The Oil Crisis of 1973-1974: A Brief History with Documents

by Karen R. Merrill

In a year that saw both the formal end to the Vietnam War and the unfolding of the Watergate scandal, the oil crisis of 1973-1974 dealt a critical blow to the American psyche. After decades of wealth and prosperity, stagflation and gas shortages hit Americans in their own pockets. They faced hard questions about a national culture of consumption that had ravaged the environment and left the U.S. dangerously dependent on foreign oil -- and at the mercy of nations who could and would use oil as a political weapon. Karen Merrill offers a thorough examination of this watershed event with a collection of primary sources ranging from industry and government memos to contemporary news coverage and political cartoons. Her introduction provides historical perspective on U.S.-Middle East relations, as well as insights into oil's role in shepherding in a new era of environmental awareness within the American consumer culture. Useful pedagogical tools include questions for consideration, a chronology of events, and a bibliographic essay.

Genres: American History

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2007

Reviews

[Zaid · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want to read about the oil crisis of 1973-1974, then the only chapter worth reading is "Report of OPEC meeting with oil company executives. Jan 21, 1972"

Everything else, especially the overdramatic reponses of the american public and politicians to the crisis, is semi-useless and very predictable.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for those who were children ( or not born yet) during this time. It adds context to the stories you hear about gas lines. And for anyone, I shows how little we have changed regarding energy policy, conservation and foreign policy.