1949 - The UK becomes a founder member of Nato. 1961 - UK application to join European Economic Community vetoed by French President Charles de Gaulle. The Beatles have their first Top 20 hit in the UK with 'Love Me Do'. 1969 - British troops sent to quell unrest in Northern Ireland. 1973 - The UK joins the European Economic Community.
Industry is on a three-day week because of strike by power workers and miners.
1975 - EEC membership is endorsed in a referendum. North Sea oil begins to be pumped ashore. The Conservative politician Margaret Thatcher becomes prime minister. She begins to introduce free-market policies. 1982 - Argentina invades the Falklands Islands in the South Atlantic.