1970's Lifestyles and Social Trends | Important Events in Lifestyles and Social Trends, 1970

1970

Ralph Nader's citizens' lobbying group, nicknamed "Nader's Raiders," petitions the government for consumer protection. Common Cause, a citizens' group lobbying for political reform, is formed.
The Census Bureau puts the nation's population at just over 203 million. But the 13 percent growth since 1960 is the result of the lowest birth rate since the Great Depression of the 1930s. An increased divorce rate and a trend toward marrying at an older age are given as factors. California has passed New York to become the nation's most populous state.
In two firsts, California adopts no-fault divorce and Massachusetts adopts no-fault auto insurance.
For the first time in American history, a majority of Americans live in suburbs.
Police touch off a riot in the barrio of East Los Angeles, resulting in the death of prominent Hispanic journalist Ruben Salazar and inspiring the growing Chicano...