The Brixton riots, the miners’ strike and the Falklands War were among the decade’s biggest events.
But there were many joyous occasions too, which united the nation.
Below are nine of the most unforgettable moments during the 80s, which were memorable for the right reasons, from sporting triumphs to big weddings, concerts and major TV milestones.
How many of these occasions do you remember and what was your personal highlight of the 1980s?
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7. First Red Nose Day - 1988
It's given us some of the most memorable moments in British comedy history, while raising millions of pounds for good causes. Comic Relief was founded in 1985 by screenwriter Richard Curtis, charity worker Jane Tewson and comedian Lenny Henry in response to the famine in Ethiopia. It would be another three years before the first Red Nose Day laughathon was televised on Friday, February 5, 1988, raising £15 million. That show featured a special episode of Blackadder - the Cavalier Years, and the Young Ones on University Challenge. | National World Photo: National World
8. Daley Thompson doubles up - 1984
Daley Thompson is one of the greatest athletes of all time, breaking the decathlon world record four times and going unbeaten for nine years. He cemented his legacy in 1984 when he defended his Olympic title in Los Angeles. He cashed in on his success by appearing in a number of television adverts for Lucozade. | Tony Duffy/Allsport/Getty Images Photo: Tony Duffy/Allsport/Getty Images
9. The world rocks out to Live Aid - 1985
Live Aid was surely the feel-good moment of the 80s, as the world's best musicians came together to raise millions for charity and put on one of the greatest shows ever seen. The event was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in response to the famine in Ethiopia, with two huge fundraising concerts staged simultaneously at Wembley Stadium and across the Atlantic at the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. Concerts were also staged in other countries around the world, with an estimated 1.9 billion viewers around the globe tuning in for the live broadcast. The Wembley gig featured performances from the likes of Queen, David Bowie, The Who, Elton John and Paul McCartney, and ended with a rousing rendition of the Band Aid charity single Do They Know It's Christmas?. | Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Photo: Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images