1. 1970’s
The “Me” Decade
In the midst of widespread cynicism about their leaders and concerns about the economy, Americans sought fulfillment and escape during the 1970s

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4. ECONOMIC CRISIS OF THE 1970’s
By the 1970s, America’s economic boom turned into a decade of hard times.
The economic troubles began in the mid-1960s. President Lyndon Johnson increased federal deficit spending to fund the Vietnam War and the Great Society program without raising taxes.
Pumping large amounts of money into the economy created inflation, or a rise in the cost of goods.
Increased international competition for manufactured goods added to the economic problems.
In 1971, for the first time since 1889, the United States imported more goods than it exported. U.S. factories closed, and workers lost their jobs.
The U.S. economy faced stagflation–the economic dilemma that combined rising prices with economic stagnation

5. ECONOMIC CRISIS OF THE 1970’s - OPEC
In 1973 the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) announced an embargo, or the stopping of shipping, of petroleum to countries that supported Israel.
The price of a barrel of crude oil increased from $3 in 1973 to $30 in 1980.
The high prices for oil based products meant that Americans had less money to spend on other goods, tipping the economy into a recession.

6. THE “ME” DECADE
Writer Tom Wolfe labeled the 1970s the “me decade,” referring to the self-absorbed attitude of the American people.
Some young Americans looked for fulfillment through an array of secular movements & activities that made up the New Age movement.
Believers in the movement felt that people were responsible for and capable of everything.
They believed spiritual enlightenment could be found in common practices.
Some Americans looked to new religions or cults.
Many new religions originated in Asia and centered on the teachings of a guru, or a mystical leader.

7. SEARCH FOR FULFILLMENT
One of the best known gurus, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, led a religious movement known as transcendental meditation, in which it was thought that with daily meditation and silent repetitive mantras, peak intelligence, harmony, & health could be reached.
By 1970, 60% of all women between the ages had joined the workforce.
American family life changed with the increase in women working outside of the home.
This resulted in smaller families, parents and children spending less time together, & a rise in divorce rates.

9. 1970’s CULTURE: TELEVISION & MUSIC
Television changed during this time, reflecting many of the changes taking place in society.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show placed an unmarried woman with a meaningful career at the center of the show.
Taboo subjects like racism were addressed in the 1971 show All in the Family.
By carefully mixing humor and sensitive issues while not preaching to the audience, the show made viewers examine their own feelings about social issues.
The music of the 1970s had a softer, more reflective, and less political sound.
The rise of disco music became the craze in African American & Latin nightclubs.
The fast pace & loud persistent beat attracted fans.

10. 1970’s CULTURAL TRENDS
Several other fads became popular during this “me” decade.
Skateboards
T-shirts with personalized messages
mood rings
citizens band (CB) radios
Fitness was a trend in the 1970s. Aerobic fitness was introduced, and men and women began running & joining gyms as a social activity.