Born 1917

Your life in history

Every milestone of your life happened in a historical year. Here they are, side by side.

1. 1917

   You were born

2. 1922

   You turned 5

3. 1927

   You turned 10

4. 1930

   You turned 13

   Pluto was discovered — In February 1930, Clyde Tombaugh spotted a new planet from Lowell Observatory. It kept its status until 2006.

5. 1933

   You turned 16

6. 1935

   You turned 18

7. 1938

   You turned 21

8. 1947

   You turned 30

9. 1957

   You turned 40

10. 1967

    You turned 50

    The Six-Day War redrew the Middle East — In June 1967, six days of fighting between Israel and its neighbours changed the map of the region.

11. 1977

    You turned 60

12. 1987

    You turned 70

13. 1997

    You turned 80

14. 2007

    You turned 90

Historical notes appear for years we've filled in so far — more are being added all the time.

Keep exploring

• See the world you were born into →

  The full picture for 1917 — music, movies, technology and more.

• What was the world like when you turned 18? →

  The year 1935, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

  From the NHS to the iPhone — how much arrived after you did?

• Compare 1917 with 1998 →

  Two birth years, side by side. Try it with family.