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Which of the following decades (1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000's) represents the

biggest shift in American history? Why?

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The 70's had the biggest shift in America.

The 70's was an era of economic struggle, cultural change and technological innovation.

Cultural Change:

The civil-rights movement set off a domino effect. Numerous other groups, including Native Americans, Hispanics, and women began protesting for equal treatment. Across the country and on college campuses, people protested in marches and sit-ins.

The 70's became more accepting of skin color, sexuality, religion, etc.

“Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

Economic Struggle:

Economic growth should have been helped by rising oil prices. In fact, the 1970s were a time of skyrocketing inflation and unemployment; 2 3 the periods of slow economic growth could all be attributed to high oil prices' cost-push inflation.

High taxes, environmental laws, highway speed limits, national park policies in the West, affirmative action, and school desegregation plans were all battles they waged. In 1970, Americans commemorated the first Earth Day, and Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act. Two years later, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act were passed. The late 1970s oil crisis brought even more attention to the topic of conservation.

Clothing:

60's:

Wore swanky dresses, the full-skirted swing style, the slim pencil dress, hemlines were shortened to knee length while necklines rose up to more modest and simple round or boat necklines.

70's:

Tie dye shirts, Mexican 'peasant' blouses, folk-embroidered Hungarian blouses, ponchos, capes, and military surplus clothing. Bottom attire for women during this time included bell-bottoms, gauchos, frayed jeans, midi skirts, and ankle-length maxi dresses.

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