Key Terms in Feminism and 1970s U.S. History

Feminism

The belief that women should have economic, political, and social equality with men.

The Feminine Mystique (1963)

A book by Betty Friedan that reawakened the feminist movement by challenging traditional roles of women.

Gloria Steinem

A leading feminist, journalist, and political activist; co-founder of Ms. magazine in 1972.

National Organization for Women (NOW)

Founded in 1966 to advocate for equal treatment of women in education, employment, and society.

Roe v. Wade

Landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion and confirmed a woman's right to choose.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

Proposed constitutional amendment for gender equality; failed ratification in 1982, falling short by 3 states. Opposition included concerns about military drafts and changes to traditional family roles.

Higher Education Amendments / Title IX

Congressional acts that banned gender discrimination in federally funded educational programs; Title IX ensured equal access to sports and academics.

Counterculture

A 1960s youth movement that rejected mainstream American values, favoring peace, love, and personal freedom. Predominantly white, middle-class, college-aged people.

Hippie Movement

A subculture of the counterculture emphasizing anti-war values, communal living, and experimentation with drugs like marijuana and LSD (promoted by Timothy Leary).

The Beatles

Influential British band that revolutionized popular music and became icons of the counterculture.

Woodstock (1969)

A major music festival held in Bethel, NY, attended by over 400,000 people. Artists included Joan Baez, The Grateful Dead, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Gerald Ford

Became president in 1974 after Nixon's resignation; famously said, "Our long national nightmare is over." Pardoned Nixon, a controversial move.

Ford's Economic Policies

Promoted "Whip Inflation Now" (WIN), but inflation and unemployment worsened.

Election of 1976

Republican Gerald Ford (incumbent) vs. Democrat Jimmy Carter (former Georgia governor); Carter won.

President Carter - Domestic Agenda

Pardoned Vietnam War draft dodgers; addressed the energy crisis with the National Energy Act (1978); economy suffered from high inflation, unemployment, and foreign competition.

Three Mile Island (1979)

Site of the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history, near Harrisburg, PA; Reactor #2 experienced a partial meltdown.

Camp David Accords (1978)

Peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, brokered by President Carter. Egypt recognized Israel; Israel returned the Sinai Peninsula.

Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)

USSR invaded Afghanistan to support a Marxist government; U.S. supported Mujahideen fighters. Led to U.S. Olympic boycott in 1980 and trade embargo.

Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981)

Following the Islamic Revolution, Iranian militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. Led by Ayatollah Khomeini; marked a major crisis in U.S.-Middle East relations.