history/background in 1985

On May 13, 1985, the mayor of Philadelphia orders the police to end a stand-off against MOVE. While it is important to pay special notice to this specific date and the actions of MOVE and the officials, it is also important to be aware of the history and major events (historical, technological, cultural) that happened in 1985. Some of the more events that happened in 1985, pre MOVE firebombing are:

President Ronald Reagan was sworn in for a second term in office

Australia cancels its involvement in U.S. - led MX missile tests

Nelson Mandela rejects an offer of freedom from the South African government

Gorbachev becomes General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Part and de facto leader of the Soviet Union

South Africa ends ban on interracial marriages

The U.S.S.R. performs a nuclear test at Eastern Kazakhstan

FDA approves blood tests for AIDS

First .Com domain name is given

Microsoft releases first version of windows

UK begins screening blood donations for AIDS

A hole in the ozone layer is discovered by British scientists

Various artists record "We Are the World" as USA for Africa to raise money for famine relief