The United States was a country in conflict in 1972. But although the Vietnam War draft forced many young men away from their families, society carried on and new social movements set the decade up for a period of cultural revolution.
Here are 26 photos of life in 1972 that the history books won't show you.
1
College Students
Messing around in 1972.
2
A Mustang and a Date
Couple in 1972.
3
In the Supermarket
59 cent Lays potato chips, in a box.
4
Two Friends
And their Plymouth.
5
Hippie Couple
Chilling in 1972.
6
Wendy’s Employees
An ad in 1972.
7
Having a Treat Break
Detroit, 1972.
8
“Smoking Area”
A South Charleston West Virginia high school.
9
“My Uncle Bernie in 1972”
“After painting the house.”
10
Richard Cavette
Interviewing Raquel Welch.
11
George Carlin
Arrested After performing “The Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television.”
12
Going to Prom
Young couple in 1972.
13
Posing on the Porch
An old country store, 1972.
14
Derry Girl
Mocking a British soldier for being short, Creggan, Derry, 1972.
15
Wildwood New Jersey
Boardwalk, 1972.
16
A New Couple
Excited in 1972.
17
Packed In
Kids in a station wagon, 1972.
18
Pretending to be Evel Knievel
Sherwood Park, AB, 1972.
20
Suit Shopping
An S.S. Kresge Ad.
21
Christmas Morning
A happy kid in 1972.
22
First Day of School
A kid in 1972.
23
The Back Porch
A family relaxing in 1972.
24
Red White and Blue
A bartender in 1972.
25
Sonny and Cher
The Michigan State Fair, 1972.
26
Fancy Drill Sergeant
Platoon photo, 1972.
