1985

1985 was a year in the twentieth century according to the Gregorian calendar. It was significant in global politics because of a change in the leadership of the Soviet Union, which initiated a new phase in East-West relations.

The same year saw drought and famine affecting parts of the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, which prompted international humanitarian appeals. In technology, personal computers and new software continued to expand the market.

Global Politics

Mikhail Gorbachev became General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1985. Upon taking office, he launched reforms in economic and administrative policy, which later became known as perestroika and glasnost. The year also saw a meeting between Gorbachev and United States President Ronald Reagan to discuss nuclear weapons.

Africa and Somalia

In 1985, Somalia was governed by the regime of Mohamed Siad Barre. At that time, the country's economy depended on external aid and livestock exports. Meanwhile, opposition groups operating abroad were growing stronger, laying the groundwork for armed conflict that would intensify in subsequent years.

Culture and Technology

The year saw music concerts held to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine, which became an example of global humanitarian telethons broadcast on television. In computing, new operating systems and video games entered the market, expanding home computer use.