1974 was a pivotal year marked by significant global events that continue to shape our understanding of politics, culture, and society. The world was grappling with the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis. the Middle East was still recovering from the 1973 Yom Kippur War and Europe was witnessing major political shifts. This year was also marked by major economic and environmental challenges.
Today I will delving into 20 Notable Events that happened in 1974. Keep on reading to find out what they were.
Here are 21 Notable Events in 1974
1. The Rubik’s Cube was invented
Hungarian architecture professor Erno Rubik invented the Rubik’s Cube to teach his students about spatial relationships. It became one of the most popular toys of all time. The toy eventually made its international debut in 1980.
2. The Universal Product Code was first used in 1974
The Universal Product Code (also referred to as the UPC or barcode) was first used on the 26th of June 1974 at a Marsh Supermarket in Ohio in the United States. It was invented by Norman Joseph Woodland (who patented his idea in 1952). It was used on a package of Wrigley’s gum.
3. Mel Brooks’ film Blazing Saddles was the top-grossing movie of the year
Blazing Saddles is a satirical and irreverent Western comedy that parodies the genre while taking humorous jabs at racism, stereotypes, and societal conventions of the time.
The outrageous plot follows a Black railroad worker appointed as sheriff in a racist scheme, encountering an eccentric cast of characters. It’s known for breaking the fourth wall, slapstick humor, clever wordplay, and pushing boundaries with controversial but hilarious scenes like the “Candygram” sequence and genre-bending finale.
Despite its controversial humor, it’s considered a groundbreaking, influential comedy classic that challenged what was acceptable in mainstream cinema through its audacious satire.
4. Skittles were first released
1974 marked a colorful introduction to the confectionery landscape as this candy, with its tantalizing “rainbow of fruit flavors,” made its debut, tempting consumers with a vibrant array of tastes.
5. West Germany won the FIFA World Cup
The final match was played in Munich, West Germany. The host nation defeated the Netherlands by 2 goals to 1. West Germany became the first team to hoist the brand new gold FIFA World Cup trophy (which was crafted by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga and estimated to be worth a whopping $161,000 today). This same iconic trophy has been awarded to every FIFA World Cup winner since then.
6. Stephen King released his first novel
1974 saw the release of Carrie. In the novel an unpopular teenage girl named Carrie White (who is constantly bullied and abused by her classmates and religiously fanatical mother) discovers she has telekinetic abilities to move objects with her mind.
After a horrifying prank at the prom leaves her humiliated, she unleashes her powers in an uncontrolled rage, resulting in widespread death and destruction as she takes revenge on those who tormented her.
7. Richard Nixon Resigned as US President
On August 9, 1974, in a televised national address, Nixon became the only U.S. president to ever resign, stating it was necessary to begin healing the nation from the divisive two-year Watergate scandal.
Vice President Gerald Ford was immediately sworn in as the 38th president after Nixon left the White House, marking the culmination of one of the most notorious events in American political history.
8. The Terracotta Army was discovered in Xi’an, China
In March 1974, farmers accidentally uncovered pieces of a life-sized terracotta soldier figure while digging a well near Xi’an.
This led to the remarkable archaeological find of thousands of life-size terracotta warrior figures that were created to guard the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified ancient China.
It’s estimated there were over 8,000 soldier statues, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses buried with the emperor. Each figure was unique with incredible craftsmanship detailing their rank, facial features, and uniforms.
Dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Terracotta Army offered insight into ancient Chinese funerary practices and continues to be excavated, with portions displayed in a museum at the mausoleum site in Xi’an. The accidental discovery was an archaeological marvel revealing an army created over 2,000 years ago.
9. It was the year of the “Rumble In The Jungle”
The Rumble in the Jungle took place on October 30, 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo), promoted by Don King. It pitted 32-year-old former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali against the 25-year-old undefeated and fearsome reigning champion George Foreman.
In an unexpected strategy, Ali employed a “rope-a-dope” tactic, allowing Foreman to expend energy throwing punches while Ali laid back against the ropes. Then in the 8th round, a re-energized Ali unleashed a furious flurry, dropping Foreman for a knockout victory that stunned the world.
With over 1 billion viewers across 170 countries, Ali cemented his legacy as one of the greatest boxers ever with his ingenious tactics and improbable win over the heavily favored Foreman in Zaire. The landmark sporting and cultural event became known as one of Ali’s most legendary triumphs.
10. Some interesting things happened in South Africa
In 1974, the Muldergate Scandal exposed a secret government fund used to finance pro-apartheid propaganda and support allies of the racist regime.
In the same year, influential anti-apartheid activist Steven Biko was heavily restricted in his movements and activities after being banned by the authorities due to his activism against white minority rule.
1974 also so the foundation of the white supremacist paramilitary group, the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB) and the establishment of the KwaZulu homeland (one of the designated territories for stripping black South Africans of their citizenship and containing them in isolated areas).
11. Some really cool bands were formed in 1974
Three Legendary rock bands were formed in this year: Blondie, Cheap Trick and the Ramones.
12. Some cool bands broke up
The Moody Blues, King Crimson and The Stooges ( Iggy Pop’s highly influential proto-punk band) all broke up in this year.
13. Three Countries Gained Independence in 1974
In 1974, three nations achieved independence. Guinea-Bissau gained independence from Portugal on September 10, following an armed struggle. Earlier that year, on February 7, Grenada became an independent nation from the United Kingdom. Mozambique also secured its independence from Portugal on June 25, after a prolonged liberation war.
14. Turkey invaded Cyprus
Following a Greek-led coup in Cyprus, Turkey invaded the island in July 1974, leading to a division that remains to this day. The Northern part of the island declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey.
15. It was the year of the Ethiopian Revolution
In September 1974, a group of military officers known as the Derg overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie, ending centuries of monarchy in Ethiopia and leading to a prolonged period of political turmoil.
16. The Lucy Fossil was discovered in Ethiopia
In November 1974, paleoanthropologists Donald Johanson and Tom Gray discovered the fossil. It’s one of the oldest and most complete hominid skeletons. The skeleton provided significant insights into human evolution.
17. ABBA won the Eurovision contest
The Swedish pop group won the contest on April 6, 1974, with their song “Waterloo”. It propelled them to international fame.
18. There was a Super Outbreak of Tornadoes in the USA
In April 1974, the largest tornado outbreak in recorded history at the time occurred in the United States. It spanned over two days and produced 148 tornadoes across 13 states.
19. The year saw the release of some great albums
In 1974, David Bowie released Diamond Dogs, Barry White released Can’t Get Enough, Dolly Parton released Jolene, Lynyrd Skynyrd released Second Helping, Supertramp released Crime of the Century, Kiss released their self-titled debut album and Queen released Queen II.
20. Ted Bundy began his series of murders in 1974
Ted Bundy‘s first confirmed victim was Lynda Ann Healy, a student at the University of Washington, who disappeared on February 1. Throughout the year, Bundy continued his spree in Washington and Oregon.
21. It was the year of the Birmingham Pub Bombings
On November 21, 1974, bombs exploded in two pubs in Birmingham, England, killing 21 people and injuring 182 others. The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) was responsible, and the event significantly influenced public perception and counterterrorism measures in the UK.
Well, there you have it, 21 notable events that happened in 1974. If I’ve left out something important, feel free to comment below.
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