Analyze The Changes In The 80's

The 1980s gave shape a new generation of Americans who lived extravagant lifestyles, while the other side of the world was living in a life of hopelessness and famine. The 1980s was the turn of a democratic-controlled government to a republican-controlled government that imposed drastic policy changes. Policies put in place affected every level of economic status. Policies such as “Reaganomics” helped mold the new generation of Americans who spent their wealth on flashy lifestyles. America once again resembled the “Roaring 20s” with culturally similar aspects of sex, drugs, and money. The way people presented themselves became obnoxious and gaudy once again. Americans were living the go-happy go-lucky lifestyles, while the other side

People lived their lives lavishly, with hope that it was never going to end. After The Great Depression ended in 1939, the baby boomer generation was developed. People were confident that the U.S. could only get better as it was going into economic recession. These young, and inexperienced couples decided to start families because they had hope and confidence in what the future held. The Baby Boomer Generation then gave birth to Generation X. Generation X were the heart and soul of the 80s. Many viewed them as the generation of “stuck-up” and “self-centered” people (History.com Staff). They spent their money on everything from electronics, to drugs, and clothes. Electronics such as the Walkman were very popular and were owned by almost anybody who could afford to have one. It allowed people to listen to the music that they preferred and allow them to tune into their desired radio station (Richards). Cocaine was very common to 20 and 30 year olds. It was socially acceptable to do cocaine, but not to smoke a cigarette. At the time, people kept their use of cocaine under control, and were able to walk away from it. It wasn’t until the late 80’s and into the 90s when it was developing into an addiction problem. Fashion played a huge role in everyday life. Spending money on expensive shoes and clothes was a normal occurrence. They way you

Reagan attempted to eliminate the Education Department and promote prayer in all schools. Schooling took a drastic switch when the tables turned and went to the local level. The nature and role of testing went from multiple choice only tests, to true/false and short response. Although education was controlled at the local level, the expansion of the National Assessment in Educational Progress created pressure on students to perform better. Slogans like “Everybody Counts” and “Science for all Americans” were promoted among schools across the country