After such a turbulent decade people became disillusioned and lost hope during the 1970s. Attitudes about drugs, sex, and certain life styles still lingered, as did a certain distrust with the so-called "Big Brother"- politicians and the police. A 1970 standoff between the National Guard and protesting college students at Kent State University erupted in violence when the National Guard began shooting at the students leaving four dead. This only solidified the youth's distrust with the government and police. Further embarrassment swept the country in 1974, when Richard Nixon became the first president to resign office after a burglary gone bust at the Watergate Hotel. The Committee for Reelecting the President broke into a Watergate apartment where the Democratic National Committee was located.
The war in Vietnam ended in 1974 and the civil rights and women's movements were once again thrown into the spotlight. In 1974 the integration of the Boston public school system once again caused racial tension and violent protesting, while groups like NOW fought for women's rights such as abortion. The Rowe vs. Wade case of 1972 allowed abortions to become legalized.
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