As we journey through the annals of history, certain decades stand out as emblematic, each with its defining moments and unforgettable stories. The 1970s, with its iconic music, cultural shifts, and political turbulence, often steals the spotlight. Yet, amid the well-known narratives of this era, lie events and phenomena that have largely faded from memory, waiting to be rediscovered. In this exploration, we peel back the layers of time to reveal the forgotten, the underrated, and the remarkable occurrences that significantly influenced the 1970s. Join us in unearthing the hidden gems of a tumultuous decade, where history’s quiet whispers offer fresh insights into the past.
The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) (1975)
ASTP marked the first joint space mission between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The two superpowers’ spacecraft docked in space, symbolizing a brief period of détente and collaboration in a politically tense era, paving the way for future international space cooperation.
The OPEC Oil Embargo (1973-1974)
In response to Western support for Israel in the Yom Kippur War, OPEC members, including Saudi Arabia, imposed an oil embargo. This crisis led to fuel shortages, long gas lines, and increased energy prices, shaping the energy policies and discussions for years to come.
The Turkish Invasion of Cyprus (1974)
Turkey’s military intervention in Cyprus following a Greek-backed coup led to the division of the island, creating the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This event remains significant for the ongoing conflict and unresolved issues in the region.
The Khmer Rouge Regime (1975-1979)
The Khmer Rouge’s rise to power in Cambodia and the subsequent genocide led to the death of millions of people. Despite its horrors, this period is often forgotten in broader discussions of genocides in the 20th century.
The Jonestown Massacre (1978)
The mass murder-suicide of over 900 members of the People’s Temple cult in Guyana remains one of the largest incidents of its kind in history, yet it is often overshadowed by other events of the 1970s.
The Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) (1973-1975)
The SLA’s kidnapping of Patricia Hearst and its radical activities are often overlooked in discussions of 1970s political extremism, despite its media attention at the time.
The Capture of the Symbionese Liberation Army (1975)
The FBI’s capture of SLA members, including Patricia Hearst, remains a notable moment in law enforcement history and the fight against domestic terrorism.
The Evolution of Video Games (1970s)
The birth of iconic video games like Pong and the advent of home gaming consoles, such as the Atari 2600, marked the beginning of a multi-billion-dollar industry that continues to shape popular culture today.
The Tenerife Airport Disaster (1977)
The collision of two commercial airliners on the runway of Tenerife’s Los Rodeos Airport remains the deadliest aviation accident in history, leading to major safety improvements in air travel.
The Blizzard of 1978 (Northeast US)
This historic blizzard brought record snowfall and significant disruption to the northeastern United States, contributing to advances in emergency response and weather forecasting.
The Establishment of Greenpeace (1971)
Greenpeace was founded to protest nuclear weapons testing in Alaska, but its global environmental activism, including campaigns against whaling and ocean pollution, has been influential in shaping modern environmental advocacy.
The Hong Kong Flu Pandemic (1968-1970)
This influenza pandemic, despite its significant global impact and death toll, is often overshadowed by subsequent pandemics like the H1N1 flu and COVID-19.
The Founding of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) (1971)
This humanitarian organization provides emergency medical care to people affected by conflicts, disasters, and epidemics worldwide, but its founding is often forgotten in broader discussions of international aid.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Smallpox Eradication (1979)
WHO’s successful global campaign to eradicate smallpox, one of the most deadly diseases in history, remains one of the organization’s most significant achievements but is sometimes overlooked in discussions of global health.
The Pioneer Venus Program (1978-1992)
Pioneer Venus sent a series of spacecraft to study Venus, providing valuable data about the planet’s atmosphere, but it is less well-remembered compared to other space missions like Apollo.
The Creation of the First Email System (1971)
Ray Tomlinson, an American computer engineer, developed the first networked email system, a pivotal moment in the history of communication technology, but its significance is sometimes understated in the context of today’s digital world.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Class wars creep up in all aspects of life, including dating. We take a look at the things that men believe are telltale signs that you are lower class.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
The change in the automotive industry has been incredible over the year. Baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 can’t get enough of the cars listed below, as muscle cars emerged in the 1960s, and new technologies appeared in the 1970s and 1980s. You can imagine why boomers genuinely appreciate these vehicles.
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
There is a lot to love about America, from the bright lights of New York to the incredible breakfasts, but foreigners also dislike many things. We look at everything from poor public transport to an intimidating tip culture, sharing 18 things that America could be better at.
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
While some old habits die hard, there are some things that Gen X need to eliminate as they are no longer relevant.
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
When thinking of America, we don’t expect there to be boring or unpleasant places to visit. We see all the different states on the TV, and they show the best parts. However, there are some states you won’t want to visit, and you should brace yourselves if you ever happen to stumble into them.
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
