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1970s
Historical
Overview
As a result of the Watergate Affair and the Vietnam War, public cynicism toward politicians intensified, political party discipline declined, and lobbies and special interest groups grew in power. At the same time, economic growth slowed, productivity flagged, inflation soared, family income stagnated, and major industries faltered in the face of foreign competition. At a time when the American public increasingly opposed to overseas military interventions, the government adopted a policy of détente toward its Communist adversaries and negotiated treaties to slow the nuclear arms race. But the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan helped undermine support for détente and the fall of the Shah of Iran and the seizure of American hostages by Iranian militants at the end of the decade generated a sense of American weakness and vulnerability.
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This
site was updated on 09-Feb-10.
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