The 1970s, a period of great transformation in the United States, holds a treasure trove of forgotten events that have, for some, been largely forgotten. From trending toys to daredevil stunts, these moments are symbols of the grooviest decade. How many can you remember?
Walt Disney World opened to the public
On October 1, 1971, the world saw the grand opening of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. After years of preparation, the park opened its gates and allowed approximately 10,000 excited visitors to roam its grounds.
Back when it first opened, Walt Disney World sat on 107 acres and operated with just 5,500 employees. Since then, it’s grown immensely, with today’s park covering a whopping 27,520 acres and employing more than 77,000 people. As well, numerous other parks have popped up across the world, including China and Japan!
Ford Pintos started exploding
During the 1970s, the Ford Pinto became infamous for a critical safety flaw that made the compact car vulnerable to explosions. The design flaw was the placement of the fuel tank, which was situated in a way that rendered it susceptible to rupturing in rear-end collisions.
More controversy surrounded the Pinto when it was revealed Ford had conducted a cost-benefit analysis, determining that the financial expenses of recalling and fixing the faulty design were less than the potential legal costs from injuries and deaths. However, an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ordered Ford to recall all models manufactured between 1971-76.
Jaws 2 (1978) was a flop
Released in 1978, Jaws 2 struggled to capture the same cinematic magic that made its predecessor a cultural phenomenon. The sequel, directed by Jeannot Szwarc, faced the daunting challenge of living up to Steven Spielberg‘s iconic original.
Despite featuring another shark terrorizing the waters of Amity Island, the film lacked the novelty and groundbreaking impact of the original Jaws (1975). Critics and audiences alike criticized the sequel for its formulaic approach and predictable storyline, and although it achieved moderate commercial success, its performance paled in comparison to the original.
Major League Baseball (MLB) players went on strike
In 1972, Major League Baseball (MLB) experienced its first players’ strike. The primary catalyst for it was the players’ demand for increased pension benefits and improved working conditions. They also wanted a higher share of the league’s revenue, which had been steadily increasing, and they wanted to secure better post-career benefits.
The strike, which lasted for 13 days, led to the cancellation of numerous games and the disruption of the regular season schedule. Team owners folded quickly under the pressure and revenue loss, and the players achieved some of their goals, including pension plan improvements and a salary arbitration system.
Everyone had Pet Rocks
In the 1970s, an unexpected fad took the nation by storm: the Pet Rock. Developed by Gary Dahl in 1975, it was a simple, smooth stone presented as the ideal, low-maintenance pet. Sold in a small box with breathing holes and a humorous instruction manual, Pet Rocks became a sensation among the younger demographic.
Despite the idea of purchasing a Pet Rock being absolutely absurd, people embraced the novelty. As a fad targeted at kids, owning a Pet Rock was considered “cool.” However, just as quickly as the hype around it skyrocketed, so did its plummet. Still, it remains a quirky and memorable period of the 1970s.
Evel Knievel made a record-breaking jump
Evel Knievel, legendary daredevil of the 1970s, etched his name into history following one of his most iconic feats: jumping over 14 Greyhound buses. In 1975, at Ohio’s Kings Island, Knievel revved the engine of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and soared over the vehicles. The 14-bus jump was particularly challenging due to the sheer length of the lineup, requiring Knievel to achieve optimal speed, trajectory and control.
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As the roaring engine echoed through the air, Knievel soared over the buses and landed successfully on the other side. This stunt and many others solidified his place in history as an icon of extreme sports and entertainment.