Would you consider the 1970s to be a successful decade for the United States?

Yes and No at the same time, because ~

1. The 1970s saw some of the highest rates of inflation in the United States in recent history, with interest rates rising in turn to nearly 20%.

2. During the 1970s, the United States suffered an economic recession. Interest rates and inflation were high. ... As the 1970s moved toward the 1980s, Americans became tired of social struggle. They became tired of losing money.

an unexpected salary cut