The 80’s in Review Politics/History Pop Culture

Ronald Reagan The Superhero QUICK BIO Born in 1911 Movie Actor 1937-1961 Terms as President 1981-1985 1985-1989 The Superhero Rescued 77 people from drowning as a lifeguard in Illinois Broke the “20 Year Curse” First President not to die in office if elected in a year with a “0” in it.

Reaganomics 101 Law 1: Government should be small Law 2: Federal budgets should be controlled Law 3: Tax Cuts = More Money for the people = Better Economy

BUT… Dollars and Cents Reality Federal Deficit went up 51% National Debt Increased to highest level ever up to that point. BUT…

The 1980’s Boom median family income median household income average household income Increased during his presidency Highest Average Growth of GNP in peacetime history (1982-1989)

“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Foreign Affairs On his inauguration day the Iranian hostages were released Defense Spending: (Star Wars) Made Key Contributions to Soviet/U.S. Relations Met with Soviet Leader Gorbachev Signed weapons treaty “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Ronald Reagan

“Republicans believe every day is 4th of July, but Democrats believe every day is April 15.” Ronald Reagan

George H. Bush President 1989-1993 Berlin Wall Came Down during his presidency

80’s Fashion Leg Warmers, Head Bands, Big Hair

80’s Music Michael Jackson Prince Madonna U2 Bon Jovi AC/DC Duran Duran Bruce Springsteen

“Whoever Dies With the Most Toys Wins” The Yuppies Urban Professionals Tired of Political Activism of 1960’s Single Big Incomes to spend on themselves Married Yuppies = DINKs(Double Income No Kids) No “cheap” Marijuana Only Cocaine, the “expensive drug” Stock Market Crash Ended the Yuppie Era in the 1980’s “Whoever Dies With the Most Toys Wins”

Major Events/Achievements Space Shuttle Columbia CNN MTV IBM Mass Produced Computers Sandra Day O’Connor Berlin Wall Fell Huge Stock Market Crash in 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles