Politics of Delaware in 1989
In 1989, Delaware was a politically divided state. Republicans held the majority in the General Assembly and had a majority in both the House of Representatives and Senate. In addition, Republican Michael Castle had just been elected Governor of Delaware, defeating incumbent Democrat Dale Wolf.
The political landscape in Delaware was largely shaped by social and economic issues. On the social side, there were debates over abortion, gay rights, gun control, and other hot-button topics. On the economic side, there was a focus on creating jobs and reducing taxes as well as improving infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
On the national level, Delawareans were largely supportive of President George H.W. Bush’s policies which included an emphasis on fiscal responsibility and reducing government spending while increasing investment in education and technology research. However, there were also those who disagreed with Bush’s policies such as his decision to raise taxes on some Americans while cutting them for others.
In terms of foreign policy, many Delawareans supported President Bush’s efforts to bring stability to Europe through his support for NATO expansion and his hardline stance against communism in Eastern Europe during what became known as the “Cold War” era. There were also those who disagreed with Bush’s policy towards Iraq during Operation Desert Storm which saw U.S.-led forces invading Iraq to end its occupation of Kuwait in 1991.
Overall, politics in Delaware during 1989 was largely dominated by Republicans but there was still room for debate over social issues such as abortion or gay rights as well as economic issues such as taxation or infrastructure development while foreign policy remained largely bipartisan with most supporting President Bush’s efforts to contain communism or bring stability to Europe through NATO expansion during this time period.
Population of Delaware in 1989
In 1989, Delaware had a population of 675,764 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The majority of the population was white (82%), followed by African Americans (11%), Hispanics/Latinos (4%), and other races (3%). The racial makeup of the state had remained relatively unchanged since 1980.
The majority of Delawareans were concentrated in the northern part of the state, primarily in New Castle County and Kent County. Wilmington was the largest city with a population of 66,937 people; Dover was the capital and second largest city with a population of 24,096 people; and Newark was third largest with a population of 17,898 people. See ehuacom for information about the capital city of Delaware.
The median age in Delaware in 1989 was 33 years old, slightly lower than the national average at that time which was 35 years old. The majority of Delawareans were between 25-44 years old (30%) followed by those under 25 years old (27%) and those 45-64 years old (26%). There were also 8% who were over 65 years old.
In terms of gender, there were slightly more females than males living in Delaware in 1989 with a ratio of 51% female to 49% male. The median household income for Delawareans in 1989 was $37,000 which was slightly lower than the national median household income at that time which was $40,000.
According to liuxers, Delaware’s population in 1989 reflected the state’s diverse demographics with whites being the majority followed by African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos as well as other races making up 3%. There were also slight differences between genders with females being slightly more numerous than males as well as differences between age groups with those aged 25-44 making up 30% followed by those under 25 (27%) and those 45-64 (26%).
Economy of Delaware in 1989
In 1989, the economy of Delaware was strong and growing. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $21.3 billion, an increase of 6.1% from the previous year. The state’s unemployment rate in 1989 was 5.4%, lower than the national average which was 5.6%.
The largest industry in Delaware in 1989 was services, accounting for 44% of all jobs and 45% of total output. This sector included professional and business services, education and health services, leisure and hospitality, financial activities, retail trade, transportation and warehousing as well as other services. Manufacturing accounted for 21% of jobs and 24% of output while government accounted for 15% of jobs and 10% of output.
The majority of Delaware’s exports were chemicals which made up 33% followed by computers/electronics (25%), machinery (15%), transportation equipment (13%), food products (7%) and other goods (7%). The largest export markets for Delaware in 1989 were Canada (29%), Japan (19%) Mexico (9%) followed by Germany (8%), France (5%) and the United Kingdom (4%).
In terms of personal income per capita, Delawareans earned $16,729 in 1989 which was higher than the national average at that time which was $14,946. Inflation-adjusted wages had increased since 1980 but wages still lagged behind those in neighboring states such as New Jersey ($20,756) Pennsylvania ($18,039) Maryland ($18,993) Virginia ($19,155).
Overall, in 1989 Delaware had a strong economy with a GDP growth rate that exceeded the national average as well as a low unemployment rate compared to other states in the region. Services were by far the largest industry followed by manufacturing while exports were largely dominated by chemicals followed closely by computers/electronics. Personal income per capita also increased but still lagged behind neighboring states at that time period.
Events held in Delaware in 1989
In 1989, Delaware hosted a range of events that celebrated the state’s vibrant culture. In January, the Delaware State Fair took place in Harrington and featured carnival rides, animal shows, competitions and live music. The Wilmington Grand Prix was also held that same month and included a parade as well as a race through the streets of Wilmington. In February, the Dover Ice Arena hosted its annual Winter Festival which included ice skating performances and competitions.
In March, the Brandywine River Arts Festival was held in Chadds Ford and included art exhibits from local artists as well as live entertainment. April saw the opening of the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival which featured performances by renowned jazz musicians from around the world. The summer months were filled with festivals such as Fireworks on the Beach in Dewey Beach and The Biggs Museum of American Art’s Summer Arts Festival in Dover.
In September, Lewes celebrated its annual Fisherman’s Day with boat races on Lewes Harbor followed by an evening parade featuring elaborate floats along Second Street. October saw thousands of people gathering at Fort Miles for the Annual Fort Miles Living History Weekend where they could learn about World War II history through reenactments and demonstrations. November marked the beginning of holiday season with Christmas in Odessa where visitors could enjoy caroling, holiday lights displays and other festive activities throughout town. Finally, in December, Wilmington hosted its annual Holiday Parade which included marching bands, floats, horses and more.
Overall, 1989 was an exciting year for Delawareans who were able to enjoy a wide range of events that celebrated their state’s culture and history. From carnival rides to boat races to holiday parades there was something for everyone to enjoy.