QUIZ: Can You Pass This 1970s History Test?
The 1970s was a special time in American History. The music legends were in their heydey. The film industry made the country terrified of water and long a for a “galaxy far far away.” There was also a presidential scandal and the end of a major war. And don’t forget that invention that made viewing and recording television at home possible. Think you know everyone we just referenced? If you do, then this is the quiz for you! Go grab your bell bottoms, lace-up your platform shoes, and test your knowledge of 1970s history.
Let’s get started! Tell us how you did in the comments!
This movie changed the way people looked at going to the beach.
A. Jaws
B. The Omen
C. The Beach
D. Suspiria
Answer: Jaws
Jaws came out in 1975 and scared a generation away from getting into the water. The film was Steven Spielberg’s first big hit and was even nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards!
This controversial figure was elected as President in 1972.
A. Nelson A. Rockefeller
B. Gerald Ford
C. Ronald Reagan
D. Richard Nixon
Answer: Richard Nixon
In 1972 Richard Nixon was elected President of the United States for his second term. In the coming years, his legacy would be clouded with controversy. Keep playing to see if you remember why!
This was the last manned mission to the moon.
A. Apollo 13
B. Apollo 15
C. Apollo 17
D. Apollo 19
Answer: Apollo 17
Apollo 17 landed on the moon in 1972. Its held a crew of three men; Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans, Commander Eugene Cernan, and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt.
With the Apollo Missions over, NASA launched its first space station. What was its name?
A. Genesis
B. Discovery
C. Gateway
D. Skylab
Answer: Skylab
Skylab launched in 1973 as NASA’s first space station. It functioned for six years running experiments in space. In 1979 it crashed back down to Earth.
Shortly after becoming President, Gerald Ford did this.
A. Pardoned Nixon
B. Increased the speed back limit to 65 mph
C. Signed the 27th Amendment
D. Vetoed the budget proposal, shutting down the government for weeks
Answer: Pardoned Nixon
In 1974 Gerald Ford gave former President Richard Nixon a full pardon for his actions while serving. Ford claimed the pardon was, “in the best interest of the country.”
The finale of this mini-series is the third highest-rated scripted telecast of all time.
A. Jesus of Nazareth
B. I, Claudius
C. Roots
D. Salem’s Lot
Answer: Roots
Roots aired in 1977 and instantly became a cultural phenomenon. The finale was watched by 36 million viewers. Overall, the miniseries was nominated for 37 Emmy Awards, winning nine.
Voting rights were expanded with the ratifying of this Amendment.
A. 22nd
B. 24th
C. 25th
D. 26th
Answer: 26th
The 26th Amendment decreased the national voting age to 18, giving the younger generation a greater say in national politics. It took just three months to be ratified, the least amount of time ever for an Amendment.
This rock icon “cried Mary” for the last time in 1970, dying at 27-years-old.
A. Kurt Cobain
B. Jimi Hendrix
C. Jim Morrison
D. Phil Lynott
Answer: Jimi Hendrix
Just 27-years-old, Jimi Hendrix died of a drug overdose in 1970. He is considered one of greatest rock and roll stars of all time and, sadly, is not the only member of the “27 Club” in this quiz.
In 1974 Babe Ruth’s home run record was broken by who?
A. Jackie Robinson
B. Frank Robinson
C. Hank Aaron
D. Harmon Killebrew
Answer: Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run in 1974, breaking Babe Ruth’s record of 714. When he finally retired, Aaron’s home run total reached 755.
President Richard Nixon enacted the “Nixon Shock,” ending this.
A. Tax breaks for small businesses
B. Interest limits on bank loans
C. Gold standard
D. Loan restrictions for students
Answer: Gold standard
The end of the gold standard was known as the “Nixon Shock.” The move was initially seen as a failure, and the value of American currency plummetted. Today the act is seen as a success for the floating currency market it created.
The U.S. Supreme Court made this ruling about the publication in New York Times vs. The United States.
A. Was allowed to publish the Pentagon Papers despite the President’s objection.
B. May criticize the President as an open editorial.
C. Must cease and desist its “uninformed investigation” of the President.
D. Was not allowed access to financial documents regarding the President it obtained.
Answer: Was allowed to publish the Pentagon Papers despite the President’s objection.
In 1971 the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the New York Times in the effort to publish the Pentagon Papers. The government had placed injunctions of the publication which were ruled unconstitutional.
This musician joined Hendrix in the “27 club” in 1970.
A. Rudy Lewis
B. Janis Joplin
C. Freddie Mercury
D. Nick Drake
Answer: Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin died on October 4, 1970, of a heroin overdose at 27-years-old. In 2004 Rolling Stone named her as the 46th greatest artist of all time. In 2008 they also named her the 28th greatest singer of all time.
In 1972, what country did Nixon visit in a historic seven-day trip?
A. Germany
B. South Korea
C. Japan
D. China
Answer: China
Richard Nixon visited the People’s Republic of China in 1972, marking the end of 25 years of silence between the countries. The visit helped rebuild the United States relationship with China, increasing its leverage over Russia.
In the same year, this scandal rocked the White House.
A. Watergate
B. Ritz
C. Hilton
D. Marriot
Answer: Watergate
The Watergate scandal rocked the nation when five men were arrested for the burglary of headquarters of the Democratic National Convention at the Watergate Hotel.
This document ended the United States military involvement in the Vietnam War.
A. Vietnam Peace Treaty
B. Paris Peace Accords
C. Paris Peace Treaty
D. Vietnam Peace Accords
Answer: Paris Peace Accords
In 1973 the Paris Peace Accords were agreed upon by the Vietnamese and American Governments. The accords ended the United States military involvement in the war and would have ended the war, but was not ratified.
Who did Gerald Ford take over the Vice Presidency from in 1973?
A. Spiro T. Agnew
B. Ronald Reagan
C. Norman Rockefeller
D. George H.W. Bush
Answer: Spiro T. Agnew
Spiro T. Agnew resigned from his office of Vice President one year after the Watergate Scandal broke. He was forced to resign in disgrace after agreeing to a plea bargain with the Attorney General.
What major software company was founded in 1975?
A. Microsoft
B. Apple
C. Lenovo
D. Hewlett Packard
Answer: Microsoft
Bill Gates founded Microsoft in 1975. It is one of the most successful computer software and manufacturers of all time. Apple was founded one year later in April 1976.
In 1974, the Watergate Scandal forced President Nixon to do this.
A. Flee the country
B. Resign from his office
C. Take a “leave of absence”
D. Spend 30 days in jail
Answer: Resign from his office
President Nixon was forced to resign as President because of the Watergate Scandal. Gerald Ford took his place as the new Commander in Chief.
With Gerald Ford in place as President, who took over as Vice President?
A. Ronald Reagan
B. Spiro T. Agnew
C. Jimmy Carter
D. Nelson A. Rockefeller
Answer: Nelson A. Rockefeller
Nelson A. Rockefeller became just the second person to be named Vice President under the 25th Amendment. The first was Gerald Ford after Spiro T. Agnew resigned.
What was the 1974 Super Outbreak?
A. Thirteen states are hit by the second largest series of tornados
B. The rapid spread of a new flu bug
C. An influx of exotic animals bring 100s of new viruses to the United States
D. A record number of earthquakes occur along the west coast
Answer: Thirteen states are hit by the second largest series of tornados
The 1974 Super Outbreak saw 148 tornados hit 13 states and one Canadian province. Overall, 315 people were killed and over 5,000 were injured.
