Featured moment
MTV Launches
MTV went on the air with "Video Killed the Radio Star," fundamentally changing how music was consumed and marketed.
I want my MTV.
Music television was born, the space shuttle took flight, and Indiana Jones raided the lost ark.
The Cost of Living in 1981
Gallon of Gas
$1.18
Loaf of Bread
$0.51
Gallon of Milk
$2.17
World Population
4.53 billion
Featured moment
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas introduced the world to Harrison Ford's iconic archaeologist Indiana Jones.
Featured moment
First Space Shuttle Flight
NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia launched on its maiden voyage (STS-1), beginning a new era of reusable spacecraft.
The wider picture
More from 1981
A few more things worth remembering.
Technology
IBM Personal Computer Introduced
The IBM PC established the hardware standard for microcomputers, igniting the personal computing revolution.
Gaming
Donkey Kong Released
Nintendo's arcade hit introduced both Jumpman (Mario) and the giant ape to the world.
World Events
First Cases of AIDS Recognized
The CDC reported a rare pneumonia in five gay men in Los Angeles, the first official recognition of what would become the AIDS epidemic.
Pop Culture
Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana
Over 750 million people worldwide watched the fairy-tale wedding of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer.
World Events
Assassination Attempt on Ronald Reagan
President Reagan was shot and wounded by John Hinckley Jr. but survived after emergency surgery.
Pop Culture
First DeLorean DMC-12 Produced
The stainless steel sports car with gull-wing doors rolled off the assembly line, later immortalized in Back to the Future.
You arrivedin 1981.
The longer view
This was only the opening scene.
Follow the world as it changed around you, from 1981 to today.