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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An unhappy Thanksgiving
Fri 28 Nov 1986
Thanksgiving holiday soured by ongoing revelations over Iran-Contras deal.
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The Iran-Contra scandal revealed, 1986
Fri 21 Nov 1986
America reacts to revelations of a US arms for hostages deal with Iran.
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Teflon President on sticky ground
Fri 14 Nov 1986
Reagan admits to Iran arms deal as hostage is freed.
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Democrats take Senate
Fri 7 Nov 1986
Close call in off-year Senate elections, but Democrats win the day.
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James McGill Buchanan
Fri 24 Oct 1986
Nobel economist James McGill Buchanan and his self-interest theory.
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Reykjavik Summit, October 1986
Fri 17 Oct 1986
Reagan and Gorbachev's disarmament summit in Reykjavik ends in failure.
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US interference in UK politics
Fri 3 Oct 1986
Badly-timed statement from US defence secretary upsets Labour Party conference.
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United Nations in decline
Fri 26 Sep 1986
Once the hope of the world, the UN is now toothless - and broke.
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Tougher drug laws
Fri 19 Sep 1986
Congressmen back House bill for tougher drug laws as Reagan crusades against misuse.
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Labor Day parades end
Fri 5 Sep 1986
Labor Day parades become a thing of the past as US workforce turns away from unions.
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Drought hits farmers
Fri 15 Aug 1986
Severe weather threatens livelihoods of thousands of farmers in the Midwest.
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Averell Harriman (1891-1986)
Fri 1 Aug 1986
A tribute to politician and diplomat Averell Harriman who served five presidents.
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Drug addiction spreading
Fri 25 Jul 1986
New figures show drug addiction has spread across American society.
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Independence Day celebrations, 1986
Fri 4 Jul 1986
Celebrating the 4th July and the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.
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Ozone loss and cancer
Fri 13 Jun 1986
Senate report links growing number of skin cancers with ozone loss.
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Chernobyl nuclear disaster, 1986
Fri 23 May 1986
What can be learned from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 26th April 1986?
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Michael Deaver case
Fri 16 May 1986
Allegations that former top Reagan aide Michael Deaver used 'insider' lobbying.
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Growing US deficit
Fri 9 May 1986
National debt growing alarmingly, despite Reagan's promises to balance the budget.
Why do Americans love their flag?
How The Stars and Stripes became an emotional symbol of a nation.
