The Reagan Years (1981-1988) Podcast
Ronald Reagan鈥檚 presidency: Reagonomics, the Grenada invasion, the Iran-contra scandal and reconciliation with the Soviet. Alistair Cooke's fascinating account of American life.
Ronald Reagan鈥檚 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 鈥� 2004).
Episodes to download
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Reagan backtracks on missiles
Fri 20 Nov 1981
President suggests US and Soviet re-think on land-based missiles.
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Death of Anwar Sadat (1918-1981)
Fri 9 Oct 1981
President Sadat of Egypt is assassinated in a year of political assassination attempts.
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US reviews Soviet military strength
Fri 2 Oct 1981
Soviet military strength ahead of US, report finds.
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Illegal immigration, 1981
Fri 25 Sep 1981
Huge increase in illegal immigrants from Mexico entering the US.
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First woman Supreme Court judge
Fri 18 Sep 1981
Sandra Day O'Connor becomes first woman Supreme Court judge.
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Libyans challenge US aircraft
Fri 28 Aug 1981
Reagan talks tough over Libyan intercepts of US airplanes.
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Neutron bomb backlash
Fri 21 Aug 1981
Europe reacts angrily to Reagan's announcement of new bomb programme.
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Reagan wins budget cuts
Fri 3 Jul 1981
Surprise as House clears suggested budget cuts on single vote.
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US-China relations warm
Fri 26 Jun 1981
Arms deal announced as US relations with communist China warm.
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Surgeons' insurance costs soar
Fri 12 Jun 1981
Rising cost of malpractice insurance sees surgeons quitting.
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Reagan's policies stalled
Fri 5 Jun 1981
Election promises fade as reality scuppers new administration's plans.
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New York bomb threats
Fri 22 May 1981
Mystery blitz of bomb threats after Kennedy Airport device kills man.
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Reagan budget-cutting campaign, 1981
Fri 24 Apr 1981
Axe falls on government spending as Reagan's budget cuts begin.
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Protecting the president
Fri 10 Apr 1981
Calls for better protection after Reagan assassination attempt.
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Assassination attempt on Reagan
Fri 3 Apr 1981
President Reagan survives an assassination attempt by John Hinckley on 30th March 1981.
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Why do Americans love their flag?
How The Stars and Stripes became an emotional symbol of a nation.
