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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Grenada press ban lifted
Fri 4 Nov 1983
Press begins to uncover the fuller, and more complex, story of the Grenada invasion.
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Barbara McClintock
Fri 21 Oct 1983
Barbara McClintock's research into genes, and her acknowledgement as a great scientist.
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Boycotts can backfire
Fri 14 Oct 1983
Economic sanctions can adversely affect the country imposing the boycott.
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Andrei Gromyko and the United Nations
Fri 7 Oct 1983
The tensions within the UN following the shooting down of Korean Airlines flight 007.
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Fear of Russia returns
Fri 23 Sep 1983
In the aftermath of the shooting-down of the Korean airliner, fear of Russia returns.
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Korean Airlines flight 007
Fri 9 Sep 1983
An escalation in tension during the Cold War, as an airliner is shot down over Russia.
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Benigno Aquino assassinated
Fri 26 Aug 1983
Shocking murder of Benigno Aquino leaves US facing policy dilemma.
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Andrei Berezhkov's non-defection
Fri 19 Aug 1983
Teenager Andrei Berezhkov asks for help to defect - then changes his mind.
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The arrest of Dave Winfield
Fri 12 Aug 1983
The desires of American women in 1983, and the law on home video taping.
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Equal rights crusade goes on
Fri 5 Aug 1983
Despite years of stalemate, the Equal Rights Amendment crusade continues.
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Intervention in Central America
Fri 29 Jul 1983
President Reagan's dilemma over the mounting tensions in Central America.
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President Reagan's social programmes
Fri 22 Jul 1983
The diverse support for Ronald Reagan and a rise in welfare spending.
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Briefing-gate to be investigated
Fri 8 Jul 1983
Reagan orders inquiry into Carter's stolen briefing papers.
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Connecticut bridge collapse
Fri 1 Jul 1983
Concerns over nationwide infrastructure after bridge collapse in Connecticut.
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Paul Volcker, head of the Fed
Fri 24 Jun 1983
The second most important man in America - Paul Volcker.
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Margaret Thatcher's re-election and the 'special relationship', 1983
Fri 10 Jun 1983
An American perspective on the re-election of Margaret Thatcher.
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Thatcher plans second term
Fri 3 Jun 1983
As Britain faces a General Election, questions over possible Reagan second term.
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Literacy rates falling
Fri 6 May 1983
National commission finds literacy rates are falling across the US.
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Slimmer social security
Fri 22 Apr 1983
President signs new bill aimed at slimming down social security costs.
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Chicago's first black mayor
Fri 15 Apr 1983
Democrat Harold Washington is elected Chicago's first black mayor.
Why do Americans love their flag?
How The Stars and Stripes became an emotional symbol of a nation.
