Why did Steve Rogers give up the Captain America identity and become Nomad?

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Chris Evans as Captain America stands in costume holding his shield, with an American flag and sunlight in the background. — Captain America Chris Evans as the title character in *Captain America: The First Avenger* (2011), directed by Joe Johnston.

In the early 1970s, Steve Rogers abandoned the Captain America identity after discovering a conspiracy within the White House orchestrated by the "Secret Empire." Horrified by the government's insidious corruption and feeling that his country had been betrayed, Rogers quit in disgust and briefly adopted the persona of Nomad. He eventually returned to his role as Captain America after his innate patriotism overcame his disillusionment.1