Chapter 34 Section 4 Life in the 1970s Pages

Objectives 1. Describe how the American population and family structure changed during the 1970s. 2. Explain why Americans were said to be self- absorbed. 3. List forms of entertainment that were popular in the 1970s. 4. Analyze how new technologies affected Americans’ lives.

Opener On a piece of paper compile a list of clothing styles, movies, music, and slang words of popular culture that you believe originated during the 1970s.

1970s Activity 1. Pick a partner to work with on this project. 2. Create a poster or powerpoints depicting forms of entertainment that were popular in the 1970s. 3. Posters or powerpoints should depict movies, particularly blockbuster movies; and music; rock music, disco, and punk. 4. Be prepared to discuss and show posters or powerpoints in class

A Changing Population Immigration: a large flux of immigrants coming into the country from Asia and Latin America. When people came to the U.S. they were frustrated because of language barriers and discrimination. Voting Rights Act of 1975: large communities with non-English speaking immigrants to print voting materials in various languages. Bilingual Education Act: 1974, establishing funding to Public Schools to provide instruction for students in their main language. The United States: was becoming a multicultural society.

Rise of the Sunbelt As I told you people were becoming more mobile in the 1970s. People moved to the southern and western states for various reasons: A. National politics and influence to the south and the west. B. The civil rights movement made the South a more pleasant place to move. C. Economic growth and more job opportunities. D. Warmer climate and the suburban lifestyles. E. Spacious land area without being crowded.

Family Life 1970s: more people lived in single households and waited to get married later. Divorce was on the rise and easier to obtain in society. Remarriage was on the rise, which changed the concept of the traditional family. Families were defined in many different ways.

American Attitudes A large movement in the 1970s was self-improvement and self-actualization. Yoga, mediation, and self-help books. New Age Beliefs: During the 1970s many Americans became interested in the various spiritual beliefs known as the New Age movement. Influenced by Asian religions, a desire to improve the self, and health practices such as massage therapy and acupuncture, New Agers held a wide variety of beliefs. Some were interested in health and environmental issues, while others pursued spiritual advancement through practices such as the use of crystals.

Fitness and Food Self-improvement spread into physical fitness. People started to join health and tennis clubs. Tobacco use began to decline in American society. People were beginning to become concerned about heart disease, alcohol use, and the influence of fast food on diets.

Entertainment Movies: Director, Steven Spielberg created blockbusters of the 1970s. His creations were Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List Music: Disco was a financial and commercial success.

Technological Advances Technological Development: The space program (Apollo missions and Skylabs) Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin. Personal computers Video games, VCRs, telephone answering machines.

Short-Term Impact: boosted national pride, improved relations with Soviet Union, changed view of universe. Success of Apple Computer increased availability of computers ( 1976, Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak) Added conveniences, changed habits and leisure activities

Long-Term Impact: development of sophisticated space equipment, advancement of a global point of view Revolutionized computer industry, made information revolution and Internet possible Potential negative impact of video games on children’s social skills and health. [ 1975, Atari]