Empires Of New York

1980-83: Chaos Spells Opportunity

At the dawn of the '80s, America finds itself in deep decline; New York seems to symbolize everything that's gone wrong; it's crime-ridden, strapped for cash, dark and dirty

1983-85: Nothing in Their Way

It's 1983, and the Big Apple is back; Wall Street is booming; yuppies are crowding the clubs.

1985-86: Image is Everything

By the mid '80s, five larger-than-life New Yorkers - Donald Trump, Ivan Boesky, Leona Helmsley, John Gotti, and Rudy Giuliani - are changing the way we think about power and success.

1986-87: Secrets & Lies

1987-90: Party's Over

Legacy of the '80s: Greed Is Still Good