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The Watergate Scandal // Watch this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHnmriyXYeg
The Watergate Scandal was a confusing time for most. It led to doubt in the government and in the country. In 1972, President Nixon hired men to break into the National Democratic Party Committee's offices and tap the wires. Nixon thought this was the way to win the presidency, unfortunately his men were caught. This led to resignation of Nixon, and induction of Ford.
“Watergate.info.” Watergateinfo Watergate The Scandal That Brought Down Richard Nixon Comments, watergate.info/. -
USA Wins Gold
The United States of America men's hockey team won the Winter Olympics after defeating the USSR. This was a huge accomplishment for this team. Many people voted that the United States had no chance in making it to the final rounds, and especially not winning the gold!
“Ice Hockey at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Games: Men's Ice Hockey.” Olympics at Sports-Reference.com, www.sports-reference.com/olympics/winter/1980/ICH/mens-ice-hockey.html. -
Mount St. Helen Explodes
Mount St. Helens, which is located in Washington state, erupts on May 18th. This gigantic eruption led to the death of fifty seven people and let to more than $3 billion in economic losses throughout the area. Pictures of this eruption are mesmerizing to look at. It is sadly beautiful.
Taylor, Alan. “The Eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 18 May 2015, www.theatlantic.com/photo/2015/05/the-eruption-of-mount-st-helens-in-1980/393557/. -
Creation of Pac-Man
Pac-Man has become one of the most popular and well know games all over the world. Pac-Man was first released in Japan during the 1980's. Within weeks, Pac-Man became a very popular game.
Rosenberg, Jennifer. “The Story Behind Pac-Man, a Super Popular Video Game of the '80s.” ThoughtCo, www.thoughtco.com/pac-man-game-1779412. -
Presidential Election of 1980 // Watch this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsDe-8cOSYY
The 1980 election was not a close one at all. The contest was between the Democratic representative, Jimmy Carter and Republican representative, Ronald Reagan. Ronad Reagan won with 489 electoral votes and he won the popular vote. Jimmy Carter had 49 of the electoral votes.
“1980 Presidential Election.” Presidential Election of 1980, www.270towin.com/1980_Election/. -
Iran Hostage Crisis
During the 1980's, there was much conflict between Iran and Iraq. When the United States began getting involved, a group of Iranian students took 52 people hostage. They were held in the US Embassy for 444 days.
History.com Staff. “Iran Hostage Crisis.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2010, www.history.com/topics/iran-hostage-crisis. -
Attempted Assassination of Ronald Reagan // Watch this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoZeZprXnDg
Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. He was leaving the Hilton Hotel when Hinckley began shooting. Hinckley managed to hit press secretary, James Brady, a police officer, and secret service agent before he hit the President. Reagan was hit in the chest and hospitalized for two weeks, but remained alive.
“Ronald Reagan is shot by John Hinckley, Jr.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/ronald-reagan-is-shot-by-john-hinckley-jr. -
First Woman in Space
Sally Ride was the first American woman in space. She was launched on the Challenger launched on the misson STS-7. Not only was this an important movement for science, but it was an important movement for women. This showed woman taking on a leadership role and accomplishing something no other American woman had accomplished yet.
Administrator, NASA Content. “First American Woman in Space.” NASA, NASA, 17 Apr. 2015, www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_2533.html. -
Space Shuttle Challenger Explosion // Watch this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EssKzOj-kME
After approximately 73 after liftoff, the shuttle broke off and plunged into the Atlantic Ocean. The seven astronauts, including a social studies teacher named Christa McAuliffe, were killed upon impact to the atlantic ocean. This was a very sad tragedy.
Pruitt, Sarah. “5 Things You May Not Know About the Challenger Shuttle Disaster.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 28 Jan. 2016, www.history.com/news/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-the-challenger-shuttle-disaster. -
Baby Jessica Falls Down the Well
A eighteen year old baby, by the name of Jessica McCluen fell into a dry well on this date in history. She was trapped in the well for 58 hours. The well was twenty two feet deep and only eight inches wide. Baby Jessica passed the time down in the well by singing. The workers pumped air down to her while they dug a hole to get her out, and eventually they managed to do just that!
“Baby Jessica.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 2 Apr. 2014, www.biography.com/people/baby-jessica-17175736.
