Key Events and Policies in the 1970s

Sources of Stagnation

  • The U.S. economy stagnated in the 1970s after robust growth in the 1950s and 1960s.

  • Causes included:

    • Increased labor force participation from women and teens, leading to lower wage growth.

    • Deteriorating machinery and restrictive U.S. regulations.

    • Inflation, exacerbated by government spending (Vietnam War, Great Society).

    • Competition from Japan and Germany in key industries.

Nixon “Vietnamizes” the War

  • Richard Nixon's "Vietnamization" policy aimed to withdraw U.S. troops (540,000) and transfer war responsibilities to South Vietnam.

  • He appealed to the "Silent Majority" who supported the war.

  • The My Lai Massacre highlighted the war's brutal realities.

Cambodianizing the Vietnam War

  • Nixon ordered U.S. troops into Cambodia to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines.

  • Triggered protests, notably at Kent State University.

  • The 26th Amendment lowered voting age to 18.

Nixon’s Détente with China and USSR

  • Détente aimed to ease tensions with China and the Soviet Union.

  • Key events included:

    • Kissinger's visit to China.

    • Nixon's visit to Moscow, resulting in trade agreements.

    • ABM Treaty and SALT negotiations.

A New Team on the Supreme Bench

  • Earl Warren's controversial decisions included:

    • Griswold v. Connecticut: right to privacy.

    • Gideon v. Wainwright: legal counsel for all.

    • Roe v. Wade: legalization of abortion.

  • Nixon appointed Warren E. Burger as Chief Justice, leading to significant court composition changes.

Nixon on the Home Front

  • Expanded Great Society programs including Medicare and Medicaid.

  • Introduced the EPA and OSHA.

  • Implemented wage controls and ended the gold standard.

The Nixon Landslide of 1972

  • Nixon won against George McGovern in a landslide election.

  • Ordered heavy bombing of North Vietnam during the campaign.

  • Cease-fire agreement reached January 23, 1973.

The Secret Bombing of Cambodia

  • Secret bombings in Cambodia raised public distrust.

  • War Powers Act was enacted to limit presidential military authority.

The Arab Oil Embargo and Energy Crisis

  • U.S. support for Israel led to an oil embargo from Arab nations, causing a fuel crisis.

  • OPEC raised oil prices significantly after lifting the embargo.

Watergate and the Unmaking of a President

  • Watergate scandal involved a break-in and cover-up by Nixon's administration.

  • Led to Nixon's resignation on August 8, 1974.

The First Unelected President

  • Gerald Ford became the first unelected president and controversially pardoned Nixon.

Defeat in Vietnam

  • U.S. withdrew as South Vietnam fell to communists in April 1975.

Feminist Victories and Defeats

  • Feminist movement gained momentum; Title IX and Roe v. Wade were key achievements.

  • Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) faced fierce opposition, failing to achieve ratification.

The Bicentennial Campaign and the Carter Victory

  • Jimmy Carter won the presidency in 1976, pledging honesty and reform.

Carter’s Humanitarian Diplomacy

  • Promoted human rights; brokered Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel.

Economic and Energy Woes

  • Inflation reached 13% by 1979; dependence on foreign oil became a critical issue.

Foreign Affairs and the Iranian Imbroglio

  • 1979 Iranian hostage crisis severely impacted Carter's presidency.

  • Additionally, U.S.-Soviet relations deteriorated after Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.