The+1970s+Energy+Crisis

In this class, we'll be looking at the energy crisis that took place in the 1970s. At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: 1. Explain why the energy crisis took place 2. Explain the immediate impact of the energy crisis on American society 3. Evaluate President Carter's response and proposal to solve the energy crisis.
 * The Energy Crisis of the 1970s **

First, we'll go through a brief lecture about the energy crisis. One thing to explain prior to this is the organization called "OPEC," which stands for "Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries." Originally, it was made up of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Since it's beginnings in 1960, it has expanded to now include Qatar, the United Arab, Emirates, Indonesia, Libya, Algeria and Nigeria. For more information on why OPEC was founded, click [|here.]

After our discussion of the oil crisis, I want you to read [|President Carter's Proposed Energy Policy.] As you read through this, I also want you to analyze this document using the APPARTS method of analyzing documents. (You might be asked to turn in this analysis.) While you are reading this, keep in mind the pros and cons of Carter's proposed energy policy.

After we have all completed reading this document and discussed it, we will have a brief debate regarding what the best plan of action should be in an energy crisis such as this. The two options you will be allowed to choose from are:

1. The United States should reduce its dependency on foreign oil and develop alternative fuels. 2. The United States should negotiate a lower rate for oil with the member nations of OPEC.