Background

In October 1973, OPEC [Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries] reduced the oil supply by 5% and placed an embargo on countries supporting Israel in the Yom Kippur War.

The embargo created a crisis, especially in the form of dramatically increased fuel prices and a shortage, in the United States. Nixon addressed the country about the crisis and had a special adviser for energy issues.

Strategies for dealing with the crisis included government buildings were fixed at 68 degrees, the speed limit was lowered to 55 mph, day lights savings time was moved to Februrary, gas stations were closed on weekends, and conservation measures encouraged. In the winter of 1974, fuel shortages created policies where even-numbered license plates could buy gas on even numbered days and odd-numbered license plates could buy gas on odd numbered days of the month.

Many citizens wrote to the President and his energy advisers offering ideas and voicing concern over the effects of different policies.

Audio

• Listen to excerpt of speech
• Text of speech

Photographs

• Photograph of Oregon gas station

Documents

• Letter from Stuart O. Dawson with suggestions for saving energy
• Telegram about impact of energy restrictions on ski industry
• Letter from the City Cab Company expressing concern about the gasoline restrictions

Questions

• Based on the additional documents provided, how would the crisis affect those who wrote the President?
• How could the government help and should the government help?

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