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The Empire Strikes Back
May 17 - "The Empire Strikes Back," the second installment in the iconic Star Wars franchise, premieres in movie theaters, captivating audiences and solidifying the series as a cultural phenomenon that continues to endure for decades. -
Egyptian President Assassinated
Oct. 6 - Egyptian President Anwar Sadat is tragically assassinated in Cairo, shaking the political landscape in the Middle East. -
Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act
January 4 - President Jimmy Carter signs the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act into law. -
"Miracle on Ice"
January 22 - The U.S. Olympic hockey team pulls off a "Miracle on Ice" by defeating the heavily favored Soviet team at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. -
Cable News Network
April 27 - Media mogul Ted Turner announces the creation of CNN (Cable News Network), a groundbreaking 24-hour cable news network that would revolutionize the way people consume news and information. -
Operation Eagle Claw
April 28 - The United States undertakes a daring but ultimately unsuccessful rescue mission to free American hostages who had been held in Iran since November 1979. The mission, known as Operation Eagle Claw, ends in tragedy and serves as a significant chapter in the Iran Hostage Crisis. -
Mount St. Helens Eruption
May 18 - The eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State results in a catastrophic natural disaster, killing more than 50 people, causing widespread destruction, and leaving a lasting impact on the region. -
Pac-Man
May 22 - The Pac-Man video game, an arcade classic, is first released in Japan, sparking a gaming sensation that would later extend to the United States in October and become a cultural icon. -
First official report of AIDS to the CDC
June 5 - The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issues its first official report on cases among a group of gay men in Los Angeles with something described as a rare lung infection. This would later become known as the AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) virus, marking the beginning of a global health crisis. The disease spread via sexual contact, and devastated the gay community in the 1980's. The homophobic Reagan administration refused to take the virus seriously due to homophobia. -
1980 World Series
Oct. 21 - The Philadelphia Phillies clinch victory in the World Series by defeating the Kansas City Royals in six games, marking a significant moment in the world of baseball. -
The U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, is bombed
Oct. 23 - Tragedy strikes as the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, is bombed by terrorists, resulting in the loss of 241 military personnel, underlining the dangers faced by peacekeeping forces in conflict zones. -
Assassination of John Lennon
Dec. 8 - Tragic news reverberates around the world as legendary singer John Lennon is assassinated by a deranged gunman in front of his New York City apartment, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture. -
End of Iran Hostage Crisis
January 20 - Iran Hostage Crisis ends as 52 American hostages are released after 444 days in captivity. -
Inauguration of Ronald Reagan
In a landslide vote, Ronald Reagan, a Republican from California, won the 1980 election against incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter. Reagan's administration was defined by a focus on free-market capitalism. Reagan oversaw extreme tax cuts for upper class incomes and corporations and a decrease in market regulation. Reagan claimed that by cutting taxes for the rich would cause more wealth to "trickle down" to the lower classes and create wealth in the long run, a policy dubbed "Reaganomics". -
Attempted Reagan Assassination
March 30 - A disturbed fan attempts to assassinate President Ronald Reagan, resulting in injuries to Reagan, press secretary James Brady (1940–2014), and a police officer. -
The Space Shuttle Columbia
April 12 - The Space Shuttle Columbia embarks on its maiden voyage, symbolizing a new era in space exploration and marking a milestone in NASA's history. -
Attempted Assassination of Pope John Paul II
May 13 - In Vatican City, an assassin shoots Pope John Paul II, inflicting serious injuries and raising security concerns for world leaders. -
The Royal Wedding
July 29 - Britain's Prince Charles marries Diana Spencer in a grand royal wedding televised live, captivating the world with their fairy-tale romance. Princess Diana would later become an activist and philanthropist, and would work to destigmatize AIDS and, by extension, the gay community. -
MTV
Aug. 1 - Music Television, or MTV, debuted just after midnight, revolutionizing the music and entertainment industry by ushering in the era of music videos and shaping pop culture. -
The IBM Model 5150
Aug. 12 - IBM introduces the IBM Model 5150, the first IBM personal computer, signaling the beginning of the personal computing revolution and altering the way people work and communicate. -
Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
Aug. 19 - Sandra Day O'Connor makes history by becoming the first female Justice on the Supreme Court, paving the way for greater gender diversity in the judiciary. -
The Church of England allows women to serve as priests
Nov. 12 - The Church of England takes a historic step by voting to allow women to serve as priests, marking progress in the fight for gender equality within religious institutions. -
Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
Jan. 7 - At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Commodore 64 personal computer is unveiled, setting the stage for a technological revolution. It would go on to become the highest-selling single computer model in history. -
Falklands War
April 2 - Tensions escalate as Argentine forces land on the British-owned Falkland Islands, igniting the Falklands War between the two nations, a conflict that would have far-reaching geopolitical implications. -
The World's Fair
May 1 - The World's Fair commences in Knoxville, Tennessee, showcasing technological innovations, cultural exchanges, and international cooperation. -
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
June 11 - Director Steven Spielberg's cinematic masterpiece, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," captivates audiences, quickly becoming a blockbuster and a timeless classic. -
Argentina surrenders
June 14 -Following two months of intense battles on sea and land, Argentina surrendered in the Falklands War, marking a significant turning point in the conflict. -
First edition of USA Today
Sept. 15 - Editor Al Neuharth introduces the first edition of "USA Today," a pioneering nationwide newspaper that would have a lasting impact on American journalism. -
EPCOT opens at Disney World
Oct. 1 - The Walt Disney Company inaugurates EPCOT Center (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow), its innovative second theme park in Florida, to explore futuristic concepts and community planning. -
Assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
Oct. 31 - Tragedy strikes as India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated by two bodyguards, leading to the devastating four-day-long Anti-Sikh Riots in which thousands of Indians lose their lives. -
Vietnam War Memorial
Nov. 13 - Architect Maya Lin's profound and moving Vietnam War Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C., as a poignant national tribute to those who served and sacrificed. -
Thriller
Nov. 30 - A 24-year-old pop sensation, Michael Jackson, releases his iconic album "Thriller," which would become the best-selling album of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. -
World's first permanent artificial heart
Dec. 2 - American heart surgeon William DeVries achieves a medical milestone by implanting the Jarvik 7, the world's first permanent artificial heart, into the chest of Seattle dentist Barney Clark, who would go on to survive another 112 days, marking a breakthrough in medical science and the quest for extending human life. -
The Internet
Jan. 1 - The Internet, a technological marvel that would transform the world, is born as ARPAnet adopts TCP/IP protocols, enabling data exchange across a network of diverse computer models and laying the foundation for the digital age. -
Mount Kilauea erupts
Jan. 2 - Mount Kilauea, Hawaii's youngest volcano, begins the Pu'u 'Ō'ō eruption, which would continue unabated until 2018, making it the longest and most prolific eruption of lava from the volcano's rift zone in history. -
We Are the World
Jan. 28 - A historic moment in music and humanitarianism occurs as more than 45 American singers come together to record "We Are The World," an R&B single written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. The song's proceeds, totaling $75 million, are dedicated to alleviating hunger in Africa, underscoring the power of art in addressing global issues. -
MASH series finale
Feb. 28 - An era ends as "MASH," the iconic U.S. television series set during the Korean War, concludes after 11 years and 256 episodes, with over 106 million viewers bidding farewell to the beloved show. -
Microsoft
March 14 - A tech giant is born as Microsoft goes public with an initial public offering of shares on the New York Stock Exchange, setting the stage for its ascent as a global leader in technology. -
The Color Purple wins the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction
Alice Walker becomes the first Black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize in Fiction with her novel The Color Purple -
Return of the Jedi
May 25 - The cinematic world is electrified as Steven Spielberg's "Return of the Jedi," the third installment in the Star Wars trilogy, lights up the big screen, captivating audiences with its epic tale. -
Sally Ride
June 18 - A trailblazing moment in space exploration occurs as Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space, joining four others on board the second flight of the space shuttle Challenger, marking a historic leap in gender equality in space missions. -
Guion S. Bluford, Jr.
Guion S. Bluford, Jr. is the first Black astronaut to make a space flight on the Challenger -
Korean Air Lines Flight 007 is shot down
Sept. 1 - The world mourns a devastating loss as Korean Air Lines Flight 007, en route from New York City to Seoul and having deviated into Soviet airspace, is shot down by a Soviet Su-15 interceptor, tragically claiming the lives of all 246 passengers and 23 crew members. -
Miss America
Vanessa Williams becomes the first Black woman to win the Miss America pageant. -
U.S. troops invading the Caribbean island
Oct. 25 - U.S. troops embark on a swift military operation by invading the Caribbean island of Grenada, following President Ronald Reagan's orders to counter perceived threats from the Marxist government to American residents, concluding a week later. -
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Nov. 2 - President Ronald Reagan takes a historic step by signing legislation that designates Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a federal holiday, effective from Jan. 20, 1986, recognizing the enduring legacy of the civil rights leader. -
The Bell System is dismantled
Jan. 1 - A transformative moment occurs as AT&T, previously known as the Bell System, is dismantled, marking the end of its long-standing telecommunications monopoly and paving the way for a more competitive industry. -
Jesse Jackson's first presidential campaign
Reverend Jesse Jackson, a protege of Martin Luther King, Jr., runs for president as a Democrat. Jackson surprised many by finishing third overall in the primaries behind Senator Gary Hart and former Vice President Walter Mondale. -
The XIV Olympic Winter Games
Feb. 8 - The XIV Olympic Winter Games commence in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, a historic occasion as it is the only Olympics hosted by a member of the Non-Aligned Movement and a city with a Muslim-majority population.. -
Michael Jackson Moonwalks
March 25 - Pop music history is made as Michael Jackson mesmerizes audiences with his groundbreaking moonwalk dance during a performance at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. This iconic moment is later broadcast during the MTV Awards in May. -
Born in the U.S.A
June 4 - The music world is forever changed as legendary singer Bruce Springsteen releases his iconic album "Born in the U.S.A.," which resonates with the American spirit and becomes a cultural touchstone. -
Air India Flight 182
June 23 - Air India Flight 182 meets a tragic end as a terrorist bomb destroys the plane off the Irish coast, claiming the lives of all 329 individuals on board. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of terrorism. -
PG-13
July 1 - The Motion Picture Association of America introduces the "PG-13" rating for movies, expanding the existing rating classes and applying it for the first time to John Milius's film "Red Dawn," helping parents make more informed decisions about the content their children watch. -
The Summer Olympics
July 28 - The Summer Olympics kick off in Los Angeles, California, featuring track and field star Carl Lewis, who secures four gold medals and leaves an indelible mark on Olympic history. -
The Cosby Show
The Cosby Show premieres on NBC. The sitcom was groundbreaking for including a predominantly Black cast, and is considered by some to have revived both the sitcom genre and NBC's ratings. -
Handover of Hong Kong
Sept. 26 - A significant international agreement is reached as Great Britain consents to hand over control of Hong Kong to China, setting the stage for the eventual handover in 1997 and reshaping the geopolitical landscape. -
Ronald Reagan Reelected
Nov. 6 - In a decisive political moment, President Ronald Reagan secured a second term by winning the election against Democrat Walter Mondale, a victory with far-reaching consequences for the United States. -
Gwendolyn Brooks is appointed U.S. Poet Laureate
Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black woman to receive a Pulitzer Prize, is named the U.S. Poet Laureate for the 1985-86 term, making her the first Black person to receive the title. -
AIDS Test
March 4 - A crucial development in the battle against the AIDS epidemic occurs as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the first blood test to detect the virus responsible for AIDS, a vital step in disease diagnosis and prevention. -
Mikhail Gorbachev
March 11 - The Soviet Union enters a new era as Mikhail Gorbachev assumes leadership. Gorbachev introduced a series of transformative policies, including a more open and consultative government style known as glasnost and the ambitious economic and political restructuring called perestroika, ushering in significant changes in the USSR. -
New Coke
April 23 - The Coca-Cola Company introduces "New Coke," a sweeter alternative to its original soda, marking a rare instance of a widely recognized product failing to resonate with the public, demonstrating consumers' deep attachment to familiar brands. -
MOVE bombing
The Philadelphia Police Department bombs several residential homes in a standoff with the Black liberation organization Christian Movement for Life (MOVE), killing six adults and five children and leaving 250 people homeless. -
TWA Flight 847
June 14 - TWA Flight 847, en route from Cairo to San Diego, falls victim to a hijacking by terrorists. Tragically, one passenger is killed, and others are held hostage until June 30th, highlighting the dangers of international terrorism. -
Back to the Future
July 3 - "Back to the Future," the first installment of a science fiction trilogy following the adventures of teenager Marty McFly and a time-traveling DeLorean, premieres and quickly becomes a cultural phenomenon, ultimately becoming the highest-grossing film of the year. -
Wreckage of the RMS Titanic is found
Sept. 1 - In a Cold War expedition to locate two sunken nuclear submarines, U.S. oceanographer Robert Ballard and his team make a groundbreaking discovery—the wreckage of the RMS Titanic. This luxurious liner met its tragic demise in 1912. The find captivates the world and deepens our understanding of this maritime tragedy. -
The Nintendo Entertainment System
Oct. 18 - The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) debuted in the United States, marking the beginning of a gaming revolution and the rise of a beloved gaming company that would become an industry giant. -
Challenger Explosion
Jan. 28 - Tragedy strikes as the shuttle Challenger, on its 9th mission to space, suffers a catastrophic explosion over Cape Canaveral, claiming the lives of all seven astronauts on board. Among the crew is civilian social studies teacher Christa McAuliffe, whose presence had captured the nation's imagination. -
Halley's Comet
Feb. 9 - Halley's Comet, on its 76-year periodic visit to our solar system, makes its closest approach to the sun, captivating astronomers and stargazers with its celestial display. -
Mir Space Station
Feb. 20 - The Soviet Union achieved a historic milestone by launching the Mir space station, the first modular space station assembled in orbit over the next decade, marking a significant advance in space exploration. -
Exile of President Ferdinand Marcos
Feb. 25 - After two decades in power, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos is forced into exile, culminating a period of political turmoil and marking a turning point in the country's history. -
Chernobyl
April 26 - The world witnesses a grave nuclear disaster as the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine experiences a catastrophic accident, releasing radioactive material that spreads across Europe, leading to far-reaching consequences for nuclear safety and environmental awareness. -
Hands Across America
May 25 - A heartwarming and ambitious initiative unfolds as Hands Across America attempts to form a human chain stretching from New York to California, symbolizing unity and raising funds to combat hunger and homelessness, illustrating the power of collective action. -
Suicide of Rudolf Hess
Aug. 17 - A dark chapter in history closes as former Nazi Rudolf Hess takes his own life in his prison cell in Berlin, marking the conclusion of a controversial and painful legacy. -
The Oprah Winfrey Show
Sept. 8 - The syndicated talk show "The Oprah Winfrey Show" makes its national debut, propelling Oprah Winfrey to global fame and setting new standards for daytime television programming. -
Centennial of the Statue of Liberty
Oct. 28 - A symbol of freedom and friendship, the Statue of Liberty celebrates its centennial following extensive renovations, inspiring hope and welcoming immigrants to the United States. -
The Iran-Contra Affair
Nov. 3 - The Iran-Contra arms deal comes to light as a transport ship carrying 50,000 assault rifles is shot down over Nicaragua, marking the first public alert about the scandal. The controversy surrounding these covert operations will persist for the next two years, reshaping perceptions of U.S. foreign policy and national security. -
Records Set in the Dow Jones
Jan. 8 - Financial history is made as the Dow Jones industrial average surges past 2,000 for the first time, setting the stage for a record-breaking year where it would continue to set new highs for the next 10 months. -
Terry Waite
Jan. 20 - Terry Waite, a special envoy for the Anglican Church, is kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon, a tragic event resulting in his captivity lasting until 1991, drawing international attention and concern. -
"Joshua Tree"
March 9 - U2, the iconic Irish rock band, releases their acclaimed "Joshua Tree" album, becoming a cornerstone of their career and a timeless musical masterpiece. -
Trial of Nikolaus Barbie
May 11 - The trial of Nikolaus "Klaus" Barbie, the infamous Nazi "Butcher of Lyon," begins in Lyon, France, marking an essential chapter in pursuing justice for war crimes. -
Dirty Dancing Premieres
May 12 - "Dirty Dancing," a nostalgic journey to the 1960s Catskill resorts, premieres at the Cannes Film Festival and is later released in the United States on August 21, captivating audiences and becoming a beloved classic. -
Mathias Rust lands in Red Square
May 28 - Teenaged German aviator Mathias Rust (b. 1968) captures global attention by illegally landing in Red Square, Moscow, highlighting security vulnerabilities and causing diplomatic ripples. -
End of martial law in Taiwan
July 15 - Taiwan ends 38 years of martial law, marking a significant transition towards a more democratic and open society. -
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Sept. 28 - A new chapter in the beloved "Star Trek" franchise begins as the first episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," the second sequel to the original series, airs on independent stations throughout the United States, captivating both loyal Trekkies and a new generation of viewers. It's a fantastic show. I recommend it! -
Faith by George Michael
Oct. 12 - British pop sensation George Michael releases "Faith," his debut solo studio album, which propels him to international stardom and leaves an enduring impact on the music industry. -
Black Monday
Oct. 19 - A day etched in financial history as "Black Monday," the Dow Jones experiences an abrupt and largely unexpected plunge of 22.6%, causing widespread economic turmoil and raising concerns about the stability of the global economy. -
Jesse Jackson's second presidential campaign
Reverend Jesse Jackson runs for president a second time, surprising many by placing second in the Democratic primary ahead of both future President Joe Biden and future Vice President Al Gore. He eventually lost in the primaries to Michael Dukakis, the former governor of Massachusetts. -
Soviet Union withdrawals from Afghanistan
May 15 - After nine years of intense armed conflict, Soviet troops commenced their withdrawal from Afghanistan, a significant moment in the protracted battle that had far-reaching geopolitical implications. -
Iran Airlines Flight 655
July 3 - Tragedy strikes as the USS Vincennes mistakenly shoots down Iran Airlines Flight 655, a passenger plane, believing it to be an F-14 Tomcat. The incident resulted in the loss of all 290 lives on board, underlining the challenges and risks of military operations in sensitive regions. -
Founding of Al-Qaeda
Aug. 11 - A pivotal moment in the history of global terrorism occurs as Osama bin Laden establishes Al Qaeda. This radical organization would play a central role in subsequent international conflicts and terrorism. -
Iran-Iraq War ceasefire
Aug. 22 - After eight long and brutal years of conflict that claimed over a million lives, the Iran-Iraq War ends when Iran accepts a U.N.-brokered ceasefire, concluding a period of devastation and suffering for both nations. -
The Phantom of the Opera premieres on Broadway
Oct. 9 - The world of musical theater is forever changed as Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" premieres on Broadway, featuring Michael Crawford in the iconic titular role. The production would become a timeless classic, captivating audiences worldwide. -
Election of George H.W. Bush
Nov. 8 - In a meaningful political contest, George H. W. Bush (1924–2018) emerges victorious over Democratic challenger Michael Dukakis (born 1933) to become the 41st President of the United States, marking the third consecutive win for the Republican party in the presidential race. -
World AIDS Day
Dec. 1 - The first annual World AIDS Day is observed, marking a global commitment to raising awareness and addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This public health crisis would shape healthcare and public policy for decades. -
Pan Am Flight 103
Dec. 21 - A tragic and horrifying event transpires as Pan Am Flight 103 explodes over Lockerbie, Scotland, claiming the lives of all 259 people on board and 11 individuals on the ground. The terrorist bombing, attributed to Libyans, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in countering international terrorism. -
Death of Japanese Emperor Hirohito
Jan. 7 - Japanese Emperor Hirohito dies, ending a 62-year reign. -
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
March 24 - The Exxon Valdez oil taker runs aground in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, tainting hundreds of miles of Alaskan coastline. -
Tiananmen Square Massacre
June 4 - After months of peaceful but increasing protests calling for a more democratic government, Chinese troops fired on civilians and students in Tiananmen Square, killing an unknown number of people and ending the demonstrations. -
Colin Powell Nomination
Aug. 10 - General Colin Powell is nominated to head the Joint Chiefs of Staff, becoming the first African-American to hold that position. -
Release of SEGA Genesis
Aug. 14 - The Sega Genesis is released in the U.S. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
Nov. 9 - The Berlin Wall falls after the East German government announced that the border checkpoints were open. The impromptu celebration was televised around the world. -
Operation Just Cause
Dec. 20 - U.S. troops invade Panama to oust leader Gen. Manuel Noriega.