Visual Activity for Chapter 30

Printed Page 831 Chapter Chronology

Visual Activity for Chapter 30

image
THE FUEL SHORTAGE
This billboard appeared in 1980, while Iran held Americans hostage in Teheran (see page 835). Gasoline shortages and rising gas prices vexed motorists all over the country. The shortages and high prices were sparked by the Iranian revolution, which brought to power Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini, pictured on the billboard. The ad appeals to drivers to observe the fuel-saving 55-mile-per-hour national speed limit imposed in 1974 during the first oil crisis. John W. Hartman Center/Duke University Special Collections Library.

Question 30.3

READING THE IMAGE: What assumptions does the billboard make about Americans' reactions to the Iran hostage crisis? What reasons does the ad give for drivers to respect the speed limit? What reasons are not mentioned?

Question 30.4

CONNECTIONS: What impact did the hostage and oil crises have on American politics?