1970s
The 1970s marked an era when the women's rights, gay rights and environmental movements gained momentum. The Watergate scandal led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon, the U.S. ended direct involvement in the Vietnam War and President Jimmy Carter grappled with an energy crisis, inflation and the Iran Hostage Crisis.
Start Here
Trace the milestones of a scandal that rocked the nation.
The U.S. energy crisis of the 1970s forced American leaders and researchers to come up with solutions in policymaking, technology and architecture.
The first African American to seek the nomination of a major party competed against George Wallace, the face of Southern segregation.
The groundbreaking gender equity law made a lasting impact by increasing the participation of girls and women in athletics.
Iran Hostage Crisis
Iran Hostage Crisis
Explore the chain of events that set off the Iran hostage crisis - an diplomatic standoff that would keep Americans on edge and shape the course of Jimmy Carter’s presidency.
3 Key 1970s Movements
Explore All Related Topics
Trace the milestones of a scandal that rocked the nation.
A June 1972 break-in to the Democratic National Committee headquarters led to an investigation that revealed multiple abuses of power by the Nixon administration.
Panic set in after the partial nuclear meltdown as the public tried to decide which story to trust—and whether to evacuate.
Three Mile Island is the site of a nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania which experienced the worst commercial nuclear accident in U.S. history in 1979.
The arrival of the National Zoo’s first giant pandas in 1972 marked a new chapter in U.S.-China relations.
The 1970s brought social change in the battles for women's and gay rights, along with the launch of an environmental movement and a new conservative populism.
Hale Zukas helped launch Berkeley's independent living movement and reshape accessibility across America.
From a wagon train to commemorative coins to School of Rock, see the colorful ways Americans marked the nation's 200th anniversary.
See how gas prices have risen and fallen over decades, often in response to Middle East conflicts.
Congress's first woman of color fought to ensure gender equality in education and federally funded programs.
420 doesn’t begin with the police, but rather in the 1970s with a group of students in California.
The mystery van had a few key details that were fundamental in tracking its origin.
The Arab oil embargo of 1973 sent shockwaves through many parts of U.S. society.
The U.S. energy crisis of the 1970s forced American leaders and researchers to come up with solutions in policymaking, technology and architecture.
How the 504 Sit-In Secured Protections Against Disability Discrimination
The 504 Sit-in protest was a pivotal moment in the disability rights movement. The sit-in lasted 28 days and forced the signing of the 504 Regulations, which established protections against discrimination and paved the way for more inclusive workplaces.
In September 1975, President Gerald Ford escaped two attempts on his life—both by women and both in California.
