Special Sub-Topic: American Politics of the 1970s Click Here To Play: American Politics of the 1970s

What year did the Arab oil embargo trigger the beginning of the energy crisis?

1973. The oil embargo was only one of the many factors that lead to the energy crisis of the 1970s. There was a further sharp rise in oil prices in 1978.

Who was George McGovern's running mate in the 1972 presidential election?

Sargent Shriver. Thomas Eagleton was McGovern's original choice but he was eventually replaced by Shriver.

Who shot George Wallace in 1972?

Arthur H. Bremer. Wallace was shot at a political rally in Laurel, Maryland. He survived.

When did Richard Nixon resign the presidency?

August 9, 1974. Watergate caused Nixon to resign and the effects of the scandal on American politics lasted for a very long time.

What year was the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe V. Wade decided?

1973. Norma McCorvey, a pregnant woman (Roe), challenged the Texas law that criminalized an abortion unless it was necessary to save the life of the mother in this extremely controversial Supreme Court case. The court decided in favor of McCorvey.

Who did Gerald Ford narrowly defeat in the race for the republican nomination for president in 1976?

Ronald Reagan & Reagan & Ronald. It was the closest race for the nomination in the history of the republican party. Both candidates won the primaries or caucuses in 25 states.

Who was Gerald Fords running mate in the 1976 presidential election?

Bob Dole. Rockefeller was the incumbant vice president but Dole replaced him on the ballot.

In the second presidential debate of 1976, Gerald Ford committed a blunder of massive prportions. What did he say that may well have cost him the election?

Eastern Europe is not occupied by Communists. Most pundits felt Ford won the first debate. This blunder assured the loss of the second one. It might not have mattered anyway, many voters associated Ford with the Watergate scandal. Although Ford was not part of the scandal, he pardoned Nixon when he assumed the Presidency in 1974.

Jimmy Carter created the Department of Education in the federal government.

t. Jimmy Carter created the Department of Education as part of his promise to increase human and social services.

In 1979 63 Americans were taken hostage in Iran.How long were they held before they were released?

444 days. The hostage crisis ruined Carter politically. The hostages were released the day he left office.