Chronicle Volume 1973

"The Limits to Growth", the title of a study published by the Club of Rome on the global future prospects of humanity, is programmatic for 1973. The western industrial nations are going from a boom to an economic and social trough, and prosperity in Western Europe and the USA seems to be in danger. The Islamic states are threatening all countries that support Israel with an oil boycott. At the beginning of the year, Kissinger's efforts bear fruit; the USA withdraws from Indochina, thus ending the Vietnam War. In Europe, détente is a priority: the basic treaty negotiated between the Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR in December 1972 comes into force, creating human relief and enabling the GDR to be internationally recognized.

The chronicle shows these events, but it also shows how people lived back then and brings history to life. This makes the 1973 chronicle a unique gift.