The 1970'sThe 1970s were a tumultuous time. in some ways, the decade was a continuation of the 1960s. Women, African American, Native Americans, gays and lesbians and other marginalized people continued their fight for equality, and many Americans joined the protest against the ongoing war in Vietnam. In other ways, however, the decade was a repudiation of the 1960s. A 'New Right' mobilized in defense of political conservation and traditional family roles, and the behavior of President Richard Nixon undermined many peoples faith in the good intentions of the federal government . By the end of the decade, these division and disappointments had set a tone for public life that many would argue is still with us today.