It's the toy and cartoon that may best define the entire 1980s, a toy that goes back to the 1960s but re-created for a new era.

This is the complete history of G.I. Joe, and in this episode we look at:

• The two fashion dolls from the 1950s that helped inspire it
• Why two simple words were so important in its initial success
• The impact of the Vietnam War and oil embargoes
• How Star Wars walked so G.I. Joe could run
• The changing era of government regulations and advertising to children
• How the cartoon series became must-see TV for kids of the 80s
• How G.I. Joe became the perfect brand during one the most explosive periods in the history of toys and cartoons

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