In 1983 the world was a very different place with many significant changes having taken place in the previous decade or so.
Social Politics
The year 1983 was a key year in the development of the world as it dealt with some of the key issues of our times. The Cold War continued with East and West in a high level state of heightened tension while at the same time US President Ronald Reagan continued his policy of “Star Wars” which aimed to intercept any missile or space craft that might be launched in an attack against America. Also, there were world events throughout 1983 where conflict raged between various countries over this new invention which could have far reaching consequences for mankind.
In 1983, numerous foreign policy issues dominated the news, including negotiations with Iran about its nuclear program and Soviet involvement in Afghanistan. These were among many issues addressed by President Ronald Reagan’s administration. In June, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed to a joint statement on nuclear non-proliferation that outlined their concerns about Pakistan’s ability to develop nuclear weapons. This was followed by a proposal by President Reagan for the first Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union. The United States proposed reducing each side’s deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,600 from 2,200.
Entertainment
The year is 1983 and time for a big change in television entertainment. The decade’s most important change was that more programs were being produced for color than black and white (with one or two notable exceptions). In 1982 producing studios built 35 different series into production for their upcoming fall seasons. In 1983 & 1984 there were over 100 color productions with over 55(+) new network series added at CBS, NBC and ABC alone (not including syndication). Even the most popular shows will be color. In addition, there were new cable channels starting up in 1983-1984 that would make massive changes to the way we consume entertainment.
Sports
In golf, the Masters didn’t have to wait long for a new champion, Danny Willett won the first major title of his career by defeating Tom Kite and John Cook in a playoff, 1 up. The US Open was won by American Fred Couples who had a fourth round 64 that included an eagle from over 100 yards out on the 18th hole.
In football, New England Patriots QB Drew Bledsoe suffered a separated shoulder against the Houston Oilers and missed most of the season as he recovered. The Browns went 8-8, but their defense gave up only 24 points all year (and the Oilers had the worst offense in the league). The Patriots would go on to win Super Bowl XXVI.
In the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers came back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Milwaukee Brewers and won the World Series four games to three, thanks in large part to Kirk Gibson’s home run off of Rick Reuschel that won Game 1.
In boxing, by September 24th Floyd Mayweather Jr. was 21-0 with 14 knockouts, he’d stop future Hall of Famer Carlos Palomino in one round and would lose only once more before losing his first professional title by decision. Manny Pacquiao became a world champion when he stopped Marvin Hagler in two rounds.
