The year 1984 was one that certainly left an impression in the global political climate and beyond, as history was made and stories of bravery, strength and courage were told. From royalty visiting to the inauguration of President Reagan II to the success of the global computer industry, the events that occurred that year around the world will never be forgotten. Here’s a look at some of the most remarkable events that happened in 1984.
Reagan Visiting China
On April 16, 1984, President Reagan made a monumental visit to China for 9 days. This was the first time since 1949 (when the People’s Republic of China was founded by Mao Zedong) that a U.S. president visited the country. He met with Deng Xiaoping and spoke with students of the Peking University. He also visited the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and more. This visit created a new bond between the now two superpowers.
Reagan II Inauguration
President Reagan was inaugurated for the second time in January of 1984. In his inauguration speech, he highlighted his “vision of a nation strong and optimistic beyond our most optimistic dreams”. He spoke of balance and the need to work together while encouraging citizens not to stray from their values in order to reach national strength.
The Cold War Easing
In 1984, President Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev agreed to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). It was a crucial step in easing the tension of the Cold War. This treaty was specifically regarding the nuclear missiles being held by both countries. Through the INF, both sides agreed to reduce and eventually eliminate their respective stores of ballistic missiles.
Bejing’s Successful Bid for the Olympic Games
In May of 1984, Beijing successfully bid to host the 1990 Summer Olympics, making them the fourth Asian city to host the games. This mark the official beginning of China’s rise in the sporting world, as Beijing created a major sports training center to prepare for the Olympics. This was also the first time that a socialist country had won an Olympic bid, as Beijing beat out major contenders like Tokyo, Seoul, and Amsterdam.
1984 – The Year of the Computer
The year 1984 saw the explosion of the global computer industry and the rise of the home printer market. Apple’s Macintosh was released in January, followed by their “1984” ad in March at the Super Bowl and the launch of a massive advertising campaign. Soon after, the dot-matrix printer was released to the public, allowing everyday people to access the latest technology.
The Falling of the Berlin Wall
Probably the most iconic event of the year 1984 was the falling of the Berlin Wall. The iconic wall was a representation of the Cold War, as it had divided East from West since 1961. However, little did anyone know that soon it would become a symbol of unity, strength and peace. The wall was eventually dismantled in 1989, signifying the end of the Cold War.
The Launch of Discovery
On August 30, 1984, NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery successfully lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This was Discovery’s maiden mission, marking the first four-astronaut crew space mission since 1978. The mission was successful, as Discovery stayed in orbit for two days, accomplishing their launch objectives of testing the effectiveness of their on-board and ground-based systems.
India Completing the Test of a Nuclear Device
Under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India became the seventh country in the world to successfully detonate a nuclear device. This test was conducted in the Rajasthan desert on May 18, 1984. India’s government had been working on completing the test for over two years and were eventually able to successfully complete it under their Prime Minister. The test created significant stress between India and Pakistan, both of whom continue to have major disagreements.
The Sending Off of Fisherman’s Bounty
The Fisherman’s Bounty was a vessel designed by Greenpeace to oppose the testing of French nuclear bombs in the Pacific Ocean. On October 10, 1984, the Fisherman’s Bounty set sail to the Moruroa atoll, where the French government had begun testing nuclear bombs. The crew of the vessel hoped that they could create enough attention to stop the testing, and they eventually succeeded.
The year 1984 certainly left its mark on the world, as stories of courage, strength, and hope were told from the United States to China, from India to the Soviet Union. Through these remarkable events, the world was changed for the better, as the Cold War was eased and new technologies emerged. You can be sure that 1984 will forever remain an unforgettable year with some truly remarkable events.
