The 1980s

Election of President Ronald Reagan (1980), a conservative Republican with a clear anti-communist stance, marking a swing to the right in American politics.
President Ronald Reagan’s ‘Reaganomics’ policies of tax cuts, deregulation, and reductions in government spending aimed at stimulating the economy.
Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981) carries over into Reagan’s presidency, with the hostages released at the beginning of his term.
Launch of Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) in 1983, nicknamed ‘Star Wars’, to protect America from enemy missile attacks, escalating the arms race.

Reagan Doctrine aimed at ‘rolling back’ communism around the world, leading to clandestine support for anti-communist rebels in Afghanistan, Nicaragua and elsewhere.
AIDS Epidemic reaches public consciousness with the death of movie star Rock Hudson in 1985, leading to greater focus on public health issues and awareness of the disease.
Iran-Contra Scandal (1986-87): Illegal sale of arms to Iran to fund Contras in Nicaragua against their communist government, tarnishing Reagan’s second term.
End of the Cold War initiated with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) in 1987, reducing tensions between USA and USSR.

Continued rise of conservatism with emphasis on individual liberties, free market capitalism, and traditional family values.
Notable growth of personal computing with Apple releasing the Macintosh in 1984, marking the beginning of the Information Age.
The rise of cable television and MTV influences popular culture, marking the birth of the ‘MTV Generation’.
‘Yuppie’ culture rises, a mark of urban professionals benefiting from the booming economy: marked by materialistic and consumeristic lifestyle.
Start of the War on Drugs, with First Lady Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign forming a key part of this effort.