1970s

OPEC oil embargo
Iranian revolution and hostage situation
Watergate break-in, cover-up, and scandal.
Richard Nixon's resignation
end of Vietnam War
fear of Nuclear war
high inflation
high unemployment
The United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark join Common Market in 1973.
Widespread strikess and industrial unrest in the United Kingdom throughout decade.
Margaret Thatcher elected Britain's first female prime minister.
Spanish dictator Francisco Franco dies after 40 year rule.
Democracy established in Portugal after dictatorship overthrown in millitary coup.
US backed coup in Chile topples government of Salvador Allende. Is replaced by Augusto Pinochet.
Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge government in Cambodia results in 2.5 million deaths.
USSR begins disastrous millitary campaign in Afghanistan.
Unix created along with C programming language
Home computer revolution
Pocket calculators make the slide rule obsolete.
Disco, Punk rock, Gothic rock music
Star-Wars
An age of superstars and idols in sports and music
Microsoft is founded (1975)
Jamaican reggae music begins to gain an international audience, while dub music influences African Americans in New York City, leading to the development of hip hop
Indonesian Archaeological Service and UNESCO restore Borobodur
Raise of environmental awareness and green movements, peace movement and women's liberation in Europe and the USA

World leaders