1. The 1970s The Events that Shaped the Decade

2. Domestic and World Events What in the World Made Us So Cynical?

3. The Vietnam War 1955-1975  A “military conflict” between Communist N. Vietnam and anti- Communist S. Vietnam  58, 220 US Soldiers were killed  Brought anti-war protests and divided the US along 2 lines (usually generational)

4. Economic Recession 1973-1975  Record Unemployment meets record-high inflation  Caused by— – Vietnam War, –The 1973 Oil Crisis, –Competition from emerging countries competing with metal production –1973-74 Stock Market Crash

5. Kent State University 1970  Peace rally broken up by Ohio National Guard  4 unarmed students killed, 9 wounded  67 rounds fired in 13 seconds

6. Watergate Scandal (1972-74)   Break-in at the DNC headquarters   Cover-up by Nixon’s administration   43 Federal Indictments   Resignation of the President

7. Attica Prison Riot 1971  Uprising and Over-taking of Attica Prison after a killing of a Black Activist Prisoner in San Quentin  Race--54% of prisoners were Black/100% of prison guards White  Prisoners demanded better conditions  28 demands were eventually met  39 dead (10 guards/ civilians)

8. The Manson Murders  1969—Tate/LaBianca murders in the Hollywood hills  Followers were white, upper-middle class  Brought fear to American families  Manson follower Squeaky Fromme went on to attempt assassination of Gerald Ford

9. The Resulting Effect  Fear and distrust of authority  Cynicism  Shifting in gender roles  “dark” mood of the nation (pessimism)  Desensitization to violence  Desire to escape

10. Social Climate How did world events change our culture?

11. Empowerment of Women  More films told stories from the woman’s perspective  Reflects a more important role in society for women

12. Empowerment of Women: contributing factors  Increased divorce rate  Vietnam  Birth Control Pills  Roe vs. Wade

13. NOW and the ERA  The National Organization for Women sought the adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment  Guaranteed equal pay  Abortion Rights  Equalization in Representation

14. The Sexual Revolution  Films began to address taboo issues regarding human sexuality –Homosexuality –Transgender issues –“Open” relationships –Adultery –Casual sex

15. The Sexual Revolution: contributing factors  Women’s Movement  Gay Rights movement  Increased self- awareness  Roe vs. Wade  Increased divorce rates  Recession

16. Psychoanalysis Psychoanalysis Why do I do the things I do?  People began to enter into therapy and re-hab; the “self- help” movement was popularized  Films began to reflect the desire to understand one’s place in the “big picture”  Films became more introspective  New filmmakers emerged

17. The Importance of the Arts  People found comfort and escape through the arts and entertainment  The arts became divisive—the pop culturists vs. the intelligentsia  Films began to reference other created resources, aligning with established audiences