Featured moment
Sony Walkman Introduced
The portable cassette player revolutionized how people listened to music, making it a private, mobile experience.
Walkmans and Walkers.
Sony let us take music anywhere, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, and Alien terrified audiences.
The Cost of Living in 1979
Gallon of Gas
$1.07
Loaf of Bread
$0.47
Gallon of Milk
$2.04
World Population
4.37 billion
Featured moment
Iranian Revolution & Hostage Crisis
The Shah was overthrown, an Islamic Republic was established, and 52 Americans were taken hostage in Tehran.
Featured moment
Alien Released
Ridley Scott's sci-fi horror masterpiece set a new standard for tension and creature design in cinema.
The wider picture
More from 1979
A few more things worth remembering.
World Events
Soviet Union Invades Afghanistan
The invasion began a 9-year conflict that became known as the Soviet Union's "Vietnam War."
World Events
Three Mile Island Accident
A partial nuclear meltdown in Pennsylvania became the worst commercial nuclear accident in US history.
Gaming
Asteroids Released in Arcades
Atari's vector-graphics shooter became its best-selling arcade game of all time.
World Events
Margaret Thatcher Elected
Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Music
The Sugarhill Gang Releases "Rapper's Delight"
The track became the first hip-hop single to become a Top 40 hit, introducing the genre to a wide audience.
You arrivedin 1979.
The longer view
This was only the opening scene.
Follow the world as it changed around you, from 1979 to today.