How did the 1977 Apple II computer become one of the most popular personal computers of its time? (“CHM Revolution”). This machine, like other technologies, was shaped by the time and society it was invented in. The rise of technology in the 1970s happened because of the historical events in that decade, people’s interests at that time, and the effect of historical events on new technologies.
Although the 1970s are known as a time of self-expression and freedom, the United States was also in a time of confusion and controversy. Political events of the 1970s produced a feeling of distrust and questioning of the government. Lies were told about the Vietnam War, and President Richard Nixon was involved in the Watergate scandal that eventually led him to be the only
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In the early 1970s, the average person had no use for a computer which at the time were very large and were used mainly by large companies. Over time though, the computer became smaller and more affordable and became popular with people other than just hobbyists (“Timeline Highlights¨). The computer that was most appealing to the average person was the Apple II. The Apple II was used in thousands of schools and had one of the longest periods of success of any computer (“Timeline Highlights”). Along with the growth of computers came the popularity of video games. The Atari Company was formed, and “the first game Atari marketed was called PONG. It started a video-game craze that built a million dollar industry.” (Wheels of Progress 49). Other popular games included: Space Invaders, Asteroids, Galaxian, and Atari Football. Along with the interest in computers and video games, the American public loved science fiction movies. Alien and Close Encounters of the Third Kind were extremely popular, and Star Wars started the most successful movie series in history. By the end of the 1970s, technology was a major factor of American