Historical Events of the 70's

Key Events from the 1970s

• First Earth Day: Celebrated in April 1970, marking the beginning of the modern environmental movement.

• Kent State Shooting: In May 1970, four students were killed by National Guardsmen during an anti-war protest in Ohio, igniting nationwide outrage.

• Gay Pride March: A significant event in June 1970, commemorating the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which marked a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

• My Lai Massacre Verdict: In March 1971, Lt. William Calley was convicted of murder for his role in the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War; his sentence was notably reduced due to public pressure.

• Mass Anti-war Protest: April 1971 saw 300,000 people gather in Washington D.C. to protest the Vietnam War and the Kent State shootings.

• Voting Rights for Youth: The 26th Amendment, ratified in June 1971, granted 18-year-olds the right to vote in the United States.

• Pentagon Papers Leak: In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg leaked classified documents detailing the U.S. government’s decision-making process during the Vietnam War.

• Invention of Pong: The first popular computer game, Pong, was developed in 1972, marking a milestone in gaming history.

• Death Penalty Ruling: In 1972, the Supreme Court ruled to outlaw the death penalty in a landmark decision.

• Watergate Break-in: In May 1972, the break-in at the Democratic National Headquarters by the Plumbers marked the beginning of the Watergate scandal.

• SALT-1 Agreement: In May 1972, the U.S. and Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT-1) agreement to limit nuclear weapons.

• Munich Massacre: The terrorist group Black September killed nine Israeli athletes and coaches during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.

• Yom Kippur War: The October 1973 conflict between Israel and Egypt led to an oil embargo by Arab nations, affecting global oil prices and availability.

• OPEC Oil Embargo: From 1973 to 1974, OPEC's oil embargo resulted in severe gas shortages and a rise in oil prices, influencing U.S. automakers to enter the small car market.

• End of American Involvement in Vietnam: In 1973, the last American troops left Vietnam as part of the Vietnamization policy, also known as "peace with honor."

• Roe v. Wade Decision: The Supreme Court's decision in 1973 legalized abortion on a federal level, shaping reproductive rights in the U.S.

• Gerald Ford's Vice Presidency: Gerald Ford became Nixon's Vice President in December 1973 following the resignation of Spiro Agnew over corruption charges.

• Economic Recession: The fuel shortages led to the worst economic recession since the Great Depression in 1974.

• Ford Becomes President: Gerald Ford assumed the presidency in August 1974 after Nixon's resignation amid the Watergate scandal.

• Karen Silkwood's Death: In November 1974, nuclear whistleblower Karen Silkwood died in a suspicious car crash before testifying about unsafe working conditions.

• Fall of Saigon: In April 1975, South Vietnam fell to North Vietnamese forces, resulting in the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.

• Foundation of Microsoft: In 1975, Paul Allen and Bill Gates founded Microsoft Corporation, creating the first programming language system called BASIC.

• Discovery of Lyme Disease: Lyme Disease was identified as a distinct illness in 1975.

• Bicentennial Celebration: On July 4, 1976, the U.S. celebrated its 200th anniversary with nationwide festivities.

• Release of Star Wars: The iconic film Star Wars debuted in 1977, transforming the film industry and popular culture.

• Love Canal Incident: In 1978, residents of Love Canal were evacuated due to severe health issues caused by toxic waste buried in the area.

• Jim Jones and Jonestown: In November 1978, cult leader Jim Jones led a mass suicide of 900 followers in Guyana, shocking the world.

• Iran Hostage Crisis: In November 1979, Iranian students seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 66 hostages for 444 days, a pivotal event in U.S.-Iran relations.

• Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan: In December 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, leading to a prolonged conflict supported by U.S. intelligence agencies assisting the Mujahideen.

Explore significant historical events from the 1970s with this flashcard quiz. Learn about key incidents like the first Earth Day and the Kent State shootings, which shaped the decade. Perfect for history enthusiasts and students alike!