The 1970s are considered America’s golden age.
But while most of the late ‘70s saw peaceful advancements in freedom and personal expression, that came on the tail end of a string of trouble.
From the Vietnam War to Watergate to the Oil Crisis, the ‘70s weren’t all bell-bottoms and Bicentennials.
Here are 21 photos inside some of the worst parts of the 1970s.
1
Out of Gas
A motorist in 1973 during the oil crisis.
2
Odd Even
Oregon’s system helped reduce lines.
3
No Gas
An empty station.
4
US Paratroopers
Crossing a river in the rain.
5
Self-Portrait
Photo taken by American paratrooper James Speed Hensinger while serving in Vietnam, 1970.
6
U.S. Soldier
Reading a message left by the Viet Cong, 1970.
7
Kent State Massacre
The National Guard at Kent State. 1970.
8
National Guard
Opening fire on Kent State University demonstrators, Ohio, May 4, 1970.
9
Draft Protestors
A man burns his draft card, March 1970.
10
Pentagon Protestors
Offering a flower during the Vietnam War.
11
A Protestor is Apprehended
Washington, D.C., anti-war demonstrations.
12
Harlem Residents
Protesting the war.
13
"Hard-Hats"
Demonstrating in favor of the Vietnam War, New York, 1970.
14
Vietnam Veterans Protesting
“We won’t fight a rich man’s war.”
15
An Arrest
An anti-war protest at Berkeley, 1970.
16
Nixon
Meeting with protesters at the Lincoln Memorial after announcing the bombing of Cambodia, early morning, May 9, 1970.
17
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein
Watching President Nixon resign, 1974.
18
Richard Nixon
Waving goodbye as he boards a helicopter after resigning the presidency earlier that day.
19
Gerald Ford
Announcing his decision to grant a pardon to Richard Nixon. Washington DC, United States. September 8, 1974.
20
Iran Hostage Crisis
Iranian students climb up U.S. embassy gates in Tehran, 1979.
21
Two American Hostages
During the Iran hostage crisis.
