Modern Florida: The 1970s and 1980s

This course examines the pivotal decades of the 1970s and 1980s, a period when Florida transitioned from a quiet regional state to a global economic and cultural hub. You will analyze the economic impact of the opening of Walt Disney World, the geopolitical consequences of the 1980 Mariel Boatlift, and the rise of the illicit drug trade that reshaped South Florida. The program also covers the development of the Space Shuttle program at Kennedy Space Center and the environmental challenges posed by rapid urban expansion. By the end of this course, you will understand the historical events that defined the state's modern identity.