1970tallet

1970tallet, or the 1970s, refers to the decade from 1970 through 1979. It was a period of economic volatility, social change, and technological experimentation that reshaped politics, culture, and daily life around the world.

Economically, the decade faced two oil crises (1973 and 1979) that produced energy shortages, high inflation, and slower growth. The shocks accelerated policy shifts toward energy diversification, conservation, and changes in manufacturing. In international affairs, Cold War tensions persisted, even as détente advanced in some areas; agreements such as SALT I and the Helsinki Accords framed East–West relations. Social movements, including feminist and environmental campaigns, gained influence and helped expand civil rights and policy reforms in many nations.

Technological and cultural developments included the emergence of personal computing and home electronics. The 1970s saw early microprocessors (for example, the Intel 4004 in 1971), micro-computers (Altair 8800 in 1975), and the popularization of personal computers with the Apple II (1977). Video games and home entertainment advanced, and music and film embraced disco, punk, and science fiction, with Star Wars (1977) acting as a landmark. The environmental movement grew in visibility after Earth Day launched in 1970 and through related legislation and regulation.

Geopolitically, decolonization continued in some regions, while regional conflicts and the Cold War shaped security concerns. The decade closed with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, signaling a new phase in global politics. The 1970tallet left lasting legacies in energy policy, technology, and culture that influenced the 1980s and beyond.