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Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan to support a communist government against insurgent forces. Which escalates Cold War tensions and leads to U.S. support for Afghan rebels. -
Reagan Assassination Attempt
President Ronald Reagan is shot by John Hinckley Jr. in Washington, D.C. but survives. Reagan's recovery is strengthens his public image. -
U.S. Hostages Released from Iran
52 American hostages held in Iran are released. The hostages had been captured during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The release of hostages marks the end of a period of tension between the U.S. and Iran, while helping Reagan’s political capital. -
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Ronald Reagans Presidency
Ronald Reagan defeats Jimmy Carter to become the 40th President of the United States. Reagan was a former governor of California and is remembered for his impact on both domestic and foreign policies. He focused on conservative policies, like taxes, military strength, and anti-communism. -
Lebanon War
Israel invades Lebanon to destroy the Palestine Liberation Organization. The U.S. later becomes involved. This conflict increases the instability in the Middle East. -
Reagan Re-Elected
Ronald Reagan wins re-election by a landslide against Walter Mondale. Reagan’s re-election solidifies his policies, including tax cuts and a stance against the Soviet Union. -
Iran-Contra Affair Begins
Reagan administration secretly sell guns to Iran and uses the money to fund Nicaraguan Contras, violating U.S. law. The Iran-Contra Affair becomes a major scandal, hurting Reagan’s legacy. -
U.S. Bombs Libya
The U.S. bombs Libya in retaliation for terrorist attacks. The bombing showed voters Reagan can be confrontational against states sponsoring terrorism but increases tensions in the Middle East. -
Iran-Contra Scandal Unfolds
The Iran-Contra Affair becomes public, leading to congressional investigations. Several senior officials are convicted, though Reagan is not. The scandal damages Reagan’s reputation and raises controversies about U.S. foreign policy practices. -
Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan
The Soviet Union withdrawals from Afghanistan after a decade.The withdrawal marks the end of the Soviet-Afghan War, showing the weakness of Soviet power and contributing to the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall, symbolizing the division of East and West Germany, is opened, leading to the reunification of Germany and the end of the Cold War. The fall of the Berlin Wall is one of the important moments of the end of the Cold War.