Justin Feldman
Shane Jaroch
Sven Bauer
Lizzy Yesakov
Alex Morley
The 1980s
Featuring President Ronald Reagan
Business & the Economy
The 1980s mark a change in the United States economy with a rapid decline in farm prices the agriculture industry decreased in rapid amounts while on the turn side technology boomed with Bill Gates rises to fame and fortune through MsDos and Microsoft. The 1980s mark the turn of the American society from a manufacturing economy into an industry heavily focused on technology. During the 1980s the number of millionaires rose from 574,000 in 1980 to 1.3 million in 1988—and this number includes at least fifty billionaires. The 1980s marked a time of increasing wealth and great change in the United States economy.
Education
In 1988, Proposition 48 was passed and stated that all Division I athletes needed at least 2.0 GPA and a 700 on the SAT or a 15 on the ACT to be eligible to participate in athletics. By the late 1980s AIDS was a major issue in schools and it was making many schools change policies. In 1987, three hundred thousand copies of books educating on AIDS was published for every parent group and school board in the United States. African Americans were getting less respect in school and thus the enrollment rate in colleges dropped from 470,000 in 1976 to 436,000 in 1989. Furthermore, the African Americans that did attend college were subject to racist behavior. In 1876, it was declared that violence and drug use in school was increasing. Suicide also increase was also reported. Due to the increase of drug use, the "Just Say No" campaign was put in place. Suicide prevention and education was also input into schools. During this time period, the number of people going into the teaching profession decreased and the quality of the teachers decreased as well. To improve teaching classes were put into place to improve teaching ability and "master teachers", teachers who were considered superior, where given large pay increases to encourage good teaching.
Fashion
In the 1980's, America recovered from a striking fashion time period and escaped from polyester leisure suits and hot pants- the strange trends of the 1970's. Soon many poeple wanted to show off their wealth by buying brand names and dressing in the latest styles offered by American and European designers. This was the biggest factor pushing American's new love for high fashion in the 1980's. Designers such as Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren emerged during this era and offered a variety of clothing for the middle-class people who liked wearing a pestige label. Also, the polo shirt became incredibly popular among college-age people, while on the other hand, exercise clothing also boomed in popularity.
Film & Theatre
The 1980s were unique for the film industry in that the president, Ronald Reagan, was a former actor. He would frequently use movie quotes and references in his speeches and debates. Reagan was a practiced performer, a trait that helped him during his campaign and his time in the White House.
Movies in the 1980s were defined by big adventure, rock soundtracks, new technologies, and special effects. Films became increasingly expensive affairs that continually drew in more and more box-office profits. Producers were focused on drawing the biggest crowds possible to maximise their revenue. For this reason, the 80s was also the age of the sequel. After one movie made incredible profits and became a huge success, several sequels would be produced in the hopes that they would acheive similar fortune and fame. Although some managed to rival their predecessors, sequels were typically unoriginal and nowhere near as popular as the first big hit. "Sequels becane the ultimate expression of the 1980s Hollywood obsession with the bottom line." (Hollywood: The Bottom Line)
The biggest directors and producers of the time, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, were responsible for shaping the film industry of the 80s. Both of these directors turned producers created a string of hits that ruled the decade. It was also during the 1980s that producers began to retake the film industry after being overshadowed by directors for years. At this time, the producer would recieve credit for a hit movie instead of the director; a director's identity and style were no longer important or unique.
Broadway in the 1980s, like the film industry, also experienced a huge increase in budgets and revenue. Stage performances utilized special effects, stunning costumes, and extravagant sets to draw in larger audiences. Record-setting budgets of 4 to 8 million dollars were spent on these productions and the stages were filled with stars galore.
Food & Drink
The foods and drinks present in Reagan's time era were very similar to what we have now. Fast food restaraunts were just becoming popular and familes began cooking less at home and going out to eat more often. It was during this time period that obesity and other dietary problems began to become an issue.
Print Culture
The Publishing industry of the 1980s was very much affected by the change in American society. The deindustrialization of American society also had an increasing affect on the print culture through featuring more elusive works of fiction. The Publishing industry was largely suppressed by ever growing companies such as Barns and Nobles and Borders. This new capitalization of the print world led to an increase in the promotion of “Big sellers” such as Stephen King.
Sports & Games
In the 1980s baseball was lucky to remain based on all the labor disputes, strikes, owner-collusion scandals, and a poor job done by those who ran the game. In the 1970s interest in basketball was at its lowest point however in 1980s it made a huge comeback based on the arrival of new superstars such as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The introduction of the three-point shot also added excitement to the game. Interest was so high that the NBA expanded adding four new teams, the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, and the Charlotte Hornets. During the decade, the NFL suffered two significant labor issues which caused play to be suspended. The dominate team during the decade was the San Francisco 49ers. The NHL gained huge popularity in the 1980s due to the USA upset of the Soviets and later winning of the gold medal in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Two superstars were prominent in the NHL during this time, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. In the 1984 Summer Olympics the United States dominated getting 174 medals and a record 83 gold while West Germany was second with 59 medals. In the 1988 Summer Olympics, the USA finished third in medal count behind the Soviet Union and East Germany with 94 medals of which 36 where gold.
Music
One of the biggest music phenomena of the 1980's involved the television network, MTV. MTV began producing music videos, an essnetial element of selling a hit song and almost singlehandedly made stars of Madonna and Michael Jackson. Meanwhile, rap music began to emerge yet had a dangerous edge because of certain music groups and their obscenity.Still to this day do many of the best performers of the 1980's continue to entertain the public and surprise the music industry.
Popular 80’s Songs:
- Pink Floyd, "Another Brick in the Wall"
- Queen, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love”
- Rolling Stones, "Emotional Rescue"
- Michael Jackson, “Thriller”
"They Way We Lived"
When Ronald Reagan was elected to the presidency in 1980, it brought on a wave of conservatism. His supporters wanted to redice the influence of the federal government in order to give American businesses more free-reign. They believed that "Government is not the answer to our problems...government is the problem." (The 1980s: Lifestyle and Social Trends) One result of the conservative nature of Reagan's administration was that it was intolerant of activism. Conservatism took a toll on the feminist movement, welfare programs, funding for AIDS research, and the antinuclear movement.
Another thing that drastically changed American lifestyles in the 1980s was the AIDS (aquired immunodeficiency syndrome) epidemic. Everywhere, AIDS was in the headlines and was a hot topic for discussion. It created a fear in the general public that came close to becoming mass hysteria. (The 1980s: Lifestyle and Social Trends) Add the conservative ideas of the decade into the mix, and it is no surprise that many people began attacking the sexual revolution of previous decades and especially the homosexual community.
Because the government became more conservative and less involved in business during the Reagan administration, self-interest was on the rise. Businesses gained the freedom to further their interests without as much government involvement as seen in previous generations and the American population developed a growing habit of consumerism and an obssession with material possessions. People began spending without remorse; shopping was now a guilt-free process. Although government spending soared and the national debt rose to almost unimaginable heights, no one seemed at all alarmed or even slightly concerned.
Government & Politics
In the 1980s, the government and politics of the United States were dominated by Ronald Reagan. He was elected in 1980 and served in office until 1989.
Early in the decade, the United States struggled as a country. It was no more the most commanding and thriving nation. Americans were hesitant to spend money but had no choice in many situations. Reagan targeted the economic struggle the US was going through and had an optimistic viewpoint, offering an alluring vision of a newly reestablished and reformed America, back on top of the world. Reagan’s main promises were “reducing taxes, cutting government waste and bureaucracy, balancing the budget, and eliminating the deficit” (Tompkins).
Reagan was successful in his election and defeated Carter. However, his economic plan never worked as it was expected to. Reagan passed tax-reform bills and was able to decrease income taxes. The consequences of these laws however slightly outweighed the benefits.
The economic drawbacks were not significant and the laws were simply viewed as a waste of time. Reagan lost support early in his presidential career as a result of this. Despite his loss of support, Reagan remained optimistic early in his first term. Many scandals of his cabinet during his presidency weakened his support from Americans.
However, he remained in power throughout his presidency and was reelected for one term. Reagan is generally considered to have been a poorly qualified president with an unproductive career.
Law & Justice
During the 1980s new changes in social and economic sectors evoke several changes in the Law and Justice department. The Federal government loosened regulations and guidelines that held law enforcements at bay and enable police to be more radical and invasive in stopping the illegal drug trade. The United States also assisted South American Countries in stopping the production of illicit substances. During the 1980s the Federal law enforcements were allowed to use illegally obtained evidence if the law enforcement could prove that it would have been discovered eventually.
Religion
Membership declined in the top Protestant churches. The 150 year anniversary of the Mormon religion occurred during the 1980s and it came with great fanfare and criticism. There was an incredible growth in evangelicalism and fundamentals in the 1980s. Catholics made up 28 percent of the population in the 1980s and it was made of many different races. The numbers of Jewish people in the U.S. decreased due to lack of child birth. Many Jews were upset about the overall anti-Semitism in the U.S. during the 1980s. There was a large increase in black churches and it was greatly aided by the rise in popularity of Jesse Jackson.
Info on 1980s President
Ronald Reagan
Where I Live(ed):
Tampico, Illinois
Date of Birth:
February 6, 1911 in Tampico, Illinois
Date of Death:
June 5, 2004 in Los Angeles, California
Political Views:
Republican
Religious Views:
Church of England - state religion of Virginia
Years Served as President:
1981-89
Occupations:
Governor of the state of California, 1967-74; host of a nationally syndicated radio commentary program and author of a nationally syndicated weekly newspaper column, 1975, beginning 1977; President of the United States of America, 1981-89.
Interests/Hobbies:
- Baseball
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Horse Riding
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Acting
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Swimming
Education:
Friends:
Sports:
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Swimming
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Horse Riding
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College football
Challenges dealt with in USA
Political
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Scandals within the Rebuplican party.
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Getting America out of Cold War and safely ending the war.
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Controversy with passing the Immigration Reform and Control Act, making it illegal to willingly hire illegal immigrants in the U.S.
Social
Economic
Challenges dealt with internationally
Political
- anti-Soviet policies the Strategic Defense Initiative; a planned series of satellite-based defense systems that were designed to intercept and destroy Soviet nuclear weapons targeted towards America
- centerpiece of Reagan’s foreign policies was militant anti-communism
Social
Economic
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When Reagan got into office the national debt was $914 billion. When he left office the national debt was $2.6 trillion.
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The Japanese imported cars were twenty percent of the domestic market. Japenese-owned auto plants controlled another eight percent. This was dangerous for the U.S. economy.
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From 1985-1987 the dollar falls in comparison to other currencies. However, this helps the economy.
Achievements and failures
Commander-in-Chief
As the commander in chief i had to steer the country through the cold war and keep the world from falling into a nuclear disaster as well keep Europe save from the Soviet invasion.
Chief Executive
As the Chief executive I had to show leader ship and give the American people a new faith into democracy especially in a time where communism was on a rise.
Chief Diplomat
As the Chief Diplomat I steered the nation through a time of great international change. The Cold War was a tremendous challenge in my presidency as well as other presidents before me. the Cold War however, has created more tensions in the 1980s and as the Chief Diplomat it was my duty to preserve peace in the U.S. but also around the world.
Ceremonial Head of State
As the Ceremonial Head of State I had to be there to represent the U.S. such as the time I gave a speech in front of the British Parliament. It was my duty to represent the moral values of the time and of America.
Manager of the Economy
He increased the national debt from $914 billion when he started to $2.6 trillion when he left office. When he entered office the economy was very poor but he helped the economy a lot and it was in good shape during his years in office. The dollar exchange rate increased an average of 74 percent.
Party Leader
As a party leader, Reagan was consistant with the common Republican idea to reduce government spending. He also started economic growth using tax cuts. By following these common beliefs of the Republican party, he was very successful because it greatly improved the economy.
National Leader
As the National Leader, Reagan was very good at inspiring the country. The actions he was constructing in office were greatly helping a bad economy and people were very enthusiastic about that. Reagan always had a very high approval rating because the people of the United States really liked him and had a great respect for him. The people of the United States were also very proud of Reagan because he was one of the main reason that the Cold War was ended.
Favorite Quote About Me by a Famous Historian:
“Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs.” - George F. Will
Ronald Reagan's Acting Career:
Before Ronald Reagan got into politics, he was actually a very good actor. He appeared in a whopping 53 films. He was also at one point the president of the Screen Actors Guild, which gave him an introduction to politics. Ronald Reagan was a very good actor and even better president.
Positive Political Cartoon
Negative Political Cartoon
How did Culture and the Role of the President Shape Post-WWII America?
Ever since George Washington was first elected president, the responsibility of the president in office has be constantly changing. Although the president of the United States arguably holds more power than any other individual, they too have their limitations imposed on them by the remaining United States government. Although the president is not given complete control over a country, the actions of a president in office very often affect the culture and society of the United States forever. Ronald Reagan was an interesting case because he was the one person that made the decision to end the Cold War, and he also had to put up with various scandals in government from the Republican party that he had not initiated.
Ronald Reagan’s presidency marked a period in American History, which was known for the agricultural decline, the expansion of the digital age and the uncertainty of the Cold War. The Times were eventful and troubled, yet the times were lead by a man with an iron agenda. Ronald Reagan met the changes of the times and with his agenda of more economic freedom and more political flexibility and the times soon became known by the parameters of his agenda. Ronald Reagan was as much an influence to this time as the times were to him, yet ultimately the 1980s of American history became known by Ronald Reagan and his approach to the American Identity in this American Decade.
The Reagan era became known as the era of widespread capitalism. It was the beginning of the end of Communism and it was the change from agriculture to microprocessors. The times were turbulent and uncertain as the American society soared off into the future at never before seen speeds. The 1980s had a tremendous impact on Ronald Reagan and it was his task to save the farms, save Capitalism and to save the American People from the culture shock of the new American Decade.
Ronald Reagan changed Post WWII America since it was the beginning of the economic agenda that would lead to the decline of capitalism in 2008 and 2009. Ronald Reagan marked a change in American living and embraced the Hollywood star appeal of America as the Super Power. Through Reagan's politics many nations became attracted by the growing wealth of the U.S and Reagan helped American culture to explode into foreign nations, further exposing America as the Super power of the Decade. Ronald Reagan's Cold war politics and his flexible agenda at the home front allowed the United States to become the Super Power, which it remained for many years to come.
Works Cited
"The 1980s: Government and Politics." American Decades. Ed. Vincent Tompkins. Vol. 9: 1980-1989. Detroit: Gale, 2001. 10 vols.
"The 1980s: Education." American Decades. Ed. Vincent Tompkins. Vol. 9: 1980-1989. Detroit: Gale, 2001. 10 vols.
"The 1980s: Sports." American Decades. Ed. Vincent Tompkins. Vol. 9: 1980-1989. Detroit: Gale, 2001. 10 vols.
"The 1980s: Religion." American Decades. Ed. Vincent Tompkins. Vol. 9: 1980-1989. Detroit: Gale, 2001. 10 vols.
"The 1980s: Business and the Economy." American Decades. Ed. Vincent Tompkins. Vol. 9: 1980-1989. Detroit: Gale, 2001. 10 vols.
"The 1980s: Law & Justice." American Decades. Ed. Vincent Tompkins. Vol. 9: 1980-1989. Detroit: Gale, 2001. 10 vols.
"The 1980s: Print Culture." American Decades. Ed. Vincent Tompkins. Vol. 9: 1980-1989. Detroit: Gale, 2001. 10 vols.
"Ronald Reagan 1981-1989." The White House. The White House. 12 June 2009 <http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/ronaldreagan/>.
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