Eyewitness provides a rare and fascinating opportunity to hear the events of the century described by those who saw them happen. A wealth of BBC archive recordings, some never previously broadcast, is interwoven with an illuminating commentary by the historian Joanna Bourke. Published in 10 volumes, Eyewitness examines the role and the life of the British people in each decade of the century.
Politics dominated the '90s, from the toppling of the Iron Lady, ousted by her own party in 1990, to New Labour's massive election victory.
The Gulf War caused controversy, with opponents questioning the need for war and supporters disappointed by its inconclusive ending. There was conflict in Bosnia too, and British troops were sent to the former Yugoslavia as part of the UN peacekeeping force.
The media remained preoccupied with celebrity and trivia, exemplified by the shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales, pursued by paparazzi. The nation mourned, but there was good news in Northern Ireland at last, as a ceasefire and the Good Friday Agreement brought an uneasy peace.
On 31 December 1999, the elite celebrated in the Millennium Dome. Apocalyptic fears proved groundless, and the Millennium Bug did not cause the expected chaos. The turbulent century came to a quiet end.
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