What Was Liverpool Like in 1970?
In the 1970s Liverpool suffered from severe economic decline, resulting in poverty and unemployment. However, at the same time there was a rise in music and fashion.
During the economic recession, the docks and manufacturers, which were major employers, went into decline and created unemployment and poverty. The unemployment and poverty resulted in social problems and riots. Adults either had to struggle with jobs that paid very little or live on the dole, welfare money from the government.
It was this brutal choice and poverty that inspired the fashion and music boom in Liverpool during the 1970s. Fashion and music were not only an escape from reality, but also a way for young people to express their creativity. Teenagers would dress up with clothing found at second-hand and army surplus stores and go out on the weekends. Emerging fashion scenes included New Romantic and Goth. Listening to live music was the favored activity, and punk rock and rockabilly were especially popular.
Despite the economic downturn, Liverpool was still a major port when it came to trading with North America. A redevelopment of the dock area and promoting Liverpool as a tourist destination helped to eventually pull the city out of its recession.
