TR Blaster makes 1997:
* Beast Wars really picks up steam and becomes the 3rd best selling action figure line in the U.S. after Toy Story and Star Wars! Hasbro decides to test the market's interest in vehicular Transformers and releases Machine Wars. It fails... people want beasts!
* The United Kingdom returns Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China, ending British rule in Hong Kong and also what many consider to mark the end of the British Empire.
* Pauline Hanson launches the One Nation Party.