During the 1970s, an economic recession took place around the Western world, including in the US. Following World War II, the economy experienced a massive boom as employment opportunities were plentiful, and the country saw great financial success. This was followed by a downturn in the economy, in which prices rose (inflation) while people across the country lost their jobs or could not find work. This is called “stagflation.” Around two million jobs were lost during this time. There were several causes of this economic recession, including the Vietnam War, which cost the US significant amounts of money, as well as breaks in oil trade agreements. Rising costs of necessities like groceries, housing, and oil, paired with fewer job opportunities, meant that many families struggled to make ends meet during this period. This led to tension in the home and concerns over long-term finances.

The 1970s saw a massive shift in attitude about smoking. Following the 1964 Surgeon General Report, which directly linked smoking to cancer and other health issues, the dangers of smoking began to be addressed through social and policy changes. Second-hand smoke started to be seen as a major issue, and indoor smoking was slowly banned in various places. The changes were gradual, often beginning with separating smokers and nonsmokers in places like restaurants and airplanes. At the same time, self-help literature on ways to quit smoking began to emerge alongside other anti-smoking campaigns, like the one organized by the Group Against Smoking Pollution, which raised awareness about how smoking hurts nonsmokers. Cigarette ads were banned from television in 1970, and it was finally suggested that smoking was an issue that affected not only the smoker but the entire country.