The Year That Rocked the World

The USSR begins to lose grip on power in Eastern Europe, climaxing in the collapse of the Berlin Wall; the Chinese government stamps hard on student protests in Beijing; environmental disaster in Alaska; an earthquake sends shock waves in California.

In 1981, Prince Charles finally finds his bride, culminating in the wedding of the century; elsewhere in the world, events take an uglier turn with the attempted assassinations of various prominent leaders.

1977 holds celebrations in the form of Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, the space shuttle's first test flight, and the release of "Star Wars"; it is also a year of terrorism, hijacks and assassinations.

The coming collapse of the planet hits the agenda of world leaders for the first time; a historic empire falls as technological and wizarding empires are created; a sporting superstar is born and icons are wrenched away at the height of their fame.

A future world leader becomes the star of a reality series; the seeds for ISIS are sown as the former leader of Iraq faces justice; one man risks his life to combat supersize meals; a space-airline is born; exploring the red planet.