1981 vs. 1984

Attribute	1981	1984
Popular Movies	Raiders of the Lost Ark, Chariots of Fire	Ghostbusters, The Terminator
Music	MTV launches, hits like "Bette Davis Eyes"	Michael Jackson's "Thriller" released
Technology	IBM introduces first PC, MS-DOS released	Apple releases Macintosh computer
Politics	Reagan inaugurated as President	Reagan re-elected

Political Landscape

In 1981, Ronald Reagan had just taken office as the President of the United States. His conservative policies aimed to reduce government intervention in the economy and promote individual freedom. The country was still dealing with the aftermath of the Iran hostage crisis and the energy crisis of the late 1970s. In contrast, by 1984, Reagan had implemented his economic policies known as Reaganomics, which included tax cuts and deregulation. The economy was experiencing a period of growth, and Reagan was re-elected in a landslide victory.

Technological Advancements

In 1981, personal computers were just starting to become more mainstream. IBM had released its first PC, and Apple was gaining popularity with the Apple II. The internet was in its infancy, with ARPANET being the precursor to what would eventually become the World Wide Web. By 1984, technology had advanced significantly. Apple had released the Macintosh computer, which featured a graphical user interface, revolutionizing the way people interacted with computers. The internet was also growing, with the domain name system being introduced.

Cultural Trends

In 1981, popular culture was heavily influenced by the music of the time, with artists like Michael Jackson and Prince dominating the charts. The fashion trends included neon colors and big hair. The film industry saw the release of iconic movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T. By 1984, the music scene had shifted towards new wave and pop, with artists like Madonna and Duran Duran gaining popularity. Fashion trends included preppy styles and punk influences. Movies like Ghostbusters and The Terminator were box office hits.

Global Events

In 1981, the world was still reeling from the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II and the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland. The Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were high, with both countries engaged in an arms race. By 1984, the Cold War had escalated, with the Soviet Union boycotting the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in response to the US boycotting the Moscow Olympics in 1980. The conflict in Northern Ireland continued, and tensions in the Middle East were also on the rise.

Social Movements

In 1981, social movements were gaining momentum, with the feminist movement advocating for equal rights for women and the LGBTQ rights movement fighting for equality and acceptance. The environmental movement was also growing, with concerns about pollution and climate change becoming more prominent. By 1984, these movements had made significant progress, with laws being passed to protect the rights of women and the LGBTQ community. The environmental movement had also led to increased awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainability.