The 1970s was the decade of lava lamps and shag carpets. At the same time, it was also a study in contradictions: austerity, campy colors, nature-loving hippies, and high-tech futurism. War and social change continued to shape society.

Notable cultural events of the 1970s included the debut of the sports network ESPN and the release of the film classics The Godfather and Star Wars. Jaws made movie news by becoming the first summer blockbuster.

The 1970s was a busy period for American cultural actors. Many of its most enduring successes come from the films and music of the time, which saw explosions of disco and Star Wars, southern rock and mob movies, like The Godfather. TV shows also emerged that challenged the status quo of rural material of the 1960s.