1. Cold War Era:
- Berlin Wall fell in 1989, marking the geopolitical shift leading to the end of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.
- The dissolution of the Soviet Union into individual nations occurred officially in 1991, ending the Communist regime in favor of individual states and republics.
2. Technological Advancement:
- Personal computers and home Internet usage experienced rapid expansion during the 1980s and early 1990s, laying the foundation for the digital age.
- The World Wide Web (WWW) was introduced to the public in 1991 by Tim Berners-Lee, marking the beginning of the Internet as we know it.
3. Major Political Events:
- The Gulf War, also known as the First Gulf War, took place in 1990-91 when a US-led coalition intervened in Kuwait to expel Iraqi forces.
- Nelson Mandela became the first Black President of South Africa in 1994, marking the end of apartheid and a significant milestone in the history of human rights.
4. Space exploration:
- The Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990, revolutionizing our understanding of space and providing breathtaking images of the cosmos.
5. Pop culture Phenomena:
- The 1990s saw the rise of popular bands such as Nirvana and the emergence of the Britpop movement with groups like Oasis and Blur.
- Notable films of the time included "Titanic" (1997), "Jurassic Park" (1993), and "Pulp Fiction" (1994).
In sum, the period before 1997 witnessed the end of the Cold War, remarkable advancements in technology and societal changes, along with significant political and cultural developments that shaped the world for generations to come.