World Events in 1971
Decimalisation in the United Kingdom
On 15 February, Britain switched from pounds, shillings, and pence to a decimal currency. Shopkeepers displayed dual prices for months and many older Britons never fully adjusted, convinced the changeover was used to push up prices.
Nixon ends the gold standard
President Nixon suspended the convertibility of the US dollar to gold, effectively ending the Bretton Woods system that had governed international finance since 1944. The 'Nixon Shock' led to floating exchange rates and reshaped the global economy.
Indo-Pakistani War and the birth of Bangladesh
India intervened in the Bangladesh Liberation War, leading to a thirteen-day conflict with Pakistan. Pakistan's surrender in Dhaka on 16 December resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
Idi Amin seizes power in Uganda
General Idi Amin overthrew President Milton Obote in a military coup while Obote was attending a Commonwealth summit. Initially welcomed by some, Amin's regime would become one of the most brutal dictatorships in African history.
The Pentagon Papers published
The New York Times began publishing classified documents revealing the US government had systematically lied about the Vietnam War. Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the papers, became a hero to the anti-war movement and a target of the Nixon administration.
Music in 1971
"Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep"
Middle of the Road
This infectiously catchy pop song topped the UK charts for five weeks in the summer of 1971, becoming one of the year's best-selling singles despite critical disdain.
"Joy to the World"
Three Dog Night
Written by Hoyt Axton, this exuberant singalong topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks and became the best-selling US single of 1971.
#1 Film of 1971
Fiddler on the Roof
Box Office: $83 million
The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical about a Jewish milkman in Tsarist Russia won three Academy Awards and was the highest-grossing film of 1971.
Born in 1971
Ewan McGregor
Scottish actor (Trainspotting, Star Wars prequels, Moulin Rouge!)
Tupac Shakur
Hugely influential rapper, actor, and cultural icon
David Tennant
Actor best known as the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who
Missy Elliott
Pioneering rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer
Sacha Baron Cohen
Comedian and actor (Ali G, Borat)
Lost in 1971
Jim Morrison
Lead singer of The Doors
Age 27
Louis Armstrong
Jazz trumpeter and singer, one of the most influential musicians in history
Age 69
Coco Chanel
French fashion designer who revolutionised women's clothing
Age 87
Igor Stravinsky
Pioneering Russian-born composer (The Rite of Spring)
Age 88
Technology in 1971
The microprocessor was born when Intel released the 4004 chip, though its impact would not be felt for years. Email was sent for the first time on ARPANET. Most homes still used rotary-dial telephones, and the pocket calculator was just reaching consumers at eye-watering prices.
- ● Intel releases the 4004, the first commercial microprocessor
- ● Ray Tomlinson sends the first network email on ARPANET
- ● The Lunar Roving Vehicle is driven on the Moon during Apollo 15
- ● Texas Instruments launches one of the first pocket calculators
Cost of Living in 1971
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £5,632 | $25,200 |
| Average salary | £1,720 | $9,400 |
| Pint of milk | 5p | $0.34 |
| Loaf of bread | 10p | $0.25 |
| Dozen eggs | 27p | $0.53 |
| Pint of beer | 13p | $0.70 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | 34p | $0.36 |
| Cinema ticket | 33p | $1.65 |
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The Zeitgeist of 1971
Britain went decimal on 15 February, confusing shoppers nationwide. Hot pants and maxi skirts competed on the high street, while Benny Hill and Morecambe & Wise dominated Saturday night TV. Arsenal completed the League and FA Cup double, and the Open University welcomed its first students.
In the News in 1971
Idi Amin seized power in Uganda while President Obote was abroad. The New York Times began publishing the Pentagon Papers, revealing secret US involvement in Vietnam. Sixty-six fans were killed in the Ibrox disaster at a Rangers vs Celtic match in Glasgow.