder.
🎨 Culture & Society
- “Dances with Wolves” wins 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture, revitalizing the Western genre with a sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans.
- Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands” premieres, becoming a defining film of gothic fantasy cinema.
- The Simpsons becomes a full series on Fox (Jan 14), launching into cultural phenomenon status with its satirical take on American life.
- Twin Peaks debuts on TV, revolutionizing television drama with its surreal storytelling.
- MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” dominates the charts, bringing hip-hop to mainstream pop culture.
👶 Notable Births
| Name | Born | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Watson | Apr 15 | Actress known for Harry Potter series and activism. |
| Jennifer Lawrence | Aug 15 | Academy Award-winning actress and cultural icon. |
⚰️ Notable Deaths
- Sammy Davis Jr. (May 16) — Legendary entertainer and member of the Rat Pack.
- Greta Garbo (Apr 15) — Iconic Swedish-American actress from Hollywood’s Golden Age.
- Leonard Bernstein (Oct 14) — Celebrated composer and conductor.
📚 Quick Facts & Trivia
- Reunification Cost: Germany’s reunification involved enormous costs, with West Germany essentially absorbing the struggling East German economy.
- End of an Era: The 1990s began with the collapse of communist regimes across Eastern Europe, fundamentally reshaping global politics.
- Environmental Milestone: The Montreal Protocol (1987) begins showing results as nations cooperate to protect the ozone layer.
- Windows 3.0 released by Microsoft (May 22), bringing graphical user interfaces to millions of PC users.