Carter’s Economic Policies Creation of the Department of Energy Urges Americans to fight a “war” on rising energy prices. Supports deregulation of the oil industry. None too successful, more Middle-Eastern conflicts lead to another fuel shortage. Carter’s approval falls to lower than Nixon’s during Watergate.

Carter’s Foreign Policy Wants the U.S. to deal morally and honestly with foreign nations. Strong support for human rights. Promotes transfer of Panama Canal to Panama Embargo against the Soviet Union and boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow

Carter in the Middle East 1978 Camp David Accords peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. U.S. supported shah of Iran becomes unpopular and is ousted. Ayatollah Khomeini – new leader of Islamic republic of Iran distrusts the U.S. 52 Americans taken hostage at the American Embassy in Tehran.

Modern American History New Movements Modern American History

New Approaches to Civil Rights Busing becomes a greater issue in the 1970s, Supreme Court upholds its constitutionality in 1971, leading to “white flight” Affirmative Action legislation pushes for opportunities for African Americans and other minority groups Jesse Jackson, Sr.

Native American Attempts By the 1970s, Native Americans were a small minority group that faced enormous obstacles. Unemployment Poverty Life expectancy 7 years below national average. American Indian Movement – more militant group fighting for civil rights. Alcatraz incident Congress passes legislation to support educational opportunities for Am. Indians

The Disability Rights Movement Encourages deinstitutionalization of the disabled. Congress supports those with disabilities ability to live freely in society. Architectural Barriers Act [1968] Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Sect. 504) Americans with Disabilities Act [1990]

Environmentalism Rachel Carson writes Silent Spring in 1962. Assails pesticides (particularly DDT) for their negative effect on birds and fish. April 1970 – First Earth Day is held Federal government, under Nixon, backs this movement: creating the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Act [1970] establishes emissions standards for cars and factories. Endangered Species Act [1973]