10 Important Events From The 1970s Everyone Forgot About!

There were many significant events in the 1970s; some made news, while others subtly changed the course of history. Although bell-bottoms and disco may be the first things that spring to mind, this decade also saw several significant turning moments. We’ve compiled a list of ten significant events that may have slipped your mind but undoubtedly influenced modern America, ranging from political scandals to landmark court decisions. Let’s reexamine the stories that were most important both then and now.

1. The End of the Vietnam War (1973)
The United States formally ended its involvement in the Vietnam War in 1973 when it signed the Paris Peace Accords. The deal demanded a truce, the repatriation of American prisoners of war, and a complete force withdrawal following almost ten years of demonstrations, political disagreement, and national turmoil. However, complete closure did not follow the end of warfare. The battle left behind emotional scars and unresolved problems, and the nation remained sharply divided. Vietnam had come to represent mistrust of the government, which fueled a strong anti-war movement that changed the way Americans thought about foreign policy and leadership. Despite the fact that many were relieved, the war’s aftermath was still complex. Long after the last soldiers returned home, its effects on American politics, military choices, and public opinion would continue to have an impact for decades.

2. Watergate Scandal and Nixon’s Resignation (1974)
The Watergate scandal became one of the most shocking political crises in American history, beginning with a 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee’s office. What started as a strange burglary soon revealed a web of lies and cover-ups tied directly to President Richard Nixon. As investigations uncovered secret Oval Office recordings, it became clear Nixon had tried to obstruct justice. Rather than face impeachment, he resigned on August 9, 1974—becoming the first U.S. president to step down. The event rocked the nation, leaving the public disillusioned and deeply distrustful of government. “Watergate” soon became shorthand for political scandal, changing how Americans viewed leadership and accountability. The message was loud and clear: no one—not even the president—is above the law. Its impact still echoes through politics today.

3. Apollo 13 Mission Crisis (1970)
In April 1970, Apollo 13 launched with the goal of landing on the moon—but things took a scary turn just two days in. An oxygen tank exploded, damaging the spacecraft and forcing the crew to cancel the moon landing. With limited power, freezing conditions, and barely enough drinking water, the three astronauts had to fight for survival using only the tools they had. Mission control and the crew worked together to pull off what seemed impossible: bringing everyone home safely. The world watched anxiously as Apollo 13 splashed down in the Pacific, ending one of NASA’s most dramatic and heroic missions. The near-disaster led to major safety changes and inspired the famous phrase, “Houston, we have a problem”—a reminder of just how close this mission came to tragedy.

4. Roe v. Wade Decision (1973)
In 1973, the Supreme Court made history with its decision in Roe v. Wade, giving women the constitutional right to choose an abortion. The ruling struck down many state laws that had banned or heavily restricted the procedure, saying the right to privacy extended to reproductive choices. It didn’t take long for the decision to spark heated debates across the country, with people on both sides voicing strong opinions. While some saw it as a huge step forward for women’s rights, others viewed it as a moral and legal battle. The ruling introduced a trimester-based system for regulating abortion and became a defining issue in American politics. Even decades later, Roe v. Wade remains one of the most talked-about and contested court decisions in U.S. history.

5. 1973 Oil Crisis
In 1973, the world was hit with a major energy crisis when Arab oil producers cut off supplies to countries supporting Israel during the Yom Kippur War—including the U.S. The result? Gasoline shortages, sky-high prices, and mile-long lines at gas stations. Americans suddenly found themselves rethinking energy use, from car choices to home heating. The crisis caused real panic and forced the government and businesses to take energy conservation seriously. It also opened the door to new ideas about alternative fuels and energy independence. Then, just six years later in 1979, another crisis hit—this time triggered by the Iranian Revolution—which made things even worse. Together, these two events showed how fragile global energy supplies could be and pushed the U.S. to rethink its dependence on foreign oil.

6. Kent State Shootings (1970)
On May 4, 1970, a student protest at Kent State University ended in tragedy when the Ohio National Guard opened fire, killing four unarmed students and injuring nine others. The protest was against the Vietnam War’s expansion into Cambodia, and the shocking violence left the nation stunned and heartbroken. Images of the shootings quickly spread, sparking outrage and even more protests across the country. Over four million students participated in nationwide walkouts, making it one of the largest student strikes in U.S. history. The Kent State shootings became a turning point, highlighting the deep divisions in America over the war and raising serious questions about government response to civil unrest. It was a painful moment that still echoes in conversations about protest and the right to be heard.

7. First Earth Day (1970)
On April 22, 1970, Americans celebrated the very first Earth Day, kicking off a new era of environmental awareness. Sparked by growing concern over pollution and inspired by activist John McConnell and Senator Gaylord Nelson, more than 20 million people took part in rallies, cleanups, and teach-ins across the country. It became the largest single-day protest in U.S. history and showed that people were ready to fight for cleaner air, safer water, and a healthier planet. Before this, few paid attention to environmental issues, but Earth Day helped shift that mindset in a big way. It laid the groundwork for major changes in laws and public attitudes, and even today, it continues to inspire global action. Simply put, Earth Day helped turn environmental protection into a movement.

8. The Pentagon Papers Leak (1971)
In 1971, the Pentagon Papers rocked the nation when they revealed the U.S. government had been hiding the truth about the Vietnam War for years. Leaked by former military analyst Daniel Ellsberg, the top-secret documents showed that leaders had misled both the public and Congress about the war’s progress and goals. Published by The New York Times, the leak caused a major political storm and pushed public trust in government to a new low. Though Ellsberg faced serious charges, they were dropped after it was discovered that the Nixon administration had tried to discredit him using illegal methods. The release of the Pentagon Papers changed journalism, transparency, and how Americans viewed their leaders. It was a bold moment that reminded the country why truth—and whistleblowers—matter.

9. Camp David Accords (1978)
In 1978, the Camp David Accords brought a rare moment of peace to the Middle East after years of conflict between Egypt and Israel. U.S. President Jimmy Carter invited Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to Camp David, where they spent nearly two weeks in secret talks. The result was a groundbreaking agreement that led Egypt to officially recognize Israel—the first Arab country to do so. It also laid the foundation for Israel’s withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula. While the peace didn’t solve every issue in the region, it showed that diplomacy could work, even between longtime enemies. Both leaders won the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts, and the Accords remain a powerful example of what’s possible with honest conversation and determination.

10. Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Win (1976)
In 1976, Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer and former governor from Georgia, surprised the nation by winning the U.S. presidential election. After the Watergate scandal left Americans disillusioned with politics, Carter’s honest, outsider image felt like a breath of fresh air. He promised to bring integrity back to the White House and rebuild public trust in government. Many voters saw him as someone untainted by Washington drama, and his down-to-earth style stood out in a time of political cynicism. Carter’s win marked a shift in American politics, showing that people were ready for change and a leader who put values first. While his presidency faced big challenges, his election was a clear sign that the country was looking for something—and someone—different.