1970s America

Life in America in the 1970s was a time of great change and a beginning of what many considered an untraditional existence. Much of the rebellious ideas and ways of thinking carried over from the 1960s and became more mainstream in America. People wanted changes in values, lifestyles, and entertainment.

The 1970s lifestyle became the motivation behind most of the music, entertainment, and fashion of the decade. Men sported longer hair, emulating the style worn by David Cassidy, and wore bell-bottom pants, platform shoes and brightly coloured patches of clothing. Leisure suits became the rage for men after John Travolta donned one in the hit movie “Saturday Night Fever.” Women wore just about everything from hot pants to ultra short mini-skirts to angle-length flowing dresses. The most popular hairstyle for women was mimicked after Farrah Fawcett and was long, flowing and “feathered.” Thanks to the Jackson Five, the afro was immensely popular for both African American men and women. Halston and Diane Von Furstenberg were the premier designers of the 70s. Lava lamps and mood rings were must-haves, and many children (and even adults) were the proud owners of a pet rock!

The musical scene in the 1970s erupted into vast subdivisions. There was disco, soul, southern rock, and soft rock. It was during this time the Beatles broke up and Elvis Presley died. Arena rock became popular with bands like Boston. Bands such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath introduced us to heavy metal music. Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers gave us our first taste of southern rock. Towards the end of the 70s, New Wave emerged, with bands such as Devo and The Cars. Disco is what most people associate most commonly with the 1970s. Steve Wonder still reigns today as one of the most popular musical artists during the 70s with his soulful R&B.

Families travelled in station wagons and recreational vehicles (RVs) became immensely popular. Many credit the 1970s as the advent of the digital and electronics age. The first home computer was created, and video games soon followed.

As the 1970s saw an increase in divorce rates and promiscuity, the “Family Values” movement emerged setting its sights on mothers who worked, feminists and homosexuals. Those targets were blamed for the corruption of the family unit.

The 1970s was indeed a decade of vast change and influence, with much of its influence still felt today.