Conclusion

In the 1980s, the White House was occupied at first by a president that lacked the confidence of the American people and was replaced by an effective communicator who effectively helped to a society become based on personal wealth and greed. Yes, the fall of the Berlin Wall was on Reagan's watch and the world was a safer place for democracy because the Reagan Doctrine dictated that the U.S. involves itself in Third World matters. However, he was also president at a time when the AIDS virus was identified and not enough was done.

As with any decade, it arrives with many events that help to chart a course for the future and leaves in much the same way. The end of 1989 was only ten years away from the start of the new millennium and, as always, there were momentous events. (Spiritus-Temporis.com, 2005)
 * Sega Genesis was released in the U.S.
 * Serial killer Ted Bundy was executed in an electric chair.
 * U.S. closes embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.
 * Protests in Tienanmen Square.
 * Oliver North was convicted of three crimes and acquitted of nine others in connection to the Iran-Contra Affair.
 * // Texas versus Johnson // when the Supreme Court ruled that burning the flag was protected by the First Amendment.
 * First non-communist Polish prime minister in 42 years.
 * President Bush threatens force if Iraqi forces do not leave Kuwait.
 * Protesters in East Germany call for democratic reforms.
 * Free flow between East and West Germany.
 * Communist party of Czechoslovakia gives up power.

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