U.S. History 1980s

Ronald Reagan

Only American in history to be president every year of the decade.

Jesse Jackson

Most important Civil Rights leader of the 80s and 90s

Geraldine Ferraro

First woman in history to be on a presidential ticket

Gary Hart

U.S. senator from Colorado, Democratic party political, had scandals

Cable TV

Instead of 3 channels, now were 75+ channels

MTV

Popular cable channel amongst youth

Michael Jackson

Most famous artist of 1980s, most popular entertainer in history

Live Aid Concert

Most viewed event in history, 2 billion viewers, purpose of concert was to fight hunger in Africa.

Sunbelt

The western and southern, shift in economy/culture caused people to move to these places, backbone of Republican Party

Televangelists

A TV preacher, where growth in religion occurred.

Supply-side economics

Tax cuts, cutting tax rates

Budget Defecit

When a government spends more money that it takes in.

AARP

Most powerful interest rate in U.S. (American Association of Retired Persons)

Mikhail Gorbachev

Leader of the Soviet Union, last leader, decided not to use force to keep empire together.

INF Treaty

Most important arms agreement in U.S. history; abolished medium range nuclear missiles.

Strategic Defense Initiative

President Reagan’s proposed space shield over nuclear missles.

Apartheid

Segregation in South Africa, was political issue because Reagan didn’t want to put sanctions on South Africa.

Terrorism

A technique where political radicals kill civilians

Iran-contra Scandal

Scandal during Regan administration

Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Led nation-wide campaign to increase drinking age from 18-21. Educated public on alcohol consumption.

AIDS

An illness caused by HIV

“Just Say No”

A campaign against drugs by Nancy Reagan.

Sandra Day O’connor

First woman to serve on Supreme Court

Challenger Accident

Explosion of space shuttle

Crack

Homicides went up because of this drug.