How long ago was 1987
1987 may seem like a distant memory for most of us, but in reality, it was not that long ago. However, time has a way of making events and experiences feel like ancient history. In this article, we will explore the question of how long ago 1987 really was and shed light on the various ways we can measure the passage of time.
1987 marks a significant milestone in history, as it was a year that witnessed various notable events across the globe. From political shifts to cultural movements, this year left an indelible mark on the world. However, with the passage of time, it is easy to forget the details and context surrounding these events. In order to truly understand how long ago 1987 was, we need to look beyond the mere number of years and delve into the memories and significance attached to that time.
When we think about the year 1987, many of us might recall the iconic movies, music, and fashion trends that defined this era. From films like “Dirty Dancing” and “The Lost Boys” to hit songs like “La Bamba” and “With or Without You,” the pop culture landscape of 1987 was vibrant and full of life. Looking back at these cultural artifacts can transport us back to that moment and remind us of the emotions and experiences that defined that time.
The History of 1987
1987 was a significant year in history that marked several notable events and developments across various fields. Here are some key highlights from that year:
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Financial Market Crash: 1987 witnessed a major global stock market crash, known as “Black Monday.” On October 19, stock markets around the world experienced a steep decline in their values. This event had a significant impact on the global economy.
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Publication of “One Hundred Years of Solitude”: In 1987, Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez’s acclaimed novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude” celebrated its twentieth anniversary. This groundbreaking work of literature, written in Spanish, explores the history of the fictitious town called Macondo.
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“The Simpsons” Premieres: On December 17, 1987, the animated sitcom “The Simpsons” made its debut as a series of shorts on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” It later became one of the longest-running and most beloved television shows of all time.
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Induction of Women into Wall Street: The year 1987 saw the first female members admitted to the New York Stock Exchange. This marked an important milestone in increasing gender diversity in previously male-dominated professions.
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NASA’s Voyager 2 Visits Uranus: Voyager 2, a space probe launched by NASA, made its closest approach to the planet Uranus on January 24, 1987. It provided scientists with valuable information about this distant planet and its moons.
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A Percy Bysshe Shelley Poem Rediscovered: In 1987, a previously unknown poem by the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was unexpectedly discovered. The poem, “Poetical Essay on the Existing State of Things,” sheds light on Shelley’s political and social views.
These are just a few highlights from the eventful year of 1987. It was a year that witnessed significant changes in finance, literature, television, space exploration, and poetry.
Significant Events in 1987
In 1987, several significant events took place that had a lasting impact on various aspects of society. Here are some of the key events from that year:
1. Black Monday: On October 19, 1987, global stock markets experienced a massive crash, now commonly known as Black Monday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average in the United States plummeted a record 22.6%, causing worldwide financial turmoil.
2. Iran-Contra Affair: The Iran-Contra scandal came to light in 1987 when it was revealed that senior officials in the Reagan administration had secretly sold weapons to Iran and used the proceeds to fund anti-Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua. This event caused a major political controversy in the United States.
3. First Palestinian Intifada: Also known as the First Intifada, a widespread Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation began in December 1987. This grassroots movement involved protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience and continued until the early 1990s.
4. Treaty of Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF): On December 8, 1987, the United States and the Soviet Union signed the INF Treaty, which aimed to eliminate all intermediate-range nuclear missiles from their arsenals. This significant arms control agreement eased tensions between the two superpowers during the Cold War.
5. Great Storm of 1987: On October 15-16, 1987, the United Kingdom was hit by one of the most severe storms in its history. With winds reaching up to 115 mph (185 km/h), the storm caused widespread damage and led to the loss of 18 lives.
These events shaped the political, economic, and social landscape of 1987 and continue to have a lasting impact on the world today.
Politics and Government in 1987
In 1987, several significant political events and developments shaped the landscape of countries around the world. From landmark election victories to international conflicts, here is an overview of the key political events in that year.
Elections
Many important elections took place in 1987, resulting in notable changes in government leadership and policies:
| Country | Election | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | General election | Margaret Thatcher won her third consecutive term as Prime Minister, the first British Prime Minister to do so since the early 19th century. |
| United States | Presidential election | Ronald Reagan successfully secured his second term, defeating his Democratic opponent. |
| Philippines | Presidential election | Corazon Aquino emerged victorious, ending the long-lasting regime of President Ferdinand Marcos. |
International Conflicts
1987 was also marked by significant international conflicts and developments that had a substantial impact on global politics:
In the Middle East, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict led to a series of uprisings known as the First Intifada, which lasted several years and had far-reaching implications for peace negotiations in the region.
In Asia, tensions rose between North and South Korea, culminating in the bombing of a Korean Air flight by agents from North Korea. This incident further strained relations between the two countries and heightened international tensions.
Additionally, the world witnessed the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) between the United States and the Soviet Union, marking a significant step towards nuclear disarmament and easing Cold War tensions.
Furthermore, the Brundtland Commission released its landmark report titled “Our Common Future,” which emphasized the importance of sustainable development to address pressing environmental and social challenges facing the global community.
In conclusion, 1987 was a year filled with transformative political events, from elections that shaped the course of nations to international conflicts that influenced global relations. These events serve as reminders of the dynamic nature of politics and government in shaping our world.
Popular Culture and Entertainment in 1987
In the year 1987, popular culture and entertainment reflected the vibrant spirit of the era. From music and movies to fashion and television, 1987 was a memorable year for many. Let’s take a look back at some of the most significant events and trends that shaped the popular culture landscape.
The Music Scene
1987 saw the release of several iconic albums that would go on to define a generation. One of the most notable albums was Michael Jackson’s “Bad,” which showcased his incredible talent and further solidified his status as the King of Pop. Other influential albums released that year include U2’s “The Joshua Tree,” Guns N’ Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction,” and Madonna’s “True Blue.”
The charts were also dominated by catchy hits that are still well-loved today. Some of the popular songs of 1987 include Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up,” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”
Hollywood Blockbusters
1987 gave cinema-goers a wide range of blockbuster movies to enjoy. One of the most iconic films that year was “Dirty Dancing,” which became a massive success and is still cherished today for its memorable soundtrack and dance sequences. Other notable movies of 1987 include “Fatal Attraction,” “Predator,” “The Princess Bride,” and “Full Metal Jacket.” These movies not only entertained audiences but also left a lasting impact on popular culture.
Apart from the big screen, television shows like “The Cosby Show” and “Cheers” were popular 1987 choices, capturing the hearts of viewers week after week. These shows provided entertainment and a sense of community, creating shared experiences that people still reminisce about today.
Fashion and Trends
1987 witnessed distinctive fashion trends that reflected the bold and edgy style of the time. Acid wash jeans, neon colors, and oversized blazers were all the rage, embodying the spirit of the ’80s. Madonna’s provocative fashion sense also influenced trends, with many people adopting her iconic lace gloves and layered bracelets.
Pop culture in 1987 was not only defined by music, movies, and fashion but also by significant events like the release of the first Simpson’s short on “The Tracey Ullman Show,” which eventually led to the creation of the beloved animated series in 1989.
All in all, 1987 was a year that left a profound impact on popular culture and remains significant today. It was a time of creative expression, memorable music, unforgettable movies, and innovative fashion trends that continue to influence and inspire generations to come.
| Notable Albums | Top Songs | Blockbuster Movies | Popular TV Shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Jackson’s “Bad” | Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” | “Dirty Dancing” | “The Cosby Show” |
| U2’s “The Joshua Tree” | Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” | “Fatal Attraction” | “Cheers” |
| Guns N’ Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” | Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” | “Predator” | |
| Madonna’s “True Blue” | “The Princess Bride” |
Technology and Innovation in 1987
1987 saw several technological and innovative advancements that laid the groundwork for future advancements and shaped the world we live in today. It marked a turning point in the era of technology and set the stage for the digital revolution that would follow.
Computing
1987 saw the release of various groundbreaking technologies in the field of computing. One notable development was the introduction of the NeXT Computer, a workstation developed by Steve Jobs. Despite its limited commercial success, the NeXT Computer laid the foundation for future advancements in computing interfaces and operating systems, and also served as the prototype for the World Wide Web.
Telecommunications
This year also witnessed significant developments in telecommunications. The World Standards for digital cellular communication systems (GSM) were agreed upon, paving the way for the widespread use of mobile phones. These standards laid the groundwork for the modern mobile communication networks that enable us to stay connected in today’s world.
Consumer Electronics
1987 marked the release of various iconic consumer electronics products. The first CD player with video capabilities, the Philips CD-I, was introduced, revolutionizing the home entertainment industry. Companies such as Nintendo also released gaming consoles, like the NES in North America, which began a new era of video gaming.
Space Exploration
In 1987, NASA launched the space shuttle Challenger for its final successful mission before the tragic disaster in 1986. This mission symbolized the resilience and determination of the space exploration community to further understand the universe and expand human knowledge.
In conclusion, 1987 was a crucial year for technological and innovative developments that became foundational for future advancements in computing, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and space exploration. These advancements have shaped the world we live in today and continue to evolve at an ever-increasing pace.
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