The World Since 1982

July 2026
1min read

I think that the most important change since 1981 is probably one of the most disturbing—the credit explosion. Credit has been helping and hurting people tremendously since 1981. It has thrown many people on the street and put many in debt.

— Isaac Simons

Help us tell the story of America.

For over 75 years, American Heritage has chronicled our nation's history like no other publication. Please support our trusted, non-partisan historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today. We rely on contributions from readers like you to survive.
Donate

About American Heritage

For 75 years, American Heritage has been the leading magazine of U.S. history, politics, and culture. Read more about the magazine >>

The magazine was forced to suspend print publication in 2013, but a group of volunteers saved the archives and relaunched the magazine in digital form in 2017. Free subscription >>  

American Heritage is published by the National Historical Society,  a non-partisan 501(c)3 membership society. Please consider a donation to help us keep this American treasure alive. Support with a donation >>

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

© Copyright 1949-2025 American Heritage Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved. To license content, please contact licenses [at] americanheritage.com.

AMERICAN HERITAGE
Trusted Writing on History, Travel, and American Culture Since 1949
 
X