Summary
The 1980s were years of excess and achievement, of economic turmoil for some, and economic advancement for others. The decade is often associated with greed, conspicuous consumption, and a return to "traditional" values and social norms. The rich got richer, the poor got poorer, and the chasm between the "haves" and the "have-nots" grew even larger. Yuppies were the most obvious examples of conspicuous consumption, driving luxury cars, taking exotic vacations, and buying gourmet groceries. Thanks to the prevalence of mergers, acquisitions, and buy-outs, big business grew even bigger, and the major players in the business world played even harder.
America in the 1980s provides an engaging account of the important people, events, and trends of this time. Monumental changes such as how the Soviet Union went from being an "evil empire" to an ally and how the wall that separated East and West Berlin came down are detailed, as well as other events. More than 100 photographs, pull-out quotations and facts, a glossary, further reading list, and an index round out this concise, accessible reference.
Coverage includes:
- The end of Jimmy Carter's presidency, the presidency of Ronald Reagan, and the beginning of George H. W. Bush's presidency
- The retirement of Muhammad Ali
- The debut of MTV
- The identification of and initial fight against AIDS
- The eruption of Mount Saint Helens
- The advent of the PC
- The Iran-Contra affair
- The explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.
Specifications
Black-and-white photographs and illustrations. Glossary. Further reading. Box features. Index.
About the Author(s)
Michele L. Camardella holds a B.A. in American culture from Vassar College and an M.A. in public communications from Fordham University. She was the senior writer and photo researcher for The New York Public Library American History Desk Reference, American Film Institute Desk Reference, the photo researcher for both The Words We Live By and The World War II Desk Reference, and a staffer on The Discover Magazine Science Almanac. In addition, Camardella has contributed entries to Facts On File’s American History On File and to volumes about Native American history and the history of the American West.