Born 1970

Your life in history

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

1. 1970

   You were born

2. 1975

   You turned 5

   The Vietnam War ended — On 30 April 1975, Saigon fell and the long war in Vietnam came to an end.

3. 1980

   You turned 10

4. 1983

   You turned 13

5. 1986

   You turned 16

6. 1988

   You turned 18

7. 1991

   You turned 21

8. 2000

   You turned 30

9. 2010

   You turned 40

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

10. 2020

    You turned 50

    The COVID-19 pandemic — In March 2020, the WHO declared a pandemic and life changed across the globe within weeks.

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 1970 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 1988, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1970 with 1998 →

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