Looking back at the 1990s
The last decade of the 20th century was one of the most interesting and influential. The 1990s was the culmination of the counterculture from the 1960s, the economic and labour market turmoil of the 1970s followed by the outright market-based monetarist economy of the 1980s. The 1990s combined all of these elements to create an interesting cultural and socially different decade to finish off the millennium. Seven years of it were dominated by the control of the House of Commons by the Conservatives. Opposing them and beginning to make inroads into their support was a new Labour Party. As John Major attempted to keep control of the eurosceptic elements in his party the new leaders of Labour seemed to be offering something different.
Moving through this political and social landscape were Media experts such as Alastair Campbell. Campbell can still be found providing insight and opinion in theneweuropean.co.uk/contributor/alastair-campbell where he serves as editor in chief. The 90s brought about a sense of optimism and coolness as the world was able to breathe a sigh of relief that the Cold war was finally deemed to be over.
This new found confidence in the country led to the rise of such artists as Damian Hearst and Tracey Emin. Musically the country was blessed with the likes of Blur, Oasis, Pulp and the Spice Girls. It became okay to brandish the Union Jack again. However, the decade was not without tragedy. The death of Princess Diana and England’s heartbreaking defeat in Euro 96 being two of the most obvious examples.
