In 1982 the world was a very different place with many significant changes having taken place in the previous decade or so.
Social Politics
The Yom Kippur War begins in Israel. This war would go on for 11 days and see Egypt retake parts of the Sinai Peninsula, leaving Israel with only the Golan Heights and West Bank. The US Senate begins debate on SALT II (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks), which would be signed into law later that year by President Reagan.
The Soviet Union launches a long range missile, the SS-20 “Satan” , on its way to Cuba. It’s not until 1987 that the US and Russia agreed to dismantle this missile system. The US decided to send its fleet into Cuban waters for “routine maneuvers” starting on February 17th. These “routine maneuvers” continued for about 6 months. The US also decided to start a series of “military exercises” in the region starting on March 19th, 1982. This exercise would last for about 6 months.
February 1982 was a very big month as far as beer sales are concerned because it marked the return of the bottle. This was an important step for microbreweries who were not allowed to sell their brews outside of their brewery in bottles, due to laws from Prohibition (1933-1944). Now that the bottle is back on store shelves and drinkers can carry them home without having to go through the hassle of making ice or putting them in a cooler before they leave
Entertainment
Top 5 songs of 1982 include “Let’s Dance” (David Bowie) with 52 million plays, “Take On Me” (A-ha) with 27 million plays, “(I Just) Died in Your Arms”/”Every Breath You Take” (Cyndi Lauper/The Police) with 35 million plays, “Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing”/”Livin’ on a Prayer” (Bonnie Tyler/Bon Jovi) with 22 million plays, and “When the Children Cry”/”Clean Up the Radio!” (Uriah Heep/Whitesnake) with 21 million plays.
A film version of the novel “The Man Who Would Be King” was released. “Don’t Give Up The Ship” (also known as “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope”) was released in May. “Animal Behavior” (also known as “The Living Daylights”) was released in November. Fall Out Boy’s self-titled debut album was released on 19th December by Fueled by Ramen; it would become their first and only album to date.
Sports
The 1982 Chicago Bears season was their 46th regular season in the National Football League. It saw the team go 9–7 and make it to the playoffs for a 3rd consecutive year, though this time they were eliminated by the eventual Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams in a game that had been played several times before (this would be their last playoff appearance for 21 years). Quarterback Jim McMahon was voted NFL MVP for his efforts during the 1982 season. The 1982 Winter Olympics were held in Lake Placid, New York from February 7-18, 1982.
