25 of the Biggest News Events of the 1980s

Date of Publication: June 2, 1980

The Mount St. Helens eruption on May 18, 1980, was a catastrophic event that killed 57 people and caused widespread destruction in Washington state, USA. The eruption was triggered by a massive landslide that removed the top of the volcano, allowing highly pressurized gas and magma to escape, resulting in a powerful explosive eruption. The blast sent ash and volcanic debris high into the atmosphere, causing darkness and ash to fall in nearby areas and affecting global climate for several years.

Date of Publication: November 17, 1980

In the 1980 United States presidential election, Ronald Reagan, the Republican candidate, defeated incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter in a landslide victory. Reagan’s campaign emphasized smaller government, free-market principles, and a more assertive foreign policy. He won 44 out of 50 states and received nearly 51% of the popular vote. Reagan’s election marked a shift to conservative politics in the US and had a significant impact on domestic and international policies during his presidency.

Date of Publication: December 22, 1980

On December 8, 1980, John Lennon, the former Beatle and prominent musician, was assassinated by Mark David Chapman outside his apartment in New York City. Chapman, a mentally unstable fan, had been stalking Lennon for several days before shooting him several times. Lennon’s death shocked the world and led to widespread mourning and tributes. Chapman was arrested and convicted of murder and is currently serving a life sentence. Lennon’s legacy as a musician and cultural icon remains significant today.

Date of Publication: February 2, 1981

The Iran hostage crisis began on November 4, 1979, when a group of Iranian students seized the United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, and took 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. The crisis lasted for 444 days, ending on January 20, 1981, when the hostages were released following the signing of the Algiers Accords between the US and Iran. The crisis had a significant impact on US-Iran relations and influenced domestic politics in both countries.

Date of Publication: April 13, 1981

On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded by John Hinckley Jr. outside a Washington, D.C., hotel. Hinckley, who had a history of mental illness, had become obsessed with actress Jodie Foster and had planned the assassination attempt to impress her. Reagan was seriously injured but survived, and Hinckley was arrested and later found not guilty by reason of insanity. The incident led to increased security measures for the President and a reexamination of gun control laws.

Date of Publication: August 3, 1981

The royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981, was a highly anticipated event watched by millions of people worldwide. The wedding ceremony took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and was attended by many dignitaries and celebrities. The event was marked by elaborate pageantry, including a procession in a horse-drawn carriage and a spectacular wedding cake. The wedding was celebrated as a symbol of hope and happiness, but the couple’s marriage would eventually end in divorce.

Date of Publication: August 17, 1981

In August 1981, approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers went on strike in violation of US federal law, demanding better working conditions, higher pay, and a shorter workweek. President Ronald Reagan responded by ordering the striking workers to return to work within 48 hours or face dismissal. When the workers did not return, Reagan fired them and banned them from federal service for life. The strike had significant implications for labor relations and public sector unions in the US.

Date of Publication: May 17, 1982

he Falklands War was a conflict fought between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982 over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic. The war began when Argentine forces invaded the islands and the UK responded by sending a task force to retake them. The conflict resulted in the deaths of approximately 649 Argentine and 255 British military personnel, as well as three Falkland Islanders. The UK was ultimately victorious and retained control of the islands.

Date of Publication: May 23, 1983

“Return of the Jedi” is the third installment in the original Star Wars trilogy released on May 25, 1983. The film was directed by Richard Marquand and produced by George Lucas. The story follows Luke Skywalker and his allies as they attempt to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and then confront the Empire and its new weapon, the Death Star II. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $475 million worldwide, and is considered a classic of the sci-fi genre.

Date of Publication: March 19, 1984

“Thriller” is a song by American pop icon Michael Jackson, released in 1984. The song, accompanied by a 14-minute music video, became a massive hit and is regarded as one of the greatest music videos of all time. The video features Jackson turning into a werewolf, dancing with zombies, and performing iconic choreography with backup dancers. “Thriller” was a landmark in pop culture and cemented Jackson’s status as the “King of Pop.” Its impact continues to influence music, dance, and popular entertainment today.

Date of Publication: April 16, 1984

In 1984, Microsoft was a growing software company that had already achieved success with its BASIC programming language and the MS-DOS operating system. Microsoft was focused on expanding its product offerings, developing software for the emerging personal computer market, and securing partnerships with major hardware manufacturers. In 1984, Microsoft released its first office suite, Microsoft Word and the company was working on developing the first version of Windows, which would be released the following year. Overall, Microsoft was positioning itself as a leading software company and laying the groundwork for its future success.

Date of Publication: July 30, 1984

The 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, were the largest and most financially successful games in Olympic history at the time. The games were notable for being boycotted by the Soviet Union and several other communist countries in response to the United States’ boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The U.S. dominated the medal count, winning 83 gold medals and breaking multiple world records. The games were also marked by impressive performances by athletes such as Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, and Edwin Moses, and were seen as a triumph for the city of Los Angeles.

Date of Publication: November 12, 1984

Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by two of her bodyguards at her residence in New Delhi. The assassination was carried out in retaliation for Gandhi’s decision to order a military operation against Sikh separatists who had taken refuge in the Golden Temple in Amritsar earlier that year. The assassination sparked anti-Sikh riots in several parts of India, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Sikhs. Gandhi’s death was a significant blow to Indian politics and led to the appointment of her son, Rajiv Gandhi, as the next Prime Minister.

Date of Publication: February 15, 1985

In 1985, Apple was a well-established computer company, having launched the Apple II and Macintosh computers in previous years. The company was focused on developing its product line, including improving the Macintosh operating system and launching the Apple LaserWriter printer. However, in 1985, tensions between Apple’s CEO, John Sculley, and founder Steve Jobs reached a breaking point, leading to Jobs’ departure from the company. Despite this setback, Apple continued to innovate and expand its offerings, paving the way for its continued success in the years to come.

Date of Publication: March 11, 1985

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as “Star Wars,” was a proposed missile defense system developed by the United States during the 1980s. The system was designed to detect and intercept incoming ballistic missiles in space using lasers and other advanced technology. The proposal was controversial and sparked debate over its feasibility, cost, and potential impact on global security. Although the system was never fully developed or deployed, it remains a significant part of Cold War history and continues to be studied and debated today.

Date of Publication: March 25, 1985

Mikhail Gorbachev’s rise to power in the Soviet Union began in 1985, when he was elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev quickly set out to implement reforms, including greater openness (glasnost) and restructuring the economy (perestroika). These changes marked a significant departure from the policies of his predecessors and helped to usher in a new era of Soviet history. Gorbachev’s leadership also played a critical role in the end of the Cold War, paving the way for greater cooperation between the Soviet Union and the West.

Date of Publication: August 12, 1985

The emergence of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the 1980s was a major health crisis that affected millions of people around the world. Initially identified among gay men in the United States, the disease was soon found to be caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and could be transmitted through blood transfusions, intravenous drug use, and sexual contact. The lack of effective treatments, combined with social stigma and discrimination, made AIDS a frightening and devastating epidemic. However, the efforts of activists, medical professionals, and policymakers led to significant progress in understanding, treating, and preventing the disease in the years to come.

Date of Publication: February 10, 1986

The Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff, killing all seven crew members on board. The explosion was caused by the failure of an O-ring seal on one of the shuttle’s solid rocket boosters, which led to a catastrophic chain of events. The disaster was a major setback for the United States’ space program and had a profound impact on the public, who had followed the mission closely due to the presence of Christa McAuliffe, a teacher selected to be the first private citizen in space. The tragedy also led to a reevaluation of NASA’s safety protocols and a renewed emphasis on the importance of space exploration.

Date of Publication: May 12, 1986

The Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff, killing all seven crew members on board. The explosion was caused by the failure of an O-ring seal on one of the shuttle’s solid rocket boosters, which led to a catastrophic chain of events. The disaster was a major setback for the United States’ space program and had a profound impact on the public, who had followed the mission closely due to the presence of Christa McAuliffe, a teacher selected to be the first private citizen in space. The tragedy also led to a reevaluation of NASA’s safety protocols and a renewed emphasis on the importance of space exploration.

Date of Publication: September 15, 1986

The War on Drugs was a major policy initiative of the United States government in the 1980s, aimed at reducing the use and distribution of illegal drugs in the country. The initiative included increased law enforcement efforts, harsher penalties for drug offenses, and public awareness campaigns to discourage drug use. However, the War on Drugs was criticized for being ineffective, leading to the mass incarceration of nonviolent drug offenders, and exacerbating racial and socioeconomic inequalities. The War on Drugs continues to be a contentious issue in American politics and society today.

Date of Publication: December 22, 1986

The Iran-Contra Affair was a political scandal in the United States during the 1980s, involving the illegal sale of weapons to Iran and the diversion of the profits to fund anti-Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua. The Reagan administration was heavily involved in the affair, with several high-ranking officials facing charges for their involvement. The scandal rocked the Reagan presidency and led to widespread criticism of the administration’s foreign policy and covert operations. The Iran-Contra Affair also highlighted the dangers of presidential overreach and the need for transparency and accountability in government operations.

Date of Publication: November 2, 1987

The stock market crash of 1987, also known as “Black Monday,” was a major financial crisis that occurred on October 19, 1987. The crash was triggered by a combination of factors, including concerns over rising interest rates, a trade deficit, and computerized trading programs. In a single day, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 22%, causing widespread panic and significant losses for investors. Although the crash did not result in a full-scale economic recession, it did lead to greater regulation of financial markets and increased attention to the risks of speculative investing.

Date of Publication: December 16, 1988

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the 1980s was marked by increased violence, tensions, and political instability. The period saw a rise in Palestinian resistance movements, including the First Intifada, which began in 1987 and was characterized by mass protests, civil disobedience, and violent clashes with Israeli forces. The conflict also saw several failed attempts at peace negotiations, including the Madrid Conference in 1991. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a contentious issue to this day, with ongoing violence and diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting solution.

Date of Publication: June 12, 1989

The Tiananmen Square Massacre was a violent crackdown by the Chinese government against pro-democracy protesters in Beijing in 1989. The protest had been ongoing for several weeks, with students and activists calling for greater political freedom and an end to corruption. However, on June 4th, the government declared martial law and sent troops to suppress the demonstration. The result was a brutal and bloody confrontation, with estimates of the death toll ranging from several hundred to several thousand. The Tiananmen Square Massacre remains a highly sensitive and heavily censored topic in China today.

Date of Publication: November 20, 1989

On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, marking the end of a 28-year-long division between East and West Germany. The wall was constructed in 1961 by the East German government to prevent citizens from fleeing to the West. The fall of the wall was the result of peaceful protests, political pressure, and the opening of borders between East and West Germany. The event symbolized the end of the Cold War and marked a turning point in German history, leading to the reunification of Germany and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.