The oil embargo of the 1970s significantly destabilized the American economy by causing soaring fuel prices and contributing to inflation. This crisis resulted in stagflation, marked by both high unemployment and economic stagnation. In comparison, other factors like lack of food and deforestation were not primary contributors to economic instability during this period. ;
The leading factor in destabilizing the American economy in the 1970s was the oil embargo by OPEC, which caused soaring fuel prices and contributed to stagflation. This situation brought about high inflation and unemployment, given the dependence of the economy on oil. Other factors like lack of food and deforestation were less relevant to this economic destabilization.
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