1980: A Year of Global Turning Points

• Moscow Olympics Boycott: US/West boycott over Soviet Afghan invasion.
• Solidarity Movement: Lech Wałęsa leads Polish trade union push for democracy.
• Mount St. Helens Eruption: May 18—most destructive US volcanic event.
• John Lennon Assassination: Dec 8, NYC.
• Iran Hostage Crisis: Ongoing throughout 1980.
• US Recession: Jan–July, worst since WWII.
• Reagan Elected: Conservative shift begins.
• Space Shuttle Columbia: First reusable orbiter flight.
• CNN Launches: June 1—first 24-hour cable news.
• Vietnam POWs Return: Last US prisoners released.

A year of political, social, technological upheaval.