By: History.com Editors

1971

“Rolling Stone” publishes “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” articles

History.com Editors

Published: January 22, 2025

Last Updated: January 31, 2025

On November 11, 1971, Rolling Stone magazine publishes journalist Hunter S. Thompson’s most famous work: a two-part, semi-fictional account of his time covering an off-road desert race in Las Vegas—while tripping on LSD and contemplating the death of the American Dream.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream” follows Thompson’s character (Raoul Duke) and lawyer/civil rights activist Oscar Acosta (Dr. Gonzo) on a massive drug bender through the desert, evading police, paranoia and a ridiculously expensive room service bill.

Thompson pieced the story together from excerpts and interviews during his time covering the Mint 400 and the National District Attorneys Association's Conference on Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, as well as his personal experience and conversations with locals. Using the writer’s uniquely high-octane, decidedly non-objective writing style dubbed “Gonzo journalism,” Thompson takes aim at 1960s counterculture, the Vietnam War, Richard Nixon and the identity crisis facing a disillusioned American populace at the time.

The articles, later adapted into both a book and a film, are considered by many to be Thompson’s magnum opus and a shining achievement for participatory reporting, or “new journalism.”

The 1970s

The 1970s are famous for bell-bottoms and the rise of disco, but it was also an era of economic struggle, cultural change and technological innovation.

1778

Poor leadership leads to Cherry Valley Massacre

On November 11, 1778, Patriot Colonel Ichabod Alden refuses to believe intelligence about an approaching hostile force. As a result, a combined force of Loyalists and Native Americans, attacking in the snow, killed more than 40 Patriots, including Alden, and took at least an additional 70 prisoners, in what is known today as the Cherry Valley Massacre. The attack took place east of Cooperstown, New York, in what is now Otsego County.

1831

Nat Turner executed in Virginia

Nat Turner, the leader of a bloody revolt of enslaved people in Southampton County, Virginia, is hanged in Jerusalem, the county seat, on November 11, 1831.

1864

The destruction of Atlanta begins

On November 11, 1864, on orders from Union General William T. Sherman, Union soldiers begin destroying all railroads, factories and commercial buildings in Atlanta, Georgia—anything that could help support the Confederacy's military or economic goals. (Historical records cite the destruction starting anywhere from November 10 to November 12.) The actions dealt a crippling blow to the Confederacy during the Civil War, just days before Sherman began his scorched-earth March to the Sea.

1918

Armistice Day: World War I ends

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War ends. At 5 a.m. that morning, Germany, bereft of manpower and supplies and faced with imminent invasion, signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside Compiégne, France. The First World War left nine million soldiers dead and 21 million wounded, with Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, France and Great Britain each losing nearly a million or more lives. In addition, at least five million civilians died from disease, starvation or exposure.

1921

Dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Exactly three years after the end of World War I, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is dedicated at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia during an Armistice Day ceremony presided over by President Warren G. Harding.

1942

Draft age is lowered to 18

On November 11, 1942, Congress approves lowering the draft age to 18 and raising the upper limit to age 37.

1942

Germans take Vichy France

On November 11, 1942, German troops roll out Operation Case Anton, occupying Vichy France, which had previously been free of an Axis military presence.

1971

“Rolling Stone” publishes “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” articles

On November 11, 1971, Rolling Stone magazine publishes journalist Hunter S. Thompson’s most famous work: a two-part, semi-fictional account of his time covering an off-road desert race in Las Vegas—while tripping on LSD and contemplating the death of the American Dream.

1973

Soviet Union refuses to play Chile in World Cup Soccer

The Soviet Union announces that, because of its opposition to the recent overthrow of the government of Chilean President Salvador Allende, it would not play a World Cup Soccer match against the Chilean team on November 21, if the match were held in Santiago. The International Football Federation had given the Soviets until the 11th to decide whether they would play the game.

1978

‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ makes TV history with a car jump

On November 11, 1978, a stuntman on the Georgia set of “The Dukes of Hazzard” launches the show’s iconic automobile, a 1969 Dodge Charger named the General Lee, off a makeshift dirt ramp and over a police car. That jump, 16 feet high and 82 feet long (its landing totaled the car), made TV history. Although more than 300 different General Lees appeared in the series, which ran on CBS from 1979 until 1985, this first one was the only one to play a part in every episode: That jump over the squad car ran every week at the end of the show’s opening credits.

About the author

History.com Editors

HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen and Christian Zapata.

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

Citation Information

Article title
“Rolling Stone” publishes “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” articles
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
February 15, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
January 31, 2025
Original Published Date
November 08, 2024