When Disney World opened in Orlando, Florida for the first time, it did so with the news of increased American activity in Vietnam hanging over everything. (Per the freshly released Pentagon Papers.)
1971 saw an America in contrast with itself. While much of the country celebrated peacetime spoils, young men flew around the world to fight in a losing war.
Here are 21 photos of life in 1971 that your history books probably skipped.
1
Girlfriends
Hanging out in 1971.
2
Dudes on the Couch
Vibing in 1971.
3
First Day of School
A teacher in 1971.
4
Electric Football
A happy kid on Christmas.
5
Dressing Up
Girlfriends in 1971.
6
“My Motorcycle and My Girlfriend”
The essentials in 1971.
7
Two Sisters
Stylish in 1971.
8
A Camping Trip
A mom and her daughter, and a mini in 1971.
9
A Woman and Her Records
A music lover in 1971.
10
A Young Couple
A wedding day, USSR, Ukraine, 1971.
11
A Mom and Her Son
And a bunny, 1971.
12
Extended Family
Group photo in 1971.
13
A Girl and Her Charger
A polaroid in 1971.
14
Packed in a Station Wagon
Riding in style in 1971.
15
“My Dad”
In Vietnam in 1971.
16
A Vietnam Veteran
Throwing his war medal at the Capitol building in protest of the war. April 23, 1971.
17
Family Photo
A couple and their pets, 1971.
18
New Washer and Dryer
Appliances in 1971. They’re probably still going today.
19
Happy Women
Getting an award from Jimmy Carter.
20
Happy Couple
On their way to their honeymoon, 1971.
21
Baby on the Beach
Fashionable in 1971.
