HistoryData
1996
1998

1997.

What happened in 1997?

The year 1997 saw important global events. The Kyoto Protocol was signed, setting binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developed countries. The Asian financial crisis started in Thailand, spreading across East and Southeast Asia, leading to significant economic disruption and currency devaluations. In Europe, the Amsterdam Treaty was signed, amending the Treaty of Maastricht and deepening European Union integration. The 42nd Eurovision Song Contest was held in Dublin, Ireland, where the United Kingdom's Katrina and the Waves won.

Events
74
Births
31
Deaths
27
Era
1990s
Post-War / Digital Age
Context:20th CenturyThe 1990sPost-War / Digital Age

Chronology of 1997

Documented Historical Record

January

01.1997

February

02.1997

March

03.1997

April

04.1997

May

05.1997

June

06.1997

July

07.1997

August

08.1997

September

09.1997

October

10.1997

November

11.1997

December

12.1997
End of 1997 Record · 74 events

Historical Significance

Context & Impact

The year 1997 saw important global events. The Kyoto Protocol was signed, setting binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developed countries. The Asian financial crisis started in Thailand, spreading across East and Southeast Asia, leading to significant economic disruption and currency devaluations. In Europe, the Amsterdam Treaty was signed, amending the Treaty of Maastricht and deepening European Union integration. The 42nd Eurovision Song Contest was held in Dublin, Ireland, where the United Kingdom's Katrina and the Waves won.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What major historical events happened in 1997?
In 1997, several major global events occurred, including the signing of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, the Asian financial crisis that affected multiple economies, and the signing of the Amsterdam Treaty which reformed European Union institutions.
What was the 1997 Asian financial crisis?
The 1997 Asian financial crisis was a severe economic downturn that began in Thailand and spread across East and Southeast Asia. It caused massive currency devaluations, stock market crashes, and economic instability in countries like South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
What was significant about the Kyoto Protocol in 1997?
The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in December 1997 as an international agreement committing industrialized countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It established the first legally binding targets for addressing climate change.

Explore Related History

Navigate adjacent years, decades, and historical reference pages.

20th Century
All years and events from this century.
1996
Previous year in history.
1998
Next year in history.
Famous People
Biographies by country, category, and era.
All Years
Browse the complete chronological archive.
Events by Date
What happened on a specific day in history.