U.S. oil crises
In 1973, panic hit the United States as an international oil embargo, or ban, was implemented in the Middle East. Conflict had been on the rise in the Middle East, especially regarding Israel's claim for independence. Alliances formed in this global disagreement sparked the creation of this embargo as Arab-dominated OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries), seated against Israel, struck Western Powers supporting Israel in the Yom Kippur War by cutting off the passage of oil exports to them. Combined with other domestic social and political causes, such as the United States' lack of proper energy policies and nationwide over-consumption of oil, the oil crisis of 1973 became a large problem. Lines at the gas stations grew immensely, and oil prices per barrel rose by 130% by December 1973. Odd-even rationing was introduced; if a person had an odd last number on his license plate, he could get gas only on odd-numbered days. Speed limits were lowered to 55 miles per hour to conserve this resource. Such a crisis returned to the country in 1979 when the Iranian Hostage Crisis began as Iranian students kidnapped 60 U.S. embassy members. Well-entrenched conflicts between Iran and the United States regarding oil intensified this problem, especially as OPEC raised oil prices once again. While this issue was difficult to deal with and affected nearly every car owner in America, it did result in some positive change. The government became more cognizant of energy and began to include it in its policy making while also trying to less dependent on foreign oil sources. Furthermore, people became more aware of their high energy consumption, and ideas for more energy efficient vehicles began to surface.