The 1980s: American Pop Culture History

The 1980s were both awesome and horrible at the same time. If you lived through them, you know what I mean.

Everything was neon and ugly. Color combinations were the worst. Fashion was weird, music was over-digitized and commercialism consumed everyone.

The Cold War ended, which was great. The Berlin Wall fell.

The best thing that came out of the 80s though? By far the movies. I mean, if you are in the mood for a cheesy comedy that’s actually funny, then nothing hits the spot quite like an 80s flick!

Dive much deeper into the 1980s below. Our in-depth profiles discuss a wide variety of topics, from fashion to cars to sports — all from the 1980s!

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In-Depth 1980s Profiles

1980s Fashion: Styles, Trends & History »

1980s fashion can be commended for its creativity. What did people wear in the 1980s? Research 1980s fashion with a year-by-year timeline & 100+ pictures.

1980s Cars: Models, Facts, Pictures & History »

Many cars in the 1980s were the most luxurious vehicles anyone had ever seen. Some 1980s cars were quite the opposite.

1980s Movies: What Did People Watch? »

The 1980s was the best decade for movies ever. Both writing & special effects were climaxing at the same time & creativity was at an all-time high.

1980s TV Shows: What Did People Watch? »

What were the most popular TV Shows in the 1980s? Research more with our timeline of hit television shows from the Eighties.

1980s Toys: What Toys Were Popular in the 1980s? »

Looking for information on the history of toys in the 1980s? Browse 150+ pics of 1980s toys, ranging from He-Man to Strawberry Shortcake.

1980s Music: What Did People Listen To? »

Most people either love Eighties music or they hate it. We discuss the most famous artists & #1 songs from the 1980s right here.

1980s Sports: History, Facts, MVPs & Champions »

Joe Montana, one of the best QBs ever. Mike Tyson, the most feared boxer to walk the earth. Magic vs. Bird, the best rivalry in the history of sports.

Unique 1980s Pictures

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1980s News Headlines

In 1980, the U.S. hockey team shocked the Soviets at the Olympics.

In 1980, John Lennon was assassinated in New York City.

In 1981, Microsoft was asked to create an operating system for IBM computers.

The Chernobyl nuclear plant explosion in the Soviet Union that resulted in deaths of an estimated 7,000 in 1986.

1987 Cher won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the movie Moonstruck.

Space shuttle Challenger famously exploded on national television to the horror of an entire nation.

In 1988, Nike launched the ever popular marketing campaign containing the slogan “Just Do It”.

The Fresh Prince becomes an overnight sensation following the release of his hit song “Parents Just Don’t Understand.”

The Berlin Wall was torn down in 1989.

Starting in 1989, Energizer used an bunny to sell batteries that were designed to last longer.

In 1988, Dustin Hoffman played a mentally disabled man named Raymond Babbit in the critically acclaimed film, Rain Man.

1980s Statistics & Facts in the U.S.

Vital

U.S. Population: 226,546,000
– Urban/rural: 167/59
– Farm: 4.8%
Life Expectancy: Male (69.9), Female (77.6)
Births per 1,000: 15.8
Marriages per 1,000: 10.6
Divorces per 1,000: 5.2
Deaths per 1,000: 8.7
Deaths per 100,000:
– Heart: 435
– Cancer: 183
– Tuberculosis: 1
– Car accidents: 24.3

Economic

Unemployed: 7,636,000
GNP: $2.633 trillion
Federal budget: $579.6 billion
National debt: $914 billion
Union membership: 21.7 million
Strikes: 3,885
Prime rate: 21.5%
Car sales: 6,400,000
Average salary: $15,757

Social

Homicides per 100,000: 12.4
Suicides per 100,000: 10.2
Labor force male/female ratio: 56/38
Public education: $164.7 billion
College Degrees
– Bachelors: Male (526,000), Female (473,000)
– Doctorates: Male (22,900), Female (9,700)
Attendance
– Movies (weekly): 20 million
– Baseball (annually): 43.7 million

Consumer

Consumer Price Index (if 1967 = 100): 246.8
Eggs: 84 cents per dozen
Milk: $1.04 per quart
Bread: 51 cents per loaf
Butter: $1.87 per pound
Bacon: $1.44 per pound
Round steak: $2.37 per pound
Oranges: $1.37 per dozen
Coffee: $2.98 per pound

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