Here is a general overview of the 1990s, broken down by year.
1990
On Aug. 2, 1990, Iraqi military forces, on orders from President Saddam Hussein, invaded and occupied the small country of Kuwait. The Persian Gulf War of 1991--from January 16 to February 28--was fought to expel Iraq and restore Kuwaiti independence.
The first computer, the IBM PCjr computer was purchased in early 1990 for several hundred dollars.
1991
Beauty and the Beast, a cartoon, Oscar nominee as best picture.
CNN dominates news coverage worldwide during Gulf War.
Live TV news switching between world capitals during Gulf War looks simple.
Denver viewers can order movies at home from list of more than 1,000 titles.
Moviegoers astonished by computer morphing in Terminator 2.
Baby Bells get government permission to offer information services.
Collapse of Soviet anti-Gorbachev plot aided by global system called the Internet.
More than 4 billion cassette tape rentals in U.S. alone.
3 out of 4 U.S. homes own VCRs; fastest selling domestic appliance in history.
1992
Cable TV revenues reach $22 billion.
At least 50 U.S. cities have competing cable services.
After President Bush speaks, 25 million viewers try to phone in their opinions.
1993
Dinosaurs roam the earth in Jurassic Park.
Unfounded rumors fly that cellphones cause brain cancer.
Demand begins for "V-chip" to block out violent television programs.
1 in 3 Americans does some work at home instead of driving to work.
1994
After 25 years, U.S. government privatizes Internet management.
Rolling Stones concert goes to 200 workstations worldwide on Internet "MBone."
To reduce Western influence, a dozen nations ban or restrict satellite dishes.
Prodigy bulletin board fields 12,000 messages in one after after L.A. quake.