Things That Happened in the 1970s That People Have Likely Forgotten

 

The 1970s, a period of great change in America, holds a treasure trove of forgotten events that, for some, have been forgotten. From trending toys to daring stunts, these events serve as symbols of the decade. So how many can you remember?

On October 1, 1971, the world witnessed the grand opening of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. After years of preparation for the big day, the amusement park opened its gates to allow approximately 10,000 excited visitors to wander its grounds. When it first opened, it covered 107 acres and operated with only 5,500 employees.

Today, Walt Disney World has grown greatly, today the park covers 27,520 acres of land and employs over 77,000 people. Additionally, amusement parks have expanded to all corners of the world, with parks found in the US, China, Japan, and other countries!

During the 1970s, the Ford Pinto became notorious for a serious safety flaw that made the compact car vulnerable to explosions. The design flaw was the location of the fuel tank, which was positioned in such a way that it was susceptible to rupture in a rear-end collision.

The Pinto faced further controversy when it was revealed that Ford had conducted a cost-benefit analysis, which determined that the financial expense of recalling and fixing the defective design outweighed the potential legal costs from injuries and deaths. Was less than. However, an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered Ford to recall all models manufactured between 1971 and 1976.

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 difficult challenge of staying true 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 story, and although the film achieved moderate commercial success, its performance paled in comparison to its predecessor.

In 1972, Major League Baseball (MLB) experienced its first players' strike. The primary catalyst for the strike was the players' demands for increased pension benefits and better working conditions. Players also wanted a larger share of the league's revenues, which were steadily increasing, and they wanted to secure better post-career benefits.