World Events in 1973
UK joins the European Economic Community
On 1 January, Britain formally became a member of the EEC alongside Ireland and Denmark. The accession was deeply divisive, with Labour promising a referendum, and the debate over Europe would shape British politics for the next five decades.
Yom Kippur War and the oil crisis
Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. In retaliation for Western support of Israel, Arab oil-producing nations imposed an embargo that quadrupled oil prices and triggered a global economic crisis.
Chilean coup — Allende overthrown by Pinochet
General Augusto Pinochet led a US-backed military coup against President Salvador Allende on 11 September. Allende died during the assault on the presidential palace, and Pinochet's subsequent dictatorship killed and tortured thousands.
US withdraws from Vietnam
The Paris Peace Accords were signed in January, and the last American combat troops left Vietnam on 29 March. The agreement did not end the fighting between North and South Vietnam, but it ended direct US military involvement.
Three-day week announced in Britain
Facing severe energy shortages due to the oil crisis and a miners' overtime ban, Prime Minister Edward Heath limited commercial electricity use to three days a week from December. Television broadcasts ended at 10:30pm and the nation shivered through a grim winter.
Music in 1973
"Blockbuster!"
Sweet
This glam rock stomper topped the UK charts for five weeks at the start of 1973, with its driving beat and catchy chorus making it one of the defining hits of the era.
"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree"
Tony Orlando and Dawn
This sentimental pop song spent four weeks at number one and became the best-selling US single of 1973, later adopted as a symbol for returning soldiers and hostages.
#1 Film of 1973
The Exorcist
Box Office: $193 million
William Friedkin's horror masterpiece about a possessed girl terrified audiences worldwide, caused walkouts and fainting in cinemas, and became the highest-grossing film of 1973.
Born in 1973
Pharrell Williams
Grammy-winning musician and producer (Happy, Get Lucky)
Paul Walker
Actor best known for the Fast & Furious franchise
Monica Bellucci
Italian actress and model (Malena, The Matrix Reloaded)
Neil Patrick Harris
Actor (Doogie Howser, How I Met Your Mother)
Tyra Banks
Supermodel, TV host, and creator of America's Next Top Model
Lost in 1973
Bruce Lee
Martial arts legend and film star
Age 32
Pablo Picasso
Revolutionary artist and co-founder of Cubism
Age 91
J.R.R. Tolkien
Author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
Age 81
Lyndon B. Johnson
36th President of the United States
Age 64
Noel Coward
English playwright, composer, and entertainer
Age 73
Technology in 1973
Xerox PARC developed the Alto, an experimental personal computer with a graphical user interface, though it never reached consumers. The Ethernet networking concept was invented at Xerox PARC. Concorde made its first transatlantic crossing, and barcodes were being standardised for retail use.
- ● Xerox PARC develops the Alto personal computer prototype
- ● Ethernet invented by Robert Metcalfe at Xerox PARC
- ● Motorola demonstrates the first handheld mobile phone prototype
- ● The Universal Product Code (barcode) is standardised for retail
Cost of Living in 1973
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £9,942 | $32,500 |
| Average salary | £2,200 | $10,800 |
| Pint of milk | 5p | $0.37 |
| Loaf of bread | 12p | $0.27 |
| Dozen eggs | 30p | $0.78 |
| Pint of beer | 15p | $0.80 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | 38p | $0.39 |
| Cinema ticket | 40p | $1.75 |
Shop 1973 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon
The Zeitgeist of 1973
Glam rock reached its peak with Slade, Sweet, and Wizzard dominating the charts, while progressive rock bands like Pink Floyd released increasingly ambitious albums. The kung fu craze swept cinemas following Bruce Lee films, and fashion favoured tank tops, cheese-cloth shirts, and enormous collars. Sunderland's shock FA Cup final victory over Leeds became one of football's greatest upsets.
In the News in 1973
Britain, Ireland, and Denmark formally joined the European Economic Community on 1 January. Skylab, America's first space station, launched into orbit. The Sydney Opera House was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II after sixteen years of construction.