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1980 Refugee Act
The Refugee Act of 1980 was passed which raised the annual number of refugees from 17,400 to 50,000. After the Vietnam war, many more immigrants wanted to come into the United States, so a new Act was needed. -
Ronald Reagan
In 1981, Ronald Reagan became president following Jimmy Carter. -
Tax Reform Act of 1986
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 changed the upper tax rate from 50% to 28% altered the bottom tax rate from 11% to 15%. This was the first time in history the top and bottom tax rate brackets had been changed at the same time, and this was done by Reagan. -
The Space Shuttle Challenger
The Space Shuttle Challenger occurred on January 28, 1986. The space shuttle blew into many sections resulting in the death of all seven crew members aboard. -
The Hubble Telescope launched
April 24, 1990 the Hubble Telescope was launched into orbit. This telescope has allowed for many astronomical ideas to be discovered, confirmed and then changed the way we viewed the universe. -
End of the Cold War
The Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States ended between 1989 and 1991. The Soviet Union officially fell in 1991. -
27th Amendment
The 27th Amendment was ratified which stated, "No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of representatives shall have intervened." This means that the salary of a congress member cannot be raised or lowered until voted on. -
September 11 attacks
On September 11, 2001 two terrorists flew two planes into the Twin Towers in New York City. This terrorist attack was devastating to the entire United States and changed lives forever. Airport security has now been enhanced and made more safe. There is now a 9/11 memorial in New York city in remembrance to the lives lost that day.