Dictator Francisco Franco dies; Juan Carlos I becomes king and Spain begins its transition to democracy.
A largely bloodless military coup in Lisbon overthrows the Estado Novo dictatorship, leading to democracy in Portugal and the independence of its African colonies.
The Anglo-French supersonic airliner Concorde begins commercial passenger flights.
The United States, North and South Vietnam and the Provisional Revolutionary Government sign an agreement ending direct US involvement in the war.
After strikes at the Gdańsk shipyard, Poland's government accepts the right to form independent trade unions, opening the way for Lech Wałęsa's Solidarity movement.
A period of political liberalisation in Czechoslovakia under Alexander Dubček ends when Warsaw Pact armies invade the country.
Student protests and a nationwide general strike shake France, leaving a lasting mark on its culture and society.