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?
Do you have retro pictures or nostalgic memories to share with us? Send them online via YourWorld at www.yourworld.net/submit. It's free to use and, once checked, your story or picture will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
5. Bucks Fizz win Eurovision - 1981
Bucks Fizz were responsible for a classic moment in Eurovision history during their winning performance of Making Your Mind Up in 1981. As they sang the lyrics 'if you want to see some more', the male singers Bobby G and Mike Nolan tore the long skirts off female members Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston to reveal their much shorter skirts underneath. The incredibly catchy tune remains a high mark in the UK's Eurovision history, as surely the most fondly remembered of the nation's five winning entries. | Independent News and Media/Getty Images Photo: Independent News and Media/Getty Images
6. Torvill and Dean achieve perfection - 1984
Great Britain and Northern Ireland don't have the best record at the Winter Olympics but 1984 was a sparkling year. That was when Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean achieve sporting perfection on the ice in Sarajevo, as their breathtaking routine to Ravel's Bolero secured sixes across the board for artistic impression. Almost 24 viewers in the UK watched spellbound as Torvill and Dean produced their masterclass, skating serenely to gold, and they returned home to a heroes' welcome. | Towner/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Photo: Towner/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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