The Seventies CRyan WHistory
FACTS about this decade. Population: 204,879,000 Unemployed in 1970: 4,088,000 National Debt: $382 billion Average salary: $7,564 Food prices: milk, 33 cents a qt.; bread, 24 cents a loaf; round steak, $1.30 a pound Life Expectancy: Male, 67.1; Female, 74.8
Major Trends Growing disillusionment of gov’t Advances in civil rights Increased influence of women’s movement Heightened concern for environment Increased space exploration Technological advancements
Apollo 11 landed on the moon...
The US & USSR signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Prohibits acquiring or helping others acquire nuclear weapons.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) A safeguard system Verifies compliance through inspections conducted by the IAEA Promotes international cooperation and equal access in the field of peaceful nuclear technology
SALT I 1972 Limited the production of nuclear weapons. Signed by Nixon and Brezhnev.
Chilean Coup of 1973
"I don't see why we need to stand by and watch a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its own people. The issues are much too important for the Chilean voters to be left to decide for themselves." — Henry KissingerHenry Kissinger
Yom Kippur War (1973 Arab-Israeli War) October 6 – 26, 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria
The Syrians invaded the Golan Heights and the Egyptians invaded the Sinai Peninsula
Camp David Peace Accords – normalized relations between Egypt and Israel – the first time ANY Arab country had recognized the state of Israel.
Watergate Scandal
August 8, 1974
Gerald Ford becomes president the first president not elected by the people to become president
Revolution in Iran When the Shah relaxed censorship laws in 1977, Iran erupted into a series of demonstrations and dissents. Ayatollah Khumayni
Soviets invade Afghanistan
Why? To expand Soviet influence in Asia To preserve the Communist government Protect Soviet interests from Iran and western nations
Soviet tanks in Afghanistan
mujahidin
Effects of the war on Afghanistan Several million Afghan refugees Millions more died from starvation and Soviet bombing raids A generation that knows only war, hatred, and fear Country in barren and in ruin Thousands of miniature land mines were dropped by Soviet planes
Effects on U.S.S.R. Lost 15,000 troops Degradation of Soviet image – no longer invincible Billions spent on the ten year war weakened an already unsteady Soviet economy
Long Term Consequence The establishment of a weak state full of religious fanaticism and a hatred of richer nations; in short, a breeding ground for terrorism.