Decades Timeline Project by Marina Martinez

1. Argentina

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-10 13:31:41 UTC

In the early 1980s, Argentina was ruled by the military, which committed many human rights abuses, including killings and kidnappings. Groups like the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo protested these actions. The military lost a war, leading to their downfall and Argentina’s first free election in decades. The new leaders tried to fix the economy, but problems remained. This issue with Argentina was one of the top global events in the 1980s because of its severe human rights abuses, worldwide criticism, and long-lasting impact on Argentine society and politics.

(Module 31 pg. 1223)

2. South Africa

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-10 13:33:21 UTC

In the late 1980s, South Africa was under immense pressure to end the campaign of apartheid. Demond Tutu led a campaign urging international boycotts, causing many countries to impose trade restrictions and isolate South Africa. In 1989, a new president, F.W. de Klerk, aimed to change South Africa and end its isolation. He legalized the African National Congress and freed Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990. This was known as one of the top global events in the 1980s because it highlighted the injustice of apartheid, accumulated international support and ultimately led to a peaceful transition to multiracial democracy, setting a powerful example for human rights and equality.

(Module 31 pg. 1231)

'Do The Right Thing' - 1989

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-10 13:41:18 UTC

This movie that was directed by Spike Lee shows the racial and social problems pf a Brooklyn neighborhood on a hot summer day. It stars a diverse cast that represents different groups, highlighting the conflicts between them and the police. The movie explores themes of modernization, discrimination, and the fight for equality of all people. This movie left an impact on the world in the 1980s.

Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVAD4fYRcvA

Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/100-greatest-movies-of-the-1980s-1277869/raging-bull-1980-3-1279135/

'Videodrome' - 1983

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-10 13:45:20 UTC

The movie "Videodrome", directed by David Cronenberg, represents a TV station administrator who discovers a pirate broadcasting filled with graphic violence. He grows obsessed with finding the source and this obsession leads to a decline into a disturbing and nightmare type world. Many people were interested in this movie as it was very realistic.

Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFRAwig4rU8

Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/100-greatest-movies-of-the-1980s-1277869/raging-bull-1980-3-1279135/

'Raging Bull' - 1980

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-10 13:47:14 UTC

Raging Bull is considered one of the greatest movies ever made. This movie that was directed by Martin Scorsese is a brutal and poetic portrayal of Jake LaMotta, who was an Italian-American boxer. His life is marked by violence and self-destruction. The actor, Robert De Niro, showcased the physical and emotional toll of LaMotta's career.

Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2UKuKxCJqc

Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/100-greatest-movies-of-the-1980s-1277869/raging-bull-1980-3-1279135/

3. Ronald Reagan

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 12:36:06 UTC

On 1980, Ronald Reagan was elected as the 40th president of the United States. Since Carter ended military aid in Guatemala, Reagan left an influence on Central America. Six years after the aid ended, Regan overturned Carter's embargo. This significantly helped Guatemala and providing them the support they needed.

(Module 31 pg. 1225)

1. The Clash: London Calling

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 12:46:41 UTC

This album from the band, The Clash, is about social decay, unemployment, and dears of environmental disasters. The album touches the anxieties of the future and the state of society at the time. People liked it because it was a blend of punk energy and included many diverse musical styles like reggae and rock. Many people could also relate to the lyrics as well.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC2WpBcdM_A

Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-best-albums-of-the-eighties-150477/the-clash-london-calling-5-163092/

2. Prince and the Revolution: Purple Rain

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 12:47:30 UTC

The song, Purple Rain by Prince and the Revolution is about love, identity and overcoming personal struggles through music. It also includes Prince's personal journey and his vision of the world where people can come together and find redemption through music. People liked it because it is a blend of rock, funk and pop.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=347vCib_lMs

Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-best-albums-of-the-eighties-150477/u2-the-joshua-tree-162389/

3. U2: The Joshua Tree

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 12:48:10 UTC

The Joshua Tree by U2 os about America, faith, loss and redemption. It explores the theme of the search of meaning in the American world. They were inspired by their experiences when touring the country and witnessing both inequalities and immensity. It touches both the American dream and reality. People liked it because it was powerful towards them and its emotional depth.

Full Album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT-n6aEeKh8

Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-best-albums-of-the-eighties-150477/u2-the-joshua-tree-162389/

1. Cabbage Patch Kids

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 13:01:29 UTC

Cabbage Patch kids became popular in the 80s due to their unique marketing and how they emphasized adoption rather than a purchase, giving each doll a name and backstory (Kind of like American Girl Dolls). The dolls features made them very appealing to young children and the idea of "adopting" a unique doll created an emotion connection. The combination of personalized play, a sense of nurturing, and strong advertising made a massive widespread popularity that made them a must-have toy in the 80s.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/12-fads-from-the-80s-you-were-obsessed-with-and-where-they-are-now/ss-AA1rUDm1#image=1

2. The Walkman

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 13:01:43 UTC

The Walkman revolutionized music in the 80s by offering portability and personal listening experience. Before the Walkman, listening to music on the go was largely limited to car radios or boomboxes. The Walkman allowed individuals to enjoy their favorite songs privately through headphones, making music a constant companion during workouts, commutes and other everyday activities.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/12-fads-from-the-80s-you-were-obsessed-with-and-where-they-are-now/ss-AA1rUDm1#image=1

3. Leg Warmers

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 13:02:09 UTC

Leg Warmers were a must-have clothing item in the 80s. The popularity was fueled by the display in many movies. Leg Warmers were used by dancers to keep their muscles warm, but quickly transitioned into a fashion statement. There were many colors and sizes people could choose from and gave a small touch of flare to many outfits.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/12-fads-from-the-80s-you-were-obsessed-with-and-where-they-are-now/ss-AA1rUDm1#image=1

1. The Miracle on Ice

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 13:02:59 UTC

The Miracle on Ice is one of the greatest sports moments of all time. The 1980's Olympic Men's Hockey team played against the Soviet team in Lake Placid. The Soviets were known to be a 5 time gold-winning team of the pervious 6 olympics. When the game begun, the U.S. team played with all they had and they beat the Soviet team.

Source: https://wjrz.com/listicle/the-top-5-sports-moments-of-the-80s/

2. The Buckner Game

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 13:03:15 UTC

The Red Sox's game against the Mets in Game 6, Bill Buckner missed the slow ground ball. This small mistake made the Mets win in the 10th inning. It was a tie game, Mets scored and it was onto Game 7. The Mets soon became the World Champions.

Source: https://wjrz.com/listicle/the-top-5-sports-moments-of-the-80s/

3. The 1989 NCAA Championship Game

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 13:03:35 UTC

Seton Hall vs. Michigan was a big game for many students at Seton Hall. Michigan was a strong team and the game went into overtime. Michigan won 80-79.

Source: https://wjrz.com/listicle/the-top-5-sports-moments-of-the-80s/

1. Cellular Phone

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 13:04:17 UTC

In the 80s, only a few people could afford a phone like this. It gained popularity for its bulkiness and convenience. For many professionals, a cell phone meant staying connected without being tied to a landline. It was a game-changer for communication.

Source: https://www.efax.com/blog/tech-of-the-1980s-and-today

2. VHS/VCR

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 13:04:35 UTC

A VHS is a tool that was used to stream movies on your TV's with a DVD or tape. It was one of the best ways to watch newly-released movies at home. It allowed recording TV shows onto tapes to save for later. This invention is similar to Netflix and Hulu.

Source: https://www.efax.com/blog/tech-of-the-1980s-and-today

3. Polaroid Cameras

mmartinez28_26 — 2025-06-11 13:04:50 UTC

Polaroid cameras was an option to have to see photos you take instantly. It was a chunky camera that many people did not enjoy carrying around. Today, apps like Instagram replace polaroids, but it is a piece of vintage technology that started it all.

Source: https://www.efax.com/blog/tech-of-the-1980s-and-today