In-Depth Notes on Key Historical Developments of the 1970s
Major Actors of the Environmental Movement in the 1970s
Key Concepts
OPEC and the Oil Embargo: The 1973 embargo by OPEC highlighted dependency on oil and prompted concern about energy policies.
The Energy Crisis: Resulted in a re-evaluation of energy consumption and alternatives, leading to greater environmental awareness.
Rachel Carson and "Silent Spring": Her book raised awareness about pesticide use and its environmental impact, inspiring activism.
Earth Day: Established in 1970 as a platform for environmental activism, marking a significant mobilization of public awareness.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Created in response to environmental concerns, it played a significant role in regulating pollution.
Nuclear Power - Three Mile Island: The 1979 incident raised safety concerns regarding nuclear power and highlighted the need for better energy policies.
Major Developments Shaping the 1970s American Economy
Key Concepts
Stagflation: Economic stagnation combined with inflation led to new economic challenges.
Deindustrialization: A decline in manufacturing jobs impacted the economy, particularly in urban areas.
The Rust Belt: Regions that experienced industrial decline, resulting in significant economic and social challenges.
Cities and Suburbs in the Era of Limits
Key Concepts
Different Experiences: Cities faced economic decline while suburbs grew, highlighting disparities.
New York City: Encountered fiscal crises and significant budget cuts.
San Francisco Bay Area: Thrived as a technology hub despite economic pressures.
Tax Revolt - Proposition 13: A landmark tax measure that reformed property taxes and impacted funding for public services.
Changes and Continuities in American Politics after Watergate
Key Concepts
Watergate Scandal: A major political scandal leading to a loss of faith in government.
CREEP: Committee for the Re-Election of the President, involved in illegal activities.
War Powers Act: Intended to limit presidential power in military engagements.
Freedom of Information Act: Enhanced transparency in government, a direct response to the scandal.
Lobbyists Filibustering: The rise of lobbying influenced political processes and legislative decisions.
Jimmy Carter's Presidency and Goals
Key Concepts
Carter as an "Outsider": His approach aimed to restore trust in government after Watergate.
Deregulation: Focused on reducing government control in various industries to promote competition.
Iranian Revolution: Shifts in foreign policy and the impacts of crises abroad on domestic perception and politics.
Evolution of Affirmative Action (1961 - 1978)
Key Concepts
Affirmative Action: Initiatives to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups.
Bakke v. California: A landmark Supreme Court case that addressed affirmative action and set precedents for racial quotas.
Expansion of Civil Rights in the 1970s
Key Concepts
The ERA (Equal Rights Amendment): Aimed to ensure equal rights under the law, faced significant opposition.
Phyllis Schlafly - STOP ERA: Opponent of the ERA emphasizing traditional gender roles and family values.
Roe v. Wade: Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, pivotal for women’s rights.
Harvey Milk: First openly gay elected official in California, symbolizing LGBTQ+ rights movements.
The Burger Court: Influential in shaping modern civil rights and liberties laws.
Struggles of Working Families in the 1970s
Key Concepts
Women in the Workforce: Increased participation of women in the labor market addressing economic needs of families.
"Blue Collar Blues": Economic challenges and job insecurities faced by working-class families.
Consequences of the Sexual Revolution (1960s - 1970s)
Key Concepts
Shifts in societal norms regarding sexuality and personal freedoms.
Increased advocacy for sexual rights and reproductive choices.
Changes in family structures and gender roles in society.
Influence of Evangelical Christianity in the 1970s
Key Concepts
Evangelicalism: Rise of evangelical movements shaping public discourse and politics.
Billy Graham: Prominent evangelist who played a significant role in American religious life.
Emphasis on the Family Unit: Evangelical focus on traditional family values impacting societal views.
Major Actors of the Environmental Movement in the 1970s: The environmental movement of the 1970s was characterized by significant milestones, including the awareness raised by Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," the establishment of Earth Day, and the creation of the EPA, all of which highlighted the urgent need for environmental protection and awareness about energy consumption following events like the OPEC oil embargo.
Major Developments Shaping the 1970s American Economy: The decade faced economic challenges including stagflation, which combined inflation and stagnation; deindustrialization leading to job losses, particularly in manufacturing; and the emergence of the Rust Belt, where industrial decline contributed to economic hardship.
Cities and Suburbs in the Era of Limits: There were contrasting experiences in urban and suburban areas during the 1970s, with cities grappling with economic decline and fiscal crises, while suburbs expanded. Tax reforms, such as Proposition 13, also reshaped funding for public services.
Changes and Continuities in American Politics after Watergate: The Watergate scandal significantly eroded public trust in government. Legislative responses included the War Powers Act and the Freedom of Information Act, while lobbying began to play a more influential role in American politics.
Jimmy Carter's Presidency and Goals: President Carter, viewed as an outsider, focused on restoring trust in government amidst the fallout from Watergate, promoting deregulation, and navigating complex foreign policy issues like the Iranian Revolution.
Evolution of Affirmative Action (1961 - 1978): Affirmative action initiatives aimed to improve opportunities for marginalized groups, highlighted by the landmark Supreme Court case Bakke v. California, which addressed the complexities of racial quotas in education.
Expansion of Civil Rights in the 1970s: The 1970s witnessed significant progress in civil rights, with movements advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment, women's reproductive rights (as seen in Roe v. Wade), and LGBTQ+ rights, exemplified by figures like Harvey Milk.
Struggles of Working Families in the 1970s: Working families faced economic struggles, with increased female workforce participation reflecting changing societal norms and escalating economic challenges signifying the so-called "blue-collar blues."
Consequences of the Sexual Revolution (1960s - 1970s): The sexual revolution led to a transformation in societal attitudes towards sexuality, culminating in advocacy for sexual rights and changing family dynamics.
Influence of Evangelical Christianity in the 1970s: The rise of evangelical movements during this period impacted American politics and culture, with figures like Billy Graham promoting traditional family values and influencing