Cultural information, dates and events 1900–1990

Abstract

This chapter lists some events of the twentieth century that will almost certainly have had an impact on the lives of the old people involved in reminiscence work. The dates and events that follow are not intended to be a potted history of this century but rather to act as a reminder that an important part of understanding an old person and their experiences is an understanding of the social and cultural context in which those values were formed. For this reason information about fashion, popular music and everyday life has also been included alongside world events. The events that are of the greatest importance to an 85-year-old woman or man may or may not have significance in world history. Listen to them: reminiscence is about telling their story; it is not a world history.