Do you know someone for whom a big milestone birthday is fast approaching? We’re all familiar with that funny feeling brought on when we see the big three-oh or four-oh looming down on us, but a decade birthday is always a big deal, whether you’re entering your thirties or your nineties!
The older generation can be notoriously difficult to buy for. After all, what do you get for someone who has lived so much life, and has everything they ever wanted? Thinking outside the box can help, and checking out some unique and different 90th birthday gifts that you won’t find in your local shopping centre is a sure-fire way to let them know you truly care.
Authentic newspapers offer a window into the past and provide nostalgia for people of all ages. Whether you were born in 2001 or 1921, you can look back at exactly what was happening in the world at the moment you entered it. With that in mind, we look back here at some of the biggest events in the years ending in a “1”, from 1931 onwards.
1931
The Empire State Building, the world’s tallest building until 1970, opens its door in New York City. The Highway Code is published in Britain for the first time. The Statute of Westminster gives legislative equality to the Commonwealth realms of Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Canada and Newfoundland.
1941
As World War II rages on, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill uses his “V for Victory” hand signal for the first time. Jewish people living in Nazi Germany become legally required to wear the Star of David. Japanese planes attack the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, prompting Britain and America to declare war on Japan the following day.
1951
The Archers, the world’s longest-running drama, begins broadcasting on BBC Radio. Frank Sinatra divorces wife Nancy after twelve years of marriage following tabloid rumours of an affair with Marilyn Monroe.
1961
The Space Race dominates the headlines, as Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human to orbit the Earth and newly-inaugurated US President John F. Kennedy announces his goal to put man on the moon before the end of the decade.
1971
Great Britain abolishes the shilling system and decimalises its currency. Muhammad Ali loses for the first time in his career against Joe Frazier in “The Fight of the Century”.
1981
Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral. MTV, The Smurfs, Postman Pat and the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats all premiere. The first ever London Marathon is held.
1991
The IRA launches an attack on 10 Downing Street. Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” remains top of the UK singles chart for a record 16 weeks. Queen frontman Freddie Mercury passes away.
2001
Terrorists hijack planes and attack the World Trade Center in New York City. The first Harry Potter film adaptation is released worldwide. The England football team beat old rivals Germany 5-1.
2011
The world reaches a population of seven billion people. Osama Bin Laden is captured by American troops. One Direction release their first single and album. The News of the World ceases publication after 168 years following a phone hacking scandal.