The recession of 1969–1970 was a relatively mild recession in the United States. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the recession lasted for 11 months, beginning in December 1969 and ending in November 1970. It followed an economic slump that began in 1968. December 1969 – November 1970 · 11 months Peak unemployment: 6.1% (December 1970) · GDP: −0.6% S&P 500: −7.0% over the recession The relatively mild 1969 recession followed a lengthy expansion. At the end of the expansion, inflation was rising, possibly a result of increased deficits. This relatively mild recession coincided with an attempt to start closing the budget deficits of the Vietnam War (fiscal tightening) and the Federal Reserve raising interest rates (monetary tightening). Dates: the National Bureau of Economic Research's business cycle chronology. Wiki link Wiki link