1970s: Watergate and Women’s Rights | HISTORY 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. Featured Overview The 1970s The 1970s are famous for bell-bottoms and the rise of disco, but it was also an era of economic struggle, cultural change and technological innovation. 2:35m watch Illustration by Eduardo Ramón Trejo. Photos from Getty Images. Featured Overview The 1970s The 1970s are famous for bell-bottoms and the rise of disco, but it was also an era of economic struggle, cultural change and technological innovation. 2:35m watch Start Here The Watergate Scandal: A Timeline Trace the milestones of a scandal that rocked the nation. How the 1970s US Energy Crisis Drove Innovation The U.S. energy crisis of the 1970s forced American leaders and researchers to come up with solutions in policymaking, technology and architecture. Why Shirley Chisholm Ran for President The first African American to seek the nomination of a major party  competed against George Wallace, the face of Southern segregation. How Title IX Transformed Women’s Sports 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. 4:14m watch 3 Key 1970s Movements Women’s Liberation The movement for women’s rights was fueled by books like The Feminine Mystique and legislation such as Title IX and Roe v. Wade. In the 1970s, activists organized protests, formed groups like the National Organization for Women and fought for the Equal Rights Amendment. Gay Rights Following the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, the gay rights movement grew significantly during the 1970s. Activists increased visibility through Pride marches and also made strides in decriminalizing homosexuality and challenging discrimination. Environmentalism Public awareness of pollution and ecological damage went mainstream, leading to landmark events like the first Earth Day in 1970. The decade also saw the passing of key legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Explore All Related Topics AllArticlesVideos 1970s 1970s EventsWatergate1970s Culture Why America’s Permanent Daylight Saving Time Experiment Failed The 1970s energy crisis prompted year-round daylight saving time, but the experiment was an utter disaster. What Are the Origins of ‘Yacht Rock’? Yacht rock, while defined more than two decades later, offered a break from the politically charged era of the 1960s and early '70s. When ‘Panda-Monium’ Swept America The arrival of the National Zoo’s first giant pandas in 1972 marked a new chapter in U.S.-China relations. The Watergate Scandal: A Timeline Trace the milestones of a scandal that rocked the nation. Advertisement Watergate Scandal 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. How the Three Mile Island Accident Was Made Even Worse By a Chaotic Response 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 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 1970s 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. Advertisement Advertisement The Activist Who Helped Bring Curb Cuts to America's Streets Hale Zukas helped launch Berkeley's independent living movement and reshape accessibility across America. How Americans Celebrated the 1976 Bicentennial: Photos From a wagon train to commemorative coins to School of Rock, see the colorful ways Americans marked the nation's 200th anniversary. Paying at the Pump: A Timeline of US Gas Prices See how gas prices have risen and fallen over decades, often in response to Middle East conflicts. How Patsy Mink Led the Push for Title IX Congress's first woman of color fought to ensure gender equality in education and federally funded programs. Advertisement The Hazy History of '420’ 420 doesn’t begin with the police, but rather in the 1970s with a group of students in California. The ‘American Pickers’ Find the Aerosmith Van that Started It All The mystery van had a few key details that were fundamental in tracking its origin. What It Was Like to Live Through the 1970s Energy Crisis The Arab oil embargo of 1973 sent shockwaves through many parts of U.S. society. How the 1970s US Energy Crisis Drove Innovation The U.S. energy crisis of the 1970s forced American leaders and researchers to come up with solutions in policymaking, technology and architecture. Load more Advertisement