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Period: to
The Seventies
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First Earth Day
The first Earth Day was held in 1970 to raise awareness for the need of conservation of the Earth's natural resources. The first Earth Day was not celebrated all across the nation, but rather began in San Francisco and spread out all over the nation. At the time, people had a complete lack of awareness of what their actions were doing to the environment, and Earth Day was brought about so that people would be able to see and understand that they were doing and how it affected Earth. -
The Beatles Break Up
The Beatles were a British band that took the world by storm with their release of their second single, “Please Please Me” on January 10th 1963. The Beatles time in the limelight did not last forever, however. On the 10th of April in 1970, McCartney announced he would be leaving the Beatles. The Beatles had been falling apart long before, with the death of their manager, their "artistic differences" and their branching out and doing solo recordings, the Beatles simply could not keep together. -
18 Year Olds Are Given the Right to Vote
The 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution made the minimum voting age 18, as opposed to the afore used 21. The youth in the 60's and 70's believed that they had a great deal to say, but thought that it was unfair that they were not able to voice their opinions through voting. People also believed that it was wrong that boys under the age of eighteen could be sent out to Vietnam to fight for their country but were not able to vote on the issues that were going on back home. -
Citations-1970
*http://earthday.envirolink.org/history.html
*http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement
*http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/modern/jb_modern_earthday_1.html
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-sixth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
*http://beatlesnumber9.com/breakup.html
*http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/paul-mccartney-announces-the-breakup-of-the-beatles -
Cigarette Advertisements Were Banned
In the 60's, cigarettes were all the rage. It was difficult to find any television program where someone was not smoking or there was not a logo for some brand of cigarettes. Even the first regular American news show had an ash tray clearly displayed on set and a Camel Cigarettes logo. The Congress passed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act which banned all cigarette ads on television and radio starting Jan. 2nd of 1971. These ads were soon replaced with anti-smoking advertisements -
VCRs Are Invented
The first VCR machines that were created were crafted in Tokyo, Japan, It was called the Sony U-Matic and retailed for around 1,400 dollars (calculated using the value of a 2007 U.S. dollar) Since the machine was so expensive, it was more commonly found in newsrooms, schools and businesses as opposed to homes. To purchase both a television and a VCR machine would cost around 8,000 dollars, which was much more than any family had to spend on a splurge item like a VCR entertainment device. -
Disney World Opens
On the 1st of October, Disney World opened the public. The park, located in Orlando, Florida, contained the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort and the Forest Wilderness Resort and Campgroud. The districts were built over drainage canals and the Park was dedicated to Walt Disney, who died in December 15th, 1966. The park was dedicated by Roy O. Disney, Walt's brother. -
Citations-1971
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Health_Cigarette_Smoking_Act
*http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1905530,00.html
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World_Resort
*http://www.thisdayindisneyhistory.com/DisneyWorldGrandOpening.html
*http://www.wipo.int/wipo_magazine/en/2006/06/article_0003.html
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videocassette_recorder -
PONG Was Introduced
PONG was one of the earliest video games and was created by the Atari company. The game featured simplistic 2D graphics and was set up to simulate a tennis game. PONG quickly became one of the most popular, mainstream video games to reach the public. PONG became so successful that it began the video game industry. As soon as the game came out, several companies began to make similar games, which soon branched out to become several other video game concepts. -
Pocket Calculators Are Introduced
Calculators were first introduced in Japan, but in 1972 they spread to America. The first model that was released in the U.S. was called the Bowmar 901B. The first calculators cost over two hundred dollars, had eight-digit red LED display and only four functions. -
HBO Is Launched
HBO (Home Box Office) was launched on November 8th, 1972. The network began as a simple pay-per-view, but it is now the second largest network, only surpassed by Encore. The first ever item to premiere on HBO was Sometimes A Great Notion. The first sports event to be aired on HBO was following immediately after, which was an NHL hockey game. HBO became popular from the time of its release and it continued to be a well-known channel even twenty years later. -
Citations-1972
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pong
*http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/pong.htm
*http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blcomputer_videogames.htm
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calculator
*http://www.vintagecalculators.com/html/calculator_time-line.html
*http://www.cct-assn.org/history-of-hbo.htm
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HBO -
U.S. Pulls Out Of Vietnam
Prior to the peace treaties that were created in Paris in January 27th of 1973, there had been talk of peace, but these talks fell through in the December of the previous year. After the ending of such talks, Nixon ordered for an intense eleven say bombing of Vietnam called the "Christmas bombings". On the 27th, a cease-fire was called, U.S. troops were pulled out of Vietnam and the prisoners of war were returned to their home countries. -
Sears Tower Was Built
The Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower) is a 108-story high building, which, at the time, was the tallest building in the world. The construction began in 1970, and was not completed until 1973. The Sears Tower stands tall in Chicago, and is now owned by Willis Groups Holding, a London-based company, (which is how the tower got its new name). The Sky-Deck of the building was not opened until 1974, but it quickly became one of the most famous tourists attractions in Chicago. -
Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act was singed on December 28th in 1973 by President Richard Nixon. The act was created to protect the species which were in critical need of some form of conservation to prevent extinction. The Act also required that certain habitats be protected so these animals would have a place to live, reproduce and prosper. For a species to be listed, they must meet five various criteria. -
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Patty Hearst Kidnapped
Patty Hearst was a New York socialite and heiress, who, in 1974, was kidnapped by the SLA. The SLA were a group of extremists who kidnapped Patty in hopes of using her as a bargaining chip to get one of the others of their group out of prison. When this plan failed, the SLA still held on to Patty. She later joined with them and stated that she did, in fact, agree with their ideals. She ended up robbing a back with them and being convicted. Patty's case was an example of Stockholm Syndrome. -
Girls Allowed To Play In Little League Baseball
Little League baseball was first founded in 1939 by Carl E. Stotz. At the time, it was a game for all boys. This all changed in 1974 when the first girls were permitted to play in the Little League games. Bunny Taylor was the first girl to throw a no-hitter. The Little League softball program was created in the year 1974 as well, and this league allowed for both boys and girls. -
National Speed Limit Raised to 55
In 1973, many states began changing their maximum speed limit to 55. It wasn't until 1974 that it was made official in all the states in America. President Richard Nixon's proposal called for a 50 mile speed limit for any cars that were classified as "passenger cars", and a 55 mile per hour limit for all buses and trucks. The California Trucking Association opposed having various speed limits for different types of cars because it would cause safety issues. -
Citations-1974
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Microsoft Is Founded
When Microsoft was first formed, people were not used computers. When one needed to type, they would use typewriters. The idea of a computer was very peculiar to most people living in the 70's. That began to change in 1975 when Microsoft was founded. The company started out when Bill Gates and Paul Allen began to work on changing a "do-it-yourself" computer crafted for hobbyists. They began to use this technology to create a personal computer which started to company off and changed technology. -
Saigon Falls to Communisim
Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam was captured by the People's Army of Vietnam. This event marked the end of the Vietnam war. It started the transition into Vietnam becoming a Communist state.The North Vietnamese began the final attack of Saigon with heavy artillery. The North Vietnamese captured key points so that they could take over the city. The took over the city and raised their flag over the Vietnamese presidential palace. -
Two Assasination Attempts on President Ford
On the fifth of September, President Ford was on the grounds of the California State Capitol. When he moved to shake the hand of Lynette Fromme, who had a .45 caliber pistol on her, but she was never able to harm Ford. On the 22nd, in California, Sara Jane Moore fired a revolver at Ford from 40 feet away. Luckily, someone nearby pushed Moore so that the bullet missed the President. -
Citations-1975
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_presidential_assassination_attempts_and_plots
*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da668XwQLuY
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Saigon
*http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=3335
*http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/inside_ms.aspx
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft -
Apple Computers is Launched
Apple was established on the 1st of April in 1976. Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. When Apple was incorporated on Jan. 3rd, 1979, Wayne had sold his share. They began their company with the release of an Apple one. The Apple 1 was a very basic computer, but at the time, it was an extraordinary and innovative machine. When first introduced the Apple 1 cost 666 dollars, Despite the simplicity, Apple's computers began the pursuit for technological advancement. -
Red Dye #2 is Banned
In 1976, Soviet scientistsshowed a link between Red Dye #2 and cancer. Red Dye number two was used in things such as ice-cream, make-up and other products. U.S. reports also showed that there was some connection between the dye and cancer, but there had been no links to any deaths or even illnesses. Despite this, people were still panicked about eating food that was red. This included the popular Mars candy, M&Ms, which, in spite of not containing any red dye #2, was still feared by the public. -
Women Admitted into West Point
West Point is a military school, which until 1975, was only accepting male applicants to teach and train. It was in 1975 the Congress allowed women to enroll in West Point. There were 119 women who signed up in 1976 and they were trained along side the traditionally accepted men of the school. Now women make up fifteen percent of the students at West Point. Many of the first women to enter the academy have things such effigies on display in the West Point museum. -
Citations-1976
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranth_(dye)
*http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1896348_1896354_1895874,00.html
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc.
*http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa051599.htm
*http://www.usma.edu/
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Military_Academy -
Star Wars Is Released
On May 25th, 1977, Star Wars was released its first movie of the series, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The release of the movie started a phenomenon throughout the world and two sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The movie was produced by 20th Century Fox and holds the record for third highest grossing series, only surpassed by James Bond and the Harry Potter series. -
First African American is crowned "Miss Universe"
In 1977, Janelle Commissiong, was named Miss. Universe. She became the first African American to ever win the prestigious title of being crowned the winner of the entire Miss. Universe competition. Not only did she win the entire contest, but she also became the second African American woman to ever win an award in the contest after being named "Most Photogenic". Commissiong's win attracted media attention from all over the world. -
Elvis Presley is found dead
In the 70's, Elvis Presley was extremely popular singer and performer. His music swept the nation, but on August 16th of 1977, his life came to a halt. Elvis had been, according to some close to him, addicted to drugs for many years, which caused him problems such as high blood-pressure, liver damage and glaucoma amount other things. Elvis was to fly to Memphis on the 16th, but he was found in his bathroom and was completely unresponsive. At 3:30 PM that same day, he was announced dead. -
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Love Canal in NY Declared Federal Disaster
During 1978, a New York suburb known as Love Canal was hit with a record breaking blizzard and extremely heavy rain fall. The harsh weather conditions caused the water in the toxic waste that the city was built over to rise and contaminate the entire neighborhood. The chemicals caused an alarming number of babies in the area to be born with birth defects and caused a great deal more problems for the residents who already resided there. It was soon announced a federal disaster. -
Atlantic City Permits Gambling
In 1976, voters in New Jersey approved casino gambling, and in 1978 the first ever legal casino in the United States was opened. The owners of the casino, Chalfonte-Haddon Hall Hotel, had begun to convert it into Resorts International after the decision was made that gambling would now be legal in New Jersey. After the opening or more casinos, many in New Jersey began to state that they felt that the casinos were simply covering up the real problems of the city. -
John Paul II Becomes the Pope
The papacy of John Paul the II started on the 16th of October in 1978 after the death of the previous Pope, John Paul I. It was said by many people that Pope John Paul II was responsible for a great deal of the stop of the communist party. He is known for being one of the most well-traveled Popes, having gone to over 120 countries. Also, he is well remembered for his improvement of the Catholic Church's relationship with other religions, such as Judasim and Islam. -
Citations-1978
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Canal
*http://www.rapingmothernature.com/wp-content/gallery/lovecanal/LoveCanal001.jpg
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JohannesPaul2-portrait.jpg
*http://www.vatican.va/news_services/press/documentazione/documents/santopadre_biografie/giovanni_paolo_ii_biografia_breve_en.html
*http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/ -
Sony Introduces the Walkman
The Walkman was first introduced in Japan, but this Sony project became exceedingly popular in America where it was called the Soundabout. The Walkman is a portable device which was used to play audio cassette tapes through headphones. The Walkman was able to play music through its lightweight headphones, which made it very popular among the teenagers of the time. -
ESPN Begins Broadcasting
ESPN is a popular American cable network which features all sorts of sports related things, such as live and pre-taped sports events, as well as sport talks and reviews of various games. ESPN was started in 1979 by Bill and Scott Ramussen as well as Ed Eagan. The Getty Oil Company helped provide funding for the network. Nowadays, ESPN has over seven "sister" channels. -
Iran Hostage Crisis
After the Shah of Iran went to America to be given medical treatment and was staying in the U.S., parts of the revolutionary movement in Iran stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took the Americans there as hostages. They were held there for 444 days, and American forces launched plans to try to free the 52 hostages, such as operation Eagle Claw, but all attempts failed. The hostages were only released when Reagan was sworn into office. -
Citations-1979
*http://espn.go.com/
*http://images.wikia.com/logopedia/images/8/89/ESPN_1981.png
*http://www.chicagosindependentmusicreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/sony-walkman-1979-1.jpg
*http://photos.state.gov/libraries/eritrea/30767/ghezaif/US-EMBASSY.jpg
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis
