70s Research

Content

• Summary• World events• Fashion• Makeup• Top Hits • Popular bands/artists• Electric Light Orchestra

The 1970s

The 1970s were often talked about as a ‘pivot of change’. With the uprising of things like feminism, anti-war protests and environmentalism, this decade was one to remember and plays a part in the infrastructure and ethos of people today.

What happened in the 1970s?

- In 1972, there were terrorist attacks at the Olympics in Munich.- In 1973, the US pulled out from Vietnam.- In 1975, Microsoft was created/ founded.- In 1976, the first Apple computer was made.- In 1977, Elvis Presley died and the first Star Wars film was released.- In 1979, the first Walkman by Sony was introduced.

There were many memorable moments in history made all over the world in the 70s. One of the most significant and effective things that happened to Britain was the election of the first female prime minister- Margaret Thatcher.

Born in 1925, the ‘iron lady’ lost her first two elections but became the prime minister of Britain in 1979 and remained so until 1990. She gained the nickname “Margret Thatcher the Milk Snatcher” when she stopped free milk for children between the ages of 7-11 in order to save money as decided by the conservative party. Thatcher impacted Britain in many ways, from privatisation to allowing the Republic of Ireland to have a say in what goes on in the North.

What did people wear in the 1970s?Style in the 1970’s initiated from the late 60’s however became more eccentric and vibrant with bright colours.

For women, flowing skirts and trousers became very popular and in the summer, tight tops with short skirts were worn. Trousers in women was more common as the decade went on as traditionally, females were seen in only dresses and skirts. However, women started to wear suits for work and jeans during time spent leisurely. It was a revolution for women as they started to wear what they wanted, rebelling against tradition and stereotypes.

Men started the fashion of platform shoes and tighter trousers in the 1970s. Many of the clothes worn by men were made from polyester. There were two popular suits worn by men in the 1970s. First the John Travolta inspired look of the leisure suit. Then, later on in the decade tracksuits were introduced and sportswear became more common amongst both men and women.

What was ‘the look’ in the 1970s?During the 1970s, women's rights and feminism increased vastly. Brands and companies began to swerve away from the old-fashioned look of women and started to embrace the “independent woman” look.

The fragrances from ‘Charlie’ were first introduced in 1974 and were created to show that women were liberated. Many companies followed this inspiration and advertisement included women looking feisty and self- governed.

Looks inspired by the 1920s- 1940s were reintroduced with thin, pencilled eyebrows and bright red lipstick. This look was called ‘nostalgia’, meaning a sense of regret or reminiscence.

In the 1970s, it was recognized that black and ethnic women also had makeup needs. Therefore, a wider range of ethnicity was used in advertisements to promote this idea.

What was the most popular music in the 1970s?

The variety of music in the 1970s was wider than ever before. There were so many genres of music that people could listen to such as Rock, R&B and Funk. The 1970s are known as a golden time for vinyl records and almost everybody had a record player.

Top Hit Throughout the decade of the 1970s1970: The Wonder of You- Elvis Presley1971: I’m Still Waiting- Diana Ross1972: Puppy Love- Donny Osmond1973: See My Baby Jive- Wizzard1974: Kung Fu Fighting- Carl Douglas1975: Bye Bye Baby- Bay City Rollers1976: Don’t Go Breaking My Heart- Elton John1977: Knowing Me Knowing You- Abba1978: Night Fever- The Bee Gees1979: I Will Survive- Gloria Gaynor

Electric Light OrchestraAs part of this project, I decided to find some fun facts about a popular band from the 1970s, Electric Light Orchestra. I wanted to research this particular band as they are from Birmingham and I find it interesting to learn about my home city and its history. I have also recorded a version of a song released by the band in 1978 called Mr Blue Sky.

• Electric Light Orchestra were formed in Birmingham in 1970.

• They were often seen as ‘Beatles Copyist’ due to their style and music.

• ELO got their name from their use of electric rock instruments and orchestral instruments too.

• They became one of the few bands to be more popular in America than UK.