Chapter 28 Notes — The 1970s: Crisis & Change
Big Idea (Context)
The 1970s = “era of limits”
U.S. faced:
Economic decline
Political distrust
Social change
End of post-WWII prosperity
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I. LIMITS TO GROWTH AND PROSPERITY
1. Energy Crisis
Key idea: Oil shortages exposed U.S. dependence on foreign oil
1973 → OPEC oil embargo
Causes:
U.S. supported Israel → Arab nations cut oil supply
Effects:
Gas shortages (long lines)
Rising prices (inflation)
Economic slowdown
Government response:
Richard Nixon:
Price controls on oil
Jimmy Carter:
Promoted energy conservation
Created Department of Energy
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2. Environmentalism
Key idea: Growing awareness of pollution + environmental damage
Influenced by:
Silent Spring (1962)
Major laws:
Clean Air Act
Clean Water Act
New agency:
Environmental Protection Agency (1970)
Impact:
Government regulates pollution
Businesses face new restrictions
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3. Economic Transformation and Decline
Key idea: U.S. economy shifts and weakens
Problems:
Stagflation = inflation + unemployment (very unusual)
Competition from:
Japan
Germany
Causes:
Decline in manufacturing
Rising oil prices
Global competition
Result:
U.S. loses industrial dominance
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4. Urban Crisis and Suburban Revolt
Urban problems:
Poverty
Crime
Failing schools
Loss of jobs
Suburban response:
Middle-class moves to suburbs
Resists taxes for cities
Result:
Growing inequality between city & suburbs
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II. POLITICS IN FLUX (1973–1980)
1. Watergate and the Fall of a President
Key event: Watergate scandal
Break-in at Democratic headquarters
Nixon tries to cover it up
Evidence: secret White House tapes
Outcome:
Richard Nixon resigns (1974)
First U.S. president to resign
Impact:
Public distrust of government increases
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2. Jimmy Carter: The Outsider
Elected 1976
Promised honesty after Watergate
Policies:
Energy reform
Human rights focus
Problems:
Economic crisis (inflation)
Iran Hostage Crisis
Americans held hostage in Iran
Result:
Seen as weak → loses support
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III. REFORM AND REACTION IN THE 1970s
1. Civil Rights in a New Era
Shift: From laws → economic equality
Affirmative action programs expand
Backlash from white Americans
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2. Women’s Movement & Gay Rights
Women’s Movement:
Leaders: Betty Friedan
Goals:
Equal pay
End discrimination
Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Passed Congress but NOT ratified
Gay Rights:
Begins after Stonewall Riots
Increasing activism in 1970s
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3. After the Warren Court
Earl Warren expanded rights
In 1970s:
Courts become more conservative
Slows expansion of civil rights
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IV. THE AMERICAN FAMILY UNDER STRESS
1. Working Families & Deindustrialization
Factories close → job loss
Shift to service economy
Impact:
Lower wages
More women working
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2. Sexual Revolution
Changes in society:
More acceptance of:
Divorce
Birth control
Premarital sex
Key case:
Roe v. Wade
Legalized abortion
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3. Religion & New Evangelicalism
Key idea: Religious revival
Rise of conservative Christians
Reaction to:
Sexual revolution
Liberal culture
Leaders:
Jerry Falwell
Impact:
Religion becomes political force
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Final Summary (Quick Memory)
1970s = Crisis decade
Economy → stagflation, oil crisis
Politics → Watergate, distrust
Society → rights movements + backlash
Culture → family change + religion revival