1973 news
1973 was a significant year in world history, marked by several major events that shaped the course of international relations, politics, and culture. Here are some of the most notable news stories from 1973:
Watergate Scandal
The Watergate scandal, which began in 1972, reached its climax in 1973. On July 16, 1973, former White House counsel John Dean testified before the Senate Watergate Committee, revealing that he had discussed the cover-up with President Richard Nixon. The scandal led to the resignation of Nixon on August 9, 1974.
Oil Embargo
In October 1973, the Organization of Arab Exporting Countries (OAPEC) imposed an oil embargo on the United States and other Western countries in response to their support of Israel in the Yom Kippur War. The embargo led to a global oil crisis, causing fuel shortages, rationing, and price increases.
Yom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War, was a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria on Israel on October 6, 1973. The war lasted for three weeks and resulted in significant losses for both sides. The war led to a major shift in the balance of power in the Middle East and had far-reaching consequences for international relations.
Pentagon Papers
In June 1973, the New York Times published a series of articles based on the Pentagon Papers, a secret study on the Vietnam War commissioned by the Department of Defense. The papers revealed that the US government had known that the war was unwinnable and had deliberately misled the public about its progress.
Women's Liberation
The women's liberation movement gained momentum in 1973, with the publication of Kate Millett's book "Sexual Politics" and the establishment of the National Organization for Women (NOW). The movement sought to challenge gender stereotypes and achieve equal rights for women.
Disco Music
Disco music became a major cultural phenomenon in 1973, with the release of hits like "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees and "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. The genre's popularity peaked in the late 1970s but has continued to influence music and popular culture.
Other notable events
- The US Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that women have a constitutional right to abortion.
- The first cell phone call was made by Martin Cooper, an engineer at Motorola.
- The first commercial Concorde flight took place, marking the beginning of supersonic air travel.
- The US and the Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) treaty, limiting the number of nuclear weapons each country could possess.
These are just a few of the many significant news stories from 1973. It was a year marked by major events that shaped the course of history, politics, and culture.