The 1970s was a turbulent decade marked by political scandals, economic struggles, and social unrest. Key events included the Nixon presidency and Watergate scandal, the 1973 oil crisis, international terrorism, and the Iran hostage crisis. Americans also faced threats of urban decline, crime, and issues affecting children. The decade reflected skepticism towards government and contrasting visions emerged on topics like the role of government and social change.

1. The 1970s:
A Decade of
Nightmares

2. The Mainstreaming of the Sixties
• 1970s fashion
• African Americans
• Diversity
• Women and families
• Turning within
• Skepticism of
government

3. The Nixon Presidency
• Who was Richard Nixon?
• Vietnam
• Race
• The EPA
• Détente

4. Watergate
• The result? A loss
of confidence in
government

5. EXTERNAL THREATS

6. The 1973 Oil Crisis
• October 1973 to March 1974

9. International Terrorism

10. The Carter Formula
• A renewed emphasis on human rights
• The Panama Canal Treaty, 1977
• Some felt Carter’s policies signaled weakness

11. Fears about Détente
• Many Americans feared that the USSR had gained the upper
hand, and as a result the late 1970s was a time of increased
anticommunism.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_I4WgBfETc

12. The Iran
Hostage
Crisis

13. INTERNAL THREATS

14. Cities in Crisis
• Finances
• Crime
• Drugs
• Homeless

15. Weather Underground

16. Protecting Children
• Child abuse
• Sexual predators
• Child pornography
• Child sex rings
• Kidnapping
• “Angel dust” (PCP)
• Satanic ritual abuse

17. Economic Recession

18. CONTRASTING VISIONS

19. The 1980 Election
• Jimmy Carter v. Ronald Reagan

20. The Rise of Conservatism
• Small government
• Anticommunism
• “Biblical” morality

21. Paul Ehrlich v. Julian Simon