The U.S. in the 1970s
By: Taylor O'Connell
Social
Detente
The french word for "relaxation", was mostly used between the Soviet Union and the United States. In 1971, we were in the middle of the Cold War. The United States and Soviet Union both signed the Helsinki Accords, a treaty that promised to grant free elections in Europe, which was a major cause of peace.
The Watergate Scandal
The Watergate Hotel in Washington housed the Democratic Parties Headquarters. On June 17th, 1972, James McCord and other members of the "reelection committee" were caught trying to place listening devices and going through files. President Nixon denied knowing about the act which then led to the trial. At the trial, John Dean, a White House lawyer said that President Nixon had known about the affair. This landed 7 of Nixon's helpers into prison, and led to Nixon's presidential impeachment.
Economic
Stagflation
The unemployment rate grew, prices rose, and business went no where. People were in a scare and had no clue how to get out. President Carter tried to help the cause by increasing government spending.
Political Affairs
New Federalism
Nixon needing to satisfy the southern partners of his election, which led him to reducing segregation. He produced free transportation to and from schools.
President Ford
After President Nixon resigned, Vice President Ford stepped forward, he was president form 1974 to 1977. During his presidency, Ford pardoned Nixon to refrain from a long and stressful trial. He also offered clemency to those who avoided the draft during the war if they pledged their allegiance and perform two years of service. People thought that Ford was being too easy on these people, in return Ford was not reelected as President.
Foreign Affairs
The Iranian Hostage Crisis
On November 4, 1979, around a mob of 400 students surrounded and held hostage of the American Embassy in Iran. They captured 66 U.S. citizens. Women and African Americans were released, however there were still 51 hostages that remained for 444 days.
Camp David Accords
Israel and Egypt sighed agreements under the mediation of President Jimmy Carter. One was a peace agreement between Israel and their neighboring countries. The Camp David Accords ended the state of war between the two countries.