250 years of American independence: In 1976, a bicentennial celebrated with patriotism despite divisions

'America 250' (10/13). In 1976, the United States turned a page on one of the most turbulent chapters in its history. After the Vietnam War and the resignation of Richard Nixon, the bicentennial offered Americans a moment of relief. Minority rights, social justice – new debates continued to stir society, notably led by the economist Jeremy Rifkin and the 'red, white and blue' left.