50 iconic photos of the 1970s, from the 'Battle of the Sexes' to the breakup of The Beatles

Erin McDowellOct 8, 2020, 22:15 IST

The cast of "The Partridge Family" in 1970.Walt Disney Television/Getty Images

The 1970s saw social progress, activism, political upheaval, and a new kind of pop culture.
Disco was hot, and stars like Sonny Bono, Cher, and the casts of "Charlie's Angels" and "The Partridge Family" dominated television screens nationwide.
Notable figures like Mother Teresa, Margaret Thatcher, and Steve Jobs all reached new heights during the decade.

The 1970s were a time of social change, disco anthems, and many, many firsts.

Iconic Hollywood films like "Star Wars," "Saturday Night Fever," and "The Godfather" were all released during the decade, while legends like Mother Teresa and Harvey Milk received national attention for their activism.

Here are 50 photos that define the 1970s.

On January 12, 1970, a Boeing 747 arrived at London's Heathrow Airport. It marked the jumbo jet's first commercial transatlantic flight.

Boeing 747 arrives at London's Heathrow Airport in January 1970. Rolls Press/Popperfoto/Getty Images

On April 17, 1970, the Apollo 13 astronauts landed safely in the Pacific Ocean, four days after an oxygen tank explosion upended their mission.

Apollo 13 astronauts treading water as they await their recovery helicopter in 1970. Time Life Pictures/NASA/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

The '70s marked a turning point for environmentalism.

A crowd of people gathers near a large poster at the first Earth Day conservation awareness celebration in New York on April 22, 1970. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The 1970s were a time of social change, sparked by activist movements of the previous decade.

The Women's Equality March on August 26, 1970. John Olson/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Billie Jean King triumphed against Bobby Riggs in the highly publicized "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match in 1973.

Billie Jean King with Bobby Riggs in 1973. Jim Garrett/NY Daily News/Getty Images

The first gay rights march in New York City was held on June 28, 1970.

A gay rights march in New York, 1975. Peter Keegan/Getty Images

Counterculture groups like the hippies flourished in the 1970s.

"Hippies" circa 1970. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Protests against the Vietnam War continued throughout the early years of the decade.

Students at the base of Blanket Hill, during an anti-war demonstration at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio. Howard Ruffner/Getty Images

Up until the end of the Vietnam War, unrest over the United States' participation resulted in many "anti-war" actions.

Antiwar demonstrators burn their draft cards on the steps of the Pentagon in 1972. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

On June 13, 1971, the New York Times began publishing information about the Vietnam War revealed in the Pentagon Papers.

William Frazee makes a "V" for victory in 1971 after hearing the Supreme Court's decision on publishing the Pentagon Papers. Getty Images

President Nixon became the first US president to visit the People's Republic of China in 1972.

President Nixon eating with Premier Chou En-lai and Shanghai Communist Party leader Chang Chun-Chiao in 1972. Getty Images

The Fall of Saigon in 1975 acted as the last crescendo in the Vietnam War as American diplomats, Marine guards, and contractors were airlifted out of the city.

Evacuees board a helicopter after the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Getty Images

Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned from his office in 1973.

Vice President Spiro Agnew the day after resigning his office in 1973. David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

In 1971, Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland, Florida, opened.

Julie Andrews performs on Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom in 1971. NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

In 1970, the world was shocked when Paul McCartney announced the Beatles had broken up.

An Evening News night special headline announces Paul McCartney's statement on the Beatles split, circa 1970. RDImages/Epics/Getty Images

Simon and Garfunkel went out with a bang with "Bridge Over Troubled Water," one of the best-selling albums of the decade.

Arthur Garfunkel and Paul Simon at the 1971 Grammy Awards. Getty Images

"The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," starring husband-and-wife singing duo Sonny Bono and Cher, premiered in August 1971.

Cher performs on "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" in 1972. CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

Elton John was one of the most popular artists of the 1970s.

Elton John performing on stage in 1973. David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images

In 1976, the Ramones released their self-titled debut album.

The Ramones in 1970. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

On seemingly the other side of the musical spectrum, Swedish pop group ABBA formed in 1972.

Swedish pop group ABBA in 1974. Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

After leaving the '60s girl group The Supremes, Diana Ross shot to stardom as a solo artist.

Diana Ross in 1975. Harry Langdon/Getty Images

The Village People was another popular music group of the time.

The Village People pose for a Casablanca Records publicity shot in 1978. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Disco and dance clubs like Studio 54 reached new heights in the '70s.

Bianca Jagger rides in on a white horse during her birthday celebrations at Studio 54 in New York, May 1977. Rose Hartman/Getty Images

On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley passed away.

The funeral of Elvis Presley is held in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 18, 1977. Gilbert UZAN/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

In 1977, Prince Charles was dating Lady Sarah Spencer.

Prince Charles and Lady Sarah Spencer in 1977. Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis/Getty Images

Barbra Streisand was one of the biggest stars of the decade, culminating in her Oscar win for best original song at the 49th Academy Awards in 1977.

Paul Williams and Barbra Streisand holding their Oscars for Best Original Song, with presenter Neil Diamond, at the 49th Academy Awards. Fotos International/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Fleetwood Mac released the band's highly acclaimed album "Rumours" in 1977.

Fleetwood Mac wins the album of the year award at the 20th Grammy Awards in 1978. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The 1970s was the decade of the power couple.

John Lennon, Yoko Ono, James Taylor, and Carly Simon in 1977. Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images

Beverly Johnson became the first Black Vogue cover model in 1974.

Beverly Johnson in Vogue, circa 1974. Francesco Scavullo/Condé Nast/Getty Images

One of Hollywood's greatest masterpieces, "The Godfather," was released in 1972.

A scene from "The Godfather," released in 1972. Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" was released on September 25, 1975.

Tim Curry on the set of the movie "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" in 1975. Stanley Bielecki Movie Collection/Getty Images

"Saturday Night Fever" hit theaters on December 12, 1977.

John Travolta dances with Karen Lynn Gorney in a scene from the movie "Saturday Night Fever." Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Following his breakout success from "Saturday Night Fever," John Travolta appeared in another iconic '70s movie — "Grease."

A still from the Paramount film "Grease" in 1978. Paramount Pictures/Fotos International/Getty Images

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the world changed forever when "Star Wars" hit theaters in 1977.

Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford on the set of "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope." Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

"Charlie's Angels" enjoyed huge popularity after its release in 1976.

The cast of "Charlie's Angels." Walt Disney Television/Getty Images

"The Partridge Family" aired for the first time on September 25, 1970.

The cast of "The Partridge Family" in 1970. Walt Disney Television/Getty Images

"Saturday Night Live" premiered on October 11, 1975, with host George Carlin.

Ron Nessen and Chevy Chase perform during an Oval Office skit on "Saturday Night Live" in 1975. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Muhammad Ali boxed against undefeated world heavyweight champion George Foreman in what was known as The Rumble in the Jungle.

Muhammad Ali boxes during The Rumble in the Jungle on October 30, 1974. Ken Regan /Walt Disney Television/Getty Images

In 1974, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves beat Babe Ruth's legendary home-run record.

Hank Aaron holds up the ball that broke Babe Ruth's home run record in 1974. Getty Images

On July 5, 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first Black tennis player to win Wimbledon.

Arthur Ashe holds up the Gentlemen's Singles Trophy after winning Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in 1975. Chris Smith/Popperfoto/Getty Images

The Sears Tower in Chicago became the then-tallest building in the world upon its completion in 1973.

An ironworker constructing the top floors of the 110-story Sears Tower in 1973. Getty Images

Fireworks filled the night sky over New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty during America's Bicentennial celebration in 1976.

America's Bicentennial in New York on July 4, 1976. Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images

On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne officially incorporated Apple Computer Inc.

Apple Computer cofounder Steve Jobs in 1979. Ralph Morse/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown became the first human to be born through in vitro fertilization, or IVF.

A man reads a newspaper with the front page-story about Louise Brown in 1978. Philippe ACHACHE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

In 1979, scientists at the City of Hope National Medical Center developed a way to create a novel gene that could be coded for human insulin.

The City of Hope scientists in 1979. Getty Images

Harvey Milk is one of the most recognized American politicians of the '70s and the first openly gay elected official in the history of California. His assassination would spark a national conversation on gay rights and discrimination.

Harvey Milk sits outside his camera shop in San Francisco in 1977. Getty Images

Harvey Milk is one of the most recognized American politicians of the '70s and the first openly gay elected official in the history of California. His assassination would spark a national conversation on gay rights and discrimination.

Pope John Paul II was elected on October 16, 1978.

Pope John Paul II in 1979. Getty Images

Margaret Thatcher became prime minister of the United Kingdom on May 4, 1979.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher following her election victory, on May 4, 1979, in London, England. Tim Graham/Getty Images

The trial of serial killer Ted Bundy captivated the nation in 1979.

Ted Bundy confers with his defense attorneys on the opening day of his trial in 1979. Getty Images

Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Mother Teresa and the poor in Calcutta, India, in October 1979. Jean-Claude FRANCOLON/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

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50 iconic photos of the 1970s, from the 'Battle of the Sexes' to the breakup of The Beatles

On January 12, 1970, a Boeing 747 arrived at London's Heathrow Airport. It marked the jumbo jet's first commercial transatlantic flight.

On April 17, 1970, the Apollo 13 astronauts landed safely in the Pacific Ocean, four days after an oxygen tank explosion upended their mission.

The '70s marked a turning point for environmentalism.

The 1970s were a time of social change, sparked by activist movements of the previous decade.

Billie Jean King triumphed against Bobby Riggs in the highly publicized "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match in 1973.

The first gay rights march in New York City was held on June 28, 1970.

Counterculture groups like the hippies flourished in the 1970s.

Protests against the Vietnam War continued throughout the early years of the decade.

Up until the end of the Vietnam War, unrest over the United States' participation resulted in many "anti-war" actions.

On June 13, 1971, the New York Times began publishing information about the Vietnam War revealed in the Pentagon Papers.

President Nixon became the first US president to visit the People's Republic of China in 1972.

The Fall of Saigon in 1975 acted as the last crescendo in the Vietnam War as American diplomats, Marine guards, and contractors were airlifted out of the city.

Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned from his office in 1973.

In 1971, Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland, Florida, opened.

In 1970, the world was shocked when Paul McCartney announced the Beatles had broken up.

Simon and Garfunkel went out with a bang with "Bridge Over Troubled Water," one of the best-selling albums of the decade.

"The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," starring husband-and-wife singing duo Sonny Bono and Cher, premiered in August 1971.

Elton John was one of the most popular artists of the 1970s.

In 1976, the Ramones released their self-titled debut album.

On seemingly the other side of the musical spectrum, Swedish pop group ABBA formed in 1972.

After leaving the '60s girl group The Supremes, Diana Ross shot to stardom as a solo artist.

The Village People was another popular music group of the time.

Disco and dance clubs like Studio 54 reached new heights in the '70s.

On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley passed away.

In 1977, Prince Charles was dating Lady Sarah Spencer.

Barbra Streisand was one of the biggest stars of the decade, culminating in her Oscar win for best original song at the 49th Academy Awards in 1977.

Fleetwood Mac released the band's highly acclaimed album "Rumours" in 1977.

The 1970s was the decade of the power couple.

Beverly Johnson became the first Black Vogue cover model in 1974.

One of Hollywood's greatest masterpieces, "The Godfather," was released in 1972.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" was released on September 25, 1975.

"Saturday Night Fever" hit theaters on December 12, 1977.

Following his breakout success from "Saturday Night Fever," John Travolta appeared in another iconic '70s movie — "Grease."

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the world changed forever when "Star Wars" hit theaters in 1977.

"Charlie's Angels" enjoyed huge popularity after its release in 1976.

"The Partridge Family" aired for the first time on September 25, 1970.

"Saturday Night Live" premiered on October 11, 1975, with host George Carlin.

Muhammad Ali boxed against undefeated world heavyweight champion George Foreman in what was known as The Rumble in the Jungle.

In 1974, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves beat Babe Ruth's legendary home-run record.

On July 5, 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first Black tennis player to win Wimbledon.

The Sears Tower in Chicago became the then-tallest building in the world upon its completion in 1973.

Fireworks filled the night sky over New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty during America's Bicentennial celebration in 1976.

On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne officially incorporated Apple Computer Inc.

On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown became the first human to be born through in vitro fertilization, or IVF.

In 1979, scientists at the City of Hope National Medical Center developed a way to create a novel gene that could be coded for human insulin.

Harvey Milk is one of the most recognized American politicians of the '70s and the first openly gay elected official in the history of California. His assassination would spark a national conversation on gay rights and discrimination.

Pope John Paul II was elected on October 16, 1978.

Margaret Thatcher became prime minister of the United Kingdom on May 4, 1979.

The trial of serial killer Ted Bundy captivated the nation in 1979.

Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.