Born 1920

Your life in history

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

1. 1920

   You were born

2. 1925

   You turned 5

3. 1930

   You turned 10

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

4. 1933

   You turned 13

5. 1936

   You turned 16

6. 1938

   You turned 18

7. 1941

   You turned 21

8. 1950

   You turned 30

9. 1960

   You turned 40

10. 1970

    You turned 50

11. 1980

    You turned 60

12. 1990

    You turned 70

    Margaret Thatcher resigned — After eleven years in power, the Prime Minister stood down on 22 November 1990.

13. 2000

    You turned 80

14. 2010

    You turned 90

    The iPad was announced — Apple’s tablet arrived in April 2010 and created a category overnight.

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 1920 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 1938, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1920 with 1998 →

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