Summary
An essential resource for those interested in learning about this era, The 1980s chronicles a decade of global transition. From the collapse of Jimmy Carter’s idealistic view of the United States as the world’s peacekeeper in 1980 to the fall of the Berlin Wall, this volume explores a period filled with political intrigue and power shifts, including President Reagan’s view of American peacekeeping that emphasized military strength, superior weaponry, and defense systems. In addition, this volume covers landmark advancements in civil rights, law, space exploration, science, technology, medicine, literature, and art. This comprehensive reference also documents the United States’ up-and-down economy and the rise of a new and deadly disease called AIDS. In a compelling format, The 1980s provides a unique look at this decade.
The 1980s, a new volume in Facts On File’s acclaimed Eyewitness History series, provides a unique look at this decade, illustrating how events appeared to those who lived through them. In addition to the firsthand accounts, each chapter provides an introductory essay and a chronology of events. The book also includes critical documents, as well as capsule biographies of key figures, a bibliography, an index, 92 black-and-white photographs and illustrations, and 13 maps and graphs.
Specifications
92 black-and-white photographs and illustrations. 13 maps and graphs. Index. Appendixes. Bibliography. Chronologies. Notes.
About the Author(s)
Elin Woodger is a writer and editor who specializes in American history. She has made significant contributions to many Facts On File books, including Encyclopedia of Cold War Politics. Woodger is also coauthor of Encyclopedia of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and a contributing editor for Plum Lines, the quarterly journal of The Wodehouse Society.
David F. Burg is a freelance writer and editor. He holds a B.A. in English from DePauw University, an M.A. in English from Washington State University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in American civilization (American studies) from the University of Pennsylvania. Burg has taught at the University of Kentucky and at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY. He is the author or coauthor of seven books, including Facts On File’s The American Revolution and The Great Depression, Updated Edition, both in the Eyewitness History series, and Encyclopedia of Student and Youth Movements.