Pop Culture Events that Shaped the 1990s
When you're in your 20s, everything seems like it's going to last forever. It's easy to forget that you'll get older one day—and that some things will change while others stay the same.
Remember the first time you saw someone get slimed on Nickelodeon? Or perhaps opening your Lisa Frank notebook on the first day of class? Who could forget Jennifer Aniston's success on Friends?
We've all had moments in our lives—whether they were huge or small—that we'll always remember.
Maybe it was when your favorite band came to town, or the time you had a great conversation with an elderly neighbor or the time you found out who shot J.R. Ewing.
If you were born before 1990, chances are there are some memories from that decade that stick out in your mind as being unforgettable: maybe it was a moment at home, or maybe it was something that happened at school or work. But whatever they were, these ten moments from the 1990s were truly unforgettable!
1. Apple Was Saved from Bankruptcy by Microsoft
The year was 1997. Apple was in dire straits and facing bankruptcy. Microsoft came to the rescue with an investment of $150 million dollars, saving the company from financial ruin.
This was what Steve Jobs announced to his audience in his first speech as CEO of Apple, in which he explained that Microsoft doesn't have to lose for Apple to win. Of course, this was not received with joy by the crowd, who booed him.
This rather unexpected investment from Microsoft allowed Apple to get back on its feet and create new products. However, it also led to tension between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates—two founders who had previously been close friends. The tension eventually led to Jobs leaving Apple for good in 1985 and then returning in 1996.
The deal also resulted in Microsoft being involved with Macintosh computers for years after it happened.
2. Harry Potter
The 1990s were a decade of change. That's what makes it so fun to look back on now! We got to see the rise of the Internet, a new kind of music, and a whole new way of thinking about how we consume entertainment.
But one thing that stood out from this decade was the popularity of the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling.
The first book in the series was published in 1997, and it sold over 500 million copies worldwide. The books have been translated into 67 languages and generated well over $7.7 billion in gross sales.
The story follows Harry Potter, who finds out he's a wizard when he is accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at age 11.
He goes on to team up with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they face off against evil Lord Voldemort while trying to find their place in the world—and all while getting good grades!
3. Disney Achieved Cinematic Greatness by Releasing Some of Their Biggest Classic Hits
Disney achieved cinematic greatness in the 1990s by releasing some of its biggest classic hits. The Lion King, Aladdin, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Hocus Pocus, and Hercules are just some of the iconic animated films that hit theaters and crushed the box office during this decade.
What makes these movies so great? For starters, they all have memorable characters that you can't help but love—like Simba from The Lion King or Genie from Aladdin.
And then there's the music! You can't listen to "Circle of Life" without feeling like you're part of something grand.
But what really sets these movies apart is their ability to capture what it's like to be a kid: the excitement you feel when you're discovering something new, as well as the fear that comes with facing something challenging or new (like meeting your future stepmother).
And most importantly: they make us believe in magic.
4. Monica Lewinsky Scandal
In 1998, the U.S. president at the time was Bill Clinton, who was married to Hillary Clinton. Unfortunately, there was a huge sex scandal between the president and Monica Lewinsky, who was an intern at the White House at the time.
Their affair was between 1995 and 1997. Mr. Clinton denied having a relationship with Ms. Lewinsky in his famous speech in January 1998. However, he was found guilty of perjury and impeached.
"I did not have sexual relations with that woman..."
He was later acquitted of these charges.
5. Columbine Mass Shooting
There was a mass shooting at Columbine High School on the 20th of April, 1999. This shooting was carried out by two teenagers who killed 13 people and wounded 20 other people.
They then committed suicide using the same guns. At this point in time, it was the worst and most heinous high school shooting that led to a lot of debate on school safety and gun control.
6. Scientists Successfully Clone the First Sheep, Dolly
On the 22nd of February, 1997, Roslin Institute scientists effectively cloned the first sheep named Dolly. This caused a lot of public debates on cloning and its morality, benefits, and dangers.
This was a huge breakthrough because it was the first animal to be cloned using an adult cell. This showed scientists that it was possible to create an identical copy of another living being using only specialized cells.
7. Napster Was Created
In 1999, Napster was created. This is a highly popular file-sharing application that allows the quick and easy sharing of a variety of files, especially audio files. This led to the quick, easy, and free sharing of copyrighted songs around the world.
With Napster around, artists such as the Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, and Jennifer Lopez found their music shared all around.
8. Tamagotchis
If you were a kid in the 90s, then chances are that you had a Tamagotchi.
These were the first digital pets that became highly popular in 1997. Their small portable nature allowed you to carry them wherever you went.
You had to feed them, show affection and take care of them in the same manner that you would a real pet or face the sad consequences if you didn't!
9. Gay Rights
In the 90s, persons who were a part of the LGBTQ community were typically treated unequally.
However, political discussions on these rights started more seriously in the 90s. Unfortunately, the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy was created in the U.S military in 1993.
It allowed members of the LGBTQ community to serve in the military under the condition that they did not engage in homosexual activity. This led to an increase in hate crimes and discrimination.
As a result, on the 25th of April 1993, between 800,000 to 1,000,000 people took part in a march for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation in Washington.
10. OJ Simpson Trial
One of the most famous trials is the OJ Simpson trial which happened in 1995. OJ Simpson was an actor and famous American football player who was accused of killing his ex-wife and her male friend.
This trial highlighted issues between racial discrimination and the LAPD. He was acquitted of the murder charges due to reasonable doubt.
11. Michael Jordan's Flu Game
Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, and the Chicago Bulls experienced a ton of success in the 90s, but one of the most iconic moments was the flu game.
It was 1997, and the Bulls were tied 2-2 with the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan had severe flu symptoms, but he lead his team to a win.
Iconic 90s Moments
Which moments from the 90s are memorable to you? What did we forget from our list?
Hit us up at intothe1990s@gmail.com and let us know, and your thoughts could be in a new article!