The 1970s was a colorful and exciting decade filled with big changes in music, fashion, and culture. Remember bell-bottom jeans, disco balls, and the catchy sounds of funk and rock? This was the time when popular shows like “Happy Days” and “The Brady Bunch” entertained families across the country. The 1970s also brought us major events, from the first Earth Day to the end of the Vietnam War. With so many memorable moments, this decade has left a lasting mark on our society.
Today, we’re taking a fun look back at some trivia from the 1970s that will test your knowledge and spark your curiosity. Whether you remember the era or just want to learn more, there’s something intriguing for everyone. From iconic movies like “Star Wars” to the rise of sports legends like Jerry Rice, the 1970s was packed with milestones that still influence us today. So, get ready to challenge yourself and see how much you really know about this unforgettable decade!
1970s Trivia
Groovy Music of the 1970s
1. Who was known as the “Queen of Disco”? (Answer: Donna Summer)
2. Which band released the hit song “Hotel California”? (Answer: The Eagles)
3. What genre of music saw a major rise in popularity during the 1970s? (Answer: Disco)
4. Who is famously associated with the song “Staying Alive”? (Answer: The Bee Gees)
5. What was the name of David Bowie’s alter ego? (Answer: Ziggy Stardust)
6. Which musical opened on Broadway in 1971 and featured the song “Aquarius”? (Answer: Hair)
7. Who sang the 1977 hit “I Will Survive”? (Answer: Gloria Gaynor)
8. Which artist had a legendary collaboration with Mick Jagger for the song “Dancing in the Street”? (Answer: David Bowie)
9. What rock festival took place in the summer of 1970 and included performances by Jimi Hendrix? (Answer: Isle of Wight Festival)
10. Which female artist known for her powerful voice sang “I’ve Never Been to Me”? (Answer: Charlene)
Cinematic Classics of the 1970s
1. What groundbreaking space film was released in 1977? (Answer: Star Wars)
2. Who directed the 1972 film “The Godfather”? (Answer: Francis Ford Coppola)
3. Which movie featured the famous line “Here’s looking at you, kid”? (Answer: Casablanca)
4. What 1976 film starred Robert De Niro as a troubled Vietnam War veteran? (Answer: Taxi Driver)
5. Which 1975 movie was about a killer shark? (Answer: Jaws)
6. Who played the title role in the movie “Rocky”? (Answer: Sylvester Stallone)
7. What film earned the first-ever Academy Award for Best Picture? (Answer: The Godfather)
8. Which tragedy struck in the film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”? (Answer: Randle Patrick McMurphy’s fate)
9. Who starred in the 1977 musical film “Saturday Night Fever”? (Answer: John Travolta)
10. What film starred Al Pacino as a Cuban drug lord? (Answer: Scarface)
Fashion Trends that Defined the 1970s
1. What style of pants became extremely popular in the 1970s? (Answer: Bell-bottom jeans)
2. Which accessory became a must-have for women during the decade? (Answer: Platform shoes)
3. What type of clothing featured bright colors and bold patterns, reflecting the psychedelic era? (Answer: Tie-dye shirts)
4. What hairstyle was iconic among men in the 1970s? (Answer: Long hair)
5. Which fabric was commonly worn and associated with the disco scene? (Answer: Satin)
6. Who was a famous fashion designer known for their revolutionary styles during the 1970s? (Answer: Halston)
7. What type of skirts became a popular trend for women in this era? (Answer: Maxi skirts)
8. Which famous print was popular for both fashion and home decor? (Answer: Paisley)
9. What outerwear became essential for both men and women during the 1970s? (Answer: Suede jackets)
10. Which type of sunglasses became a fashion statement in the 70s? (Answer: Oversized sunglasses)
Television Shows that Shaped the 1970s
1. What family sitcom featured a character named Howard Cunningham? (Answer: Happy Days)
2. Which detective show starred a famous crime-fighting duo named Starsky and Hutch? (Answer: Starsky and Hutch)
3. What soap opera debuted in 1973 and is still running today? (Answer: The Young and the Restless)
4. Who was the host of the popular variety show “The Carol Burnett Show”? (Answer: Carol Burnett)
5. Which animated series featured characters like Fred and Wilma Flintstone? (Answer: The Flintstones)
6. What hit series featured the characters of Mary Richards and Lou Grant? (Answer: The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
7. Which popular show followed the lives of a high school football team in Dillon, Texas? (Answer: Friday Night Lights)
8. Who played the lead role in the comedy “M*A*S*H”? (Answer: Alan Alda)
9. Which show featured a futuristic family living in a “Jetsons” world? (Answer: The Jetsons)
10. What show depicted the lives of the Brady family? (Answer: The Brady Bunch)
Historic Events That Shook the 1970s
1. Which landmark environmental event was celebrated for the first time in 1970? (Answer: Earth Day)
2. What war officially ended in 1975, marking a significant moment in U.S. history? (Answer: Vietnam War)
3. Which scandal led to the resignation of President Nixon in 1974? (Answer: Watergate Scandal)
4. Which significant health crisis struck the United States in the late 1970s? (Answer: Energy Crisis)
5. What major event occurred in 1972 where the U.S. and USSR signed a treaty to limit nuclear arms? (Answer: SALT I Treaty)
6. What pivotal Supreme Court ruling was made in 1973 regarding abortion rights? (Answer: Roe v. Wade)
7. What international event took place in Munich during the 1972 Summer Olympics? (Answer: Munich Massacre)
8. What economic issue faced many countries during the 1970s? (Answer: Stagflation)
9. Which music festival held in 1970 is often considered the last of the “hippie” festivals? (Answer: Isle of Wight Festival)
10. What significant arrival took place on April 1, 1976, led by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak? (Answer: The Apple Computer)
Sports Legends of the 1970s
1. Which basketball player is known as “His Airness” and began his college career in the 1970s? (Answer: Michael Jordan)
2. What football team won Super Bowl I in 1971? (Answer: Green Bay Packers)
3. Who was the boxing heavyweight champion famously known as “Smokin’ Joe”? (Answer: Joe Frazier)
4. What tennis champion became famous for their rivalry with Bjorn Borg? (Answer: John McEnroe)
5. Which baseball player set a record for hitting .400 in a season in 1970? (Answer: Ted Williams)
6. What event was famously dubbed “The Fight of the Century” in 1971? (Answer: Ali vs. Frazier)
7. Which swimmer dominated the sport during the 1970s with numerous gold medals? (Answer: Mark Spitz)
8. What racing series began in 1970 and has become a significant sporting event in the U.S.? (Answer: NASCAR)
9. Who was the famous soccer player regularly dubbed as “El Pibe de Oro”? (Answer: Diego Maradona)
10. Which NFL team became known as “America’s Team” in the 1970s? (Answer: Dallas Cowboys)
Technological Advancements of the 1970s
1. What was the first mobile phone call made in 1973 by Martin Cooper? (Answer: Motorola DynaTAC)
2. Which pioneering video game was created in 1972, often recognized as the first? (Answer: Pong)
3. What technological device became widely used in households during the 1970s for cooking? (Answer: Microwave Oven)
4. Who introduced the first personal computer to the market in 1977? (Answer: Apple II)
5. What technology allowed for the home viewing of films starting in the late 1970s? (Answer: VCR)
6. Which music player started to gain popularity in the late 70s, changing how people listened to music? (Answer: Cassette Player)
7. What major advancement in transportation was introduced in 1974 featuring high-speed travel? (Answer: Concorde)
8. What significant invention was developed by the company Xerox in the 1970s? (Answer: Laser Printer)
9. Which 1970s innovation changed the way films were processed? (Answer: Digital Film)
10. What consumer device was made popular in the 1970s, allowing people to listen to music on the go? (Answer: Portable Radio)
Final Thoughts
The 1970s was a dynamic decade filled with cultural, technological, and historical milestones that shaped our modern society. From the groovy music that got everyone dancing to the groundbreaking films that produced unforgettable moments, this was an era of innovation and social change. The fashion trends brought a vivid splash of color and personality into everyday life, while the sporting legends inspired countless fans around the world. Historic events during this time paved the way for future progress, and the technological advancements set the foundation for what we enjoy today. We hope you enjoyed this journey through 1970s trivia and learned something new about this fascinating decade.
If you want to know more about other exciting decades, don’t forget to check out our 1970s trivia and take a look at what made the 80s special in our 80s movie trivia. There’s always more to discover and enjoy!