13 Incredible Things That Happened In 1989

It really was the best of times.

1. The World Wide Web was invented!

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We owe a lot to Tim Berners-Lee, a software engineer working out of Switzerland who "understood the unrealized potential of millions of computers connected together through the Internet." His proposal led to the creation of a royalty-free World Wide Web technology. So 1989? Life-changing.

2. The Berlin Wall came down.

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Wall comes down--foreshadowing the end of the Cold War--and over two million East Berliners come over to the West side to celebrate with what's been called "the greatest street party in the history of the world." Not too shabby!

3. The very first episode of The Simpsons aired.

THE SIMPSONS, (from left): Maggie Simpson, Santas Little Helper, Grandpa Abraham Simpson, Lisa Simpson, Homer Simpson, Marge Simpson, Bart Simpson, Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire, (Season 1, pilot episode/ep. 101, aired Dec. 17, 1989), 1989-. TM and Co / Via Everett Collection

Now 25 years later, and the show has won 31 Emmys and was named the best TV show of the 20th century by Time Magazine. And best of all, "doh!" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

4. A 4,400-year-old mummy was discovered.

Via AForestFrolic / CC By http://2.0 / Flickr: stampinmom

One of the oldest mummies ever found in Egypt was unearthed at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Cheops. The aristocratic young woman was found with a smile frozen on her face, perhaps because she was so happy it was 1989?

5. The first GPS satellite went into orbit.

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The first of 24 satellites went up into space, and the world was changed forever. This yielded a Global Positioning System that provided precisely accurate location and time, no matter the weather. Oh, and since 1993, it's completely free from anywhere on earth. Thanks, 1989!

6. One word: Seinfeld.

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Jerry. George. Elaine. Kramer. Twenty-five years later and we still love these characters, which probably explains why Seinfeld was ranked the greatest television show of all time by TV Guide. Nuff said.

7. Nintendo came out with the Game Boy.

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And just like that, nerd culture was off to a running start! The handheld video game has since sold over 150 million units worldwide, proving that, once again, 1989 really nailed it.

8. These three recording artists went home with Moonmen:

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Madonna: Best Direction for her video "Express Yourself"

Paula Abdul: Best Choreography and Best Dance Video (along with two more!)

Guns N' Roses: Best Heavy Metal Video

It was a good year for music.

9. The Little Mermaid became part of our world.

THE LITTLE MERMAID, 1989. photo: © Walt Disney Co. / Everett Collection

Premiering on November 17, 1989, The Little Mermaid grossed over $211 million worldwide and won two Academy Awards. It also sparked a new trend known as "fork combing" (not really though).

10. The first broadcast of high-definition television aired in Japan.

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In 1989, Japan aired the very first daily broadcast of a high-definition television program. Needless to say, we're forever grateful.

11. Top grossing movie of 1989? Batman!

BATMAN, Jack Nicholson, 1989, (c) Warner Brothers / Everett Collection

Michael Keaton made an unlikely Batman. Jack Nicholson made a perfect Joker. Together, they grossed over $411 million worldwide and won the film an Academy Award.

12. The Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace Prize.

AP Photo/Altaf Qadri

The exiled monk was recognized for his nonviolent campaign to end China's domination over Tibet. It speaks wonders that 25 years later the Dalai Lama remains a spiritual leader the world over.

13. Wind Beneath My Wings was the wind beneath our wings.

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Bette Midler's Wind Beneath My Wings won the Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. So if you're wondering what 1989 sounded like, now you know.

Taylor Swift was born into the world under a glorious double rainbow (just guessing).

Channel your inner T. Swift, and try her new fragrance to experience more incredible things!