The 1970s The Me Generation Desegregation of Schools

The 1970’s The “Me” Generation

Desegregation of Schools • Finalized in 1974 • Segregation continued based on socioeconomic standards • Bussing to other districts led to protests and violence

Bicentennial • In 1976, the US celebrated the 200 th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (17761976).

Tom Wolfe “Me Decade” • Wolfe wrote about changes from the 1960 s • Idealistic Americans had worked hard to end racism, poverty, and create a more just society • 1970 s=self-improvement and fulfillment

Carter Foreign Policy • Carter focused on promoting justice, equality and human rights • Oil Crisis of 1979 • National Energy Act of 1979 passed

Carter’s greatest foreign policy success • Camp David Accordsestablished peace between Egypt and Israel by inviting the leaders to Camp David, a presidential retreat in MD.

Iran Hostage Crisis • 1970 s the US increased military aid to Iran, but the leader was overthrown in a civil war • The leader (Shah) was admitted to the US for medical treatment • ENRAGED militants and they took 66 Americans hostage • Hostages were not released until Carter left office in 1980

Gender equality • Feminists of the 1970 s began to campaign for equal pay for comparable education and training • Women’s Libeeration Movement sought equal pay and opportunity • Sexual Revolution continued as women found new freedom do to the access of the Pill and the legalization of abortion (Roe v. Wade)

National Women’s Political Caucus • Raised money to get more women elected to office and male candidates who took a strong stand on women’s issues

Technology: Microprocessor • Microprocessors made it possible for the size of computers to shrink, and allowed for the first PCs.

Microprocessor and Medicine • The microprocessor allowed for doctors to look inside a persons body for problems. • CT scanner allowed for doctors to use X-rays to create a 3 -D image of problems

Microwave • Microwaves work by bombarding the food with radio waves. • Food cooked faster, changed the world forever!

1970 s Life Expectancy • During the 1970 s, more people were retired, and people were living longer than ever. • Many retirees redefined retirement by traveling, having fun, and relocating

Population Shift • 1970 s people moved from the Rustbelt (Steel and Automobile plants) to the Sunbelt (Warmer Climate)

Result of the Population Shift • As a result of the population shift, the House of Representatives had to be reapportioned to reflect the population change. Changed the Electoral College as well.

Religious Change • The 1970 s saw an increase in Eastern religious following – Buddhism, Hinduism and Hare Krishna. • Christian Cults—Peoples Temple (Jim Jones), Branch Davidians, Heaven’s Gate, Children of God

Movies 1970 s • Star Wars • Saturday Night Fever • The Godfather • Rocky

Art • Andy Warhol created the New York Academy of Art • Annie Leibovitz—photographer for Rolling Stone magazine • Feminist Art • Performance Art

Music: Disco, Southern Rock, Glam Rock and Metal • • • Bee Gees Earth Wind and Fire Kiss Lynard Skynard Dancing, glitter, wild costumes Idolatry of Celebrity—set the stage like an altar

Fashions • Disco • Disc Jockeys (“DJs”) • Platform shoes, polyester leisure suits, mood rings…

Gay Rights • Extension of the Stonewall Riots from 1969—police discrimination againt homosexuals • Gay Pride events increased • Harvey Milk—first openly gay man elected to political office and was murdered due to sexual orientation

American Indian Movement • AIM—wanted reform in the government treatment of Native Americans • 1973 Wounded Knee Protest • 1975 Sit in at the Indian Affairs Bureau • Demanded an end to forced sterilizations and legal discrimination against N. A.

Individuals with Disabilities Act 1976 • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.

IDEA cont’d • The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 6. 5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. • Infants and toddlers, birth through age 2, with disabilities and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth ages 3 through 21 receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.