The Big News Of 1987
In 1987 the United Kingdom experienced the "Great Storm," a meteorological event that struck in October 1987, causing widespread devastation across southern England. The storm, which was characterized by hurricane-force winds, uprooted thousands of trees, damaged homes, and disrupted transportation networks, leading to significant economic losses.
The aftermath of the storm prompted discussions about the effectiveness of weather forecasting and emergency preparedness, as the severity of the event took many by surprise. Just a few days later, the financial world was rocked by the stock market crash known as Black Monday, which occurred on October 19, 1987. This event saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummet by over 22% in a single day, marking one of the most significant market declines in history. The combination of these events—the political landscape shaped by Thatcher's policies, the natural disaster of the Great Storm, and the financial turmoil of Black Monday—created a complex backdrop for the United Kingdom during this tumultuous period.
Headlines
Margaret Thatcher Re-elected
The re-election of Margaret Thatcher in the United Kingdom marked a significant moment in British political history, as it solidified her position as a dominant figure in the Conservative Party and the nation at large. In 1987, Thatcher secured a third consecutive term as Prime Minister, a feat that underscored her popularity and the public's endorsement of her economic policies, which were characterized by a commitment to free-market principles and a reduction in state intervention. Her government focused on privatizing state-owned industries, curbing inflation, and fostering a climate conducive to entrepreneurship. However, this period was not without its challenges, as the socio-economic landscape was marked by rising unemployment and social unrest, which would later fuel debates about the long-term sustainability of her policies.
The Great Storm
October 15-16, 1987.
The Great Storm of 1987, which struck the United Kingdom on the night of October 15th, was an unprecedented meteorological event that left a profound impact on the nation. Characterized by hurricane-force winds, the storm developed rapidly and caught meteorologists off guard, as it was not anticipated to be as severe as it turned out to be. Wind speeds reached up to 100 miles per hour in some areas, resulting in widespread destruction across southern England and parts of Wales. The storm uprooted thousands of trees, damaged buildings, and disrupted transportation networks, leading to significant economic losses. The aftermath revealed the vulnerability of infrastructure and prompted discussions about improving weather forecasting and emergency preparedness.
- Stock Market: Black Monday, October 19, witnessed a major stock market crash.
- Science: Supernova 1987A was observed, the first naked-eye supernova since 1604.
- US: The US Supreme Court ruled against a Louisiana law requiring creation science to be taught alongside evolution in public schools.