Significance of Energy Crisis

• Significance

  The end of an era of cheap energy hit Americans' standard of living as ⅓ of the rise in prices was due to the increased cost of oil- cheap oil had been vital to Post-WW2 prosperity and economic growth, helping industry and accelerating socially trans-formative suburbanisation and consumerism
• Voters wanted politicians to do something about the increased energy prices

  Decrease energy consumption was to raise taxes and oils but voters disliked increased energy prices
• The inability of politicians to solve the energy crisis

  Contributed to the growing political disillusionment
• From 1973


  Many private citizens tried to save fuel, turning down the thermostat and joining carpools
• 1977


  Carter suggested that thermostats be adjusted so that heating was a maximum 18 degrees Celsius in Winter and air conditioning would only kick in at 26 degrees Celsius in Summer
• Government buildings and some factories


  Led the way in implementing the suggestions to save energy
• Americans still consumed frightening quantities of fuel