The 1970's

     The 1970's was filled with scandal and controversy. America was unhappy about our involvement in the Vietnam War. We wanted to fight communism and bring peace, but we were unable to do so. Instead, we lost 58,000 soldiers, and many more injured, and brought troops home to a negative and unsupportive country. We did establish our message that we were willing to fight communism though.
     The biggest scandal to break out during the 70's was the Watergate Scandal. Five men were arrested for breaking into the Watergate Hotel. They were sent to jail and all seemed to be good. Or was it? Later it was determined that President Nixon was involved, he was impeached, and resigned from office. Major scandal!

Vice President Gerald Ford was quickly sworn in as President and issued Nixon a pardon. Should he have been pardoned?

     The 70's also brought us the controversial case Roe Vs. Wade. Two lawyers, Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee, fought to make abortion legal. They did this with the help of a pregnant woman, Norma McCorvey, who was carrying her third child. Norma would be referred to as Jane Roe for the case. Sadly, they won the case and abortion became legal. Norma, or Jane Roe, would go on to keep her third child and become a catholic fighting for pro-life.

     Next week we dive into the 80's! Here comes the era of leg warmers, boom boxes, an actor as the President, and wild fashion. Are you ready? We will also play "Name that Candy". The 80's ushered in a new wave of candy that we will try to identify.


Homework:
1. Read Unit 28
2. Read American Voices, both speeches given by Ronald Reagan.
3. Work on Timeline. It is due on May 8th.
4. Work on history project!

There are only 3 classes left! Don't slack off now. You can finish strong!