Are you ready to test your knowledge of a transformative era in British history? This week's Sunday quiz delves into the pivotal 1970s, a decade of power cuts, political upheaval, and legendary music, with a bonus round focusing on the iconic 1960s. From 'Stairway to Heaven' to the Winter of Discontent, see how many questions you can answer correctly.
The Tumultuous 1970s: Politics, Power, and Punk
The 1970s in the United Kingdom were defined by economic challenges and significant social change. The decade began with a major constitutional shift as the UK formally joined the European Economic Community (EEC) on 1 January 1973. However, the era is perhaps best remembered for industrial strife. The Three-Day Week was imposed in the winter of 1973-74 due to industrial action by miners and an energy crisis, severely limiting electricity use.
This period of unrest culminated in the Winter of Discontent in 1978-79, where widespread strikes brought the country to a standstill. The face of militant union opposition during this time was the powerful trade union leader Jack Jones. The political landscape was volatile, with Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath defeated in both general elections held in 1974.
Cultural Landmarks and Iconic Figures
Amid the turmoil, British culture flourished. The rock band Led Zeppelin released their epic song 'Stairway to Heaven' in November 1971. In film, Steven Spielberg's blockbuster 'Jaws' terrified audiences in 1975, while Stephen King published his bestselling debut novel 'Carrie' in 1974.
On television, gritty realism arrived with police drama 'The Sweeney' in 1975, while Ronnie Barker delighted viewers in the sitcom 'Open All Hours'. Children were captivated by 'The Wombles', the eco-conscious creatures who first aired in 1973. A landmark in safety law was also achieved with the Health and Safety at Work Act passed in 1974.
The feminist movement gained powerful voices, inspired by the influential book 'The Female Eunuch' by Germaine Greer, published in 1970. Globally, Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work. In transport, the M4 motorway's longest section opened in 1972, improving links to the South West, and the Concorde made its first commercial flight in 1976.
Bonus Round: The Swinging Sixties
Our bonus round turns the clock back to the 1960s. The musical group The Drifters had the 1964 hit 'Under the Boardwalk'. In politics, the Labour Party was in power for most of the decade, winning elections in 1964 and 1966. Fashion was revolutionised by designer Mary Quant, who popularised the mini skirt.
Key events included the abolition of the death penalty for murder in 1965 and the end of National Service in 1963. The decade saw the rise of Brutalist architecture and the satire boom, led by TV's 'That Was The Week That Was'. Iconic models like Twiggy defined the 'Swinging Sixties' look, while the BBC launched both BBC2 in 1964 and 'Doctor Who' in 1963.
How did you score? This quiz offers just a glimpse into two dynamic decades that shaped modern Britain, from the counterculture of the 60s to the industrial battles of the 70s. Why not explore more of our regular features for gardening tips, money-saving advice, and your weekly horoscope?
