THE 1970'S
TURBULENCE AND TRANSITION
As American involvement in the Vietnam War continued, conflict over the war dominated national life.
Soon after President Richard M. Nixon was re-elected in 1972, the Watergate scandal further divided the
Nation and eroded the public's confidence in government. The Administration sought to deploy an
antiballistic missile (ABM) system and to develop a supersonic transport (SST) aircraft, projects that
ran into scientists' technical criticisms. The public also was disillusioned with technology projects that
seemed too far removed from the riots, poverty, racial injustice, and pollution that were blighting
America's promise. As a result, many in Washington and around the country pressured NSF to undertake work
perceived to be more relevant to national needs. The Foundation did attempt new programs during these tense
times, though real growth in NSF's budget would not resume until FY1983.
- The Mansfield Amendment
- Growth Stops and the Board Protests
- A "Political" Director
- Competing Priorities
- The Board's Bestseller
- Supporting the Director as Science Advisor
- MACOS Tests the Board's Oversight
- Steady State, Steady Strain
