The Reagan Years (1981-1988)
Ronald Reagan’s presidency, from Reagonomics and the invasion of Grenada in his first term, to the Iran-contra scandal and reconciliation with Soviet leader Mihail Gorbachev in his second. A fascinating social, cultural and political history of American life, through the words of British-American journalist and broadcaster, Alistair Cooke (1908 – 2004).
Winter in Vermont
Everyday life in the deep snow of a Vermont winter.
Release date:
Reagan chooses cabinet, 1981
Reagan's cabinet choices mean a slow start.
Release date:
Haig questioned by Senate committee
Haig's fitness as Secretary of State questioned by Senate committee.
Release date:
President Reagan’s inauguration, 1981
As President Reagan's inauguration takes place, 52 US hostages are released in Iran.
Release date:
Press overkill on hostages return
Saturation coverage by TV networks as the hostages return from Iran.
Release date:
The new First Lady
Nancy Reagan is copied - and cartooned.
Release date:
Grim news on deficit
Reagan admits budget deficit much larger than feared.
Release date:
A meeting of minds, 1981
Thatcher's visit to the new president is anticipated as a love-fest.
Release date:
Inflation dips slightly
Public excitement over drop in inflation rate - but economists show less enthusiasm.
Release date:
Meet the neighbours
President Reagan to visit Canada amid fears over environment.
Release date:
US looks to Far East
Moves for better US-Far East relations.
Release date:
Assassination attempt on Reagan
President Reagan survives an assassination attempt by John Hinckley on 30th March 1981.
Release date:
Protecting the president
Calls for better protection after Reagan assassination attempt.
Release date:
Columbia space shuttle, 1981
Space shuttle Columbia makes first return landing.
Release date:
Reagan budget-cutting campaign, 1981
Axe falls on government spending as Reagan's budget cuts begin.
Release date:
Remembering Jack Thum, 1981
Mickey Rooney portrays professional clown Jack Thum.
Release date:
Grain embargo stalls
Embargo on grain exports to Russia fails.
Release date:
New York bomb threats
Mystery blitz of bomb threats after Kennedy Airport device kills man.
Release date:
Reagan at West Point
President Reagan addresses graduates at West Point.
Release date:
Reagan's policies stalled
Election promises fade as reality scuppers new administration's plans.
Release date:
Surgeons' insurance costs soar
Rising cost of malpractice insurance sees surgeons quitting.
Release date:
US-China relations warm
Arms deal announced as US relations with communist China warm.
Release date:
Reagan wins budget cuts
Surprise as House clears suggested budget cuts on single vote.
Release date:
British city riots
America shocked by violence erupting across the UK.
Release date:
