Featured moment
The Empire Strikes Back Released
George Lucas's darker sequel stunned audiences with the revelation of Darth Vader's true identity.
The Empire Strikes Back.
Pac-Man devoured arcades, Mount St. Helens erupted, and John Lennon was tragically taken.
The Cost of Living in 1980
Gallon of Gas
$1.19
Loaf of Bread
$0.50
Gallon of Milk
$2.16
World Population
4.45 billion
Featured moment
Pac-Man Released in Arcades
Namco's dot-eating maze game became a global pop culture icon and the most successful arcade game ever.
Featured moment
Murder of John Lennon
The former Beatle was shot and killed outside his New York apartment, sending shockwaves around the world.
The wider picture
More from 1980
A few more things worth remembering.
World Events
Mount St. Helens Erupts
The volcanic eruption in Washington state killed 57 people and caused massive destruction.
Sports
Miracle on Ice
The US men's hockey team defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
Science & Space
Smallpox Declared Eradicated
The WHO officially certified the global eradication of smallpox, one of humanity's greatest medical triumphs.
Cinema & TV
CNN Launches
Ted Turner launched the Cable News Network, the first 24-hour news channel.
World Events
Ronald Reagan Elected President
The former actor defeated Jimmy Carter, beginning the conservative "Reagan Era" in the US.
Pop Culture
Rubik's Cube Goes Global
The Hungarian puzzle toy made its international debut and became an inescapable 80s fad.
Cinema & TV
The Shining Released
Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel redefined psychological horror.
You arrivedin 1980.
The longer view
This was only the opening scene.
Follow the world as it changed around you, from 1980 to today.