April 22, to July 15, 2012
On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans gathered in parks, universities, and civic centers for what would become the very first Earth Day. This young but influential movement brought national attention to the need to protect the United States’ vast national resources. When President Nixon ran for reelection in 1972, environmental issues figured heavily into his campaign.
For this year’s Earth Day celebration on April 22 we present documents, posters and oral history interviews that demonstrate the importance of the environment in the 1972 presidential election.