The 1970s can best be understood as a time of transition in America. Beginning in the 1950s, youth power grew, through civil rights activism and anti-war protests. The ideal citizen of this decade seemed to be one who helped others. Then, the 1980s were more focused on finance and more individualistic. The ideal citizen of this decade is one who measures success by the money he earns. The 1970s proved to be a time of bitterness, cynicism, and heightened self-interest for most Americans. Some of the contributing events are the Kent State Massacre, Roe v. Wade, and the economic stagflation that occurred in the latter part of the decade. President Richard Nixon announced on April 30, 1970 that the United States would invade the country. Cambodia in the context of the ongoing war in Vietnam. The announcement sparked huge protests, particularly on college campuses across the country. The next day, at Kent State University in Ohio, a protest of about 500 students began. It was a relatively peaceful demonstration. Some vandalism and rioting occurred that night, and some students went to town the next day to help with the cleanup efforts. The vandals then set fire to the ROTC building the next day, prompting the governor of Ohio to send in the National Guard to restore peace. Over the next few days, the demonstration grew to 1,500 demonstrators and around 1,500 bystanders and tear gas was often used to disperse the crowd. All of these events culminated on May 4 when National Guard troops began shooting at the protest on the university commons. A group of 28 National Guard members fired more than 60 shots at the students, killing 4 people. Watergate, the Vietnam War and the Cold War transformed the situation. The public went from a feeling of hope and fight for everyone's rights to a feeling of disillusionment and cynicism. American citizens worried and took care of each other in the 1960s, then they began to worry more about themselves in the 1980s. This loss of trust by Americans in their government and in each other is still visible in today's society. How to restore this trust still remains unanswered. Works Cited Gordon, William A. "Four Dead in Ohio: Was There a Conspiracy at Kent State?" El Toro, CA: North Ridge Books, 2011. Print. “Roe v. Wade: Its History and Impact.” Plannedparenthood.org. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 2013. Web. December 2, 13Amadeo, Kimberly. “Stagflation.” USeconomy.about.com. About.com, 2013. Web. November 29. 2013.