Looking back 50 years ago – May 1975

Launch of the Family Court of Australia (May 1)

On May 1, 1975, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam officially launched the Family Court of Australia, a groundbreaking legal reform aimed at reshaping how family law disputes were resolved in the country. Established under the Family Law Act 1975, the court introduced a more humane and less adversarial approach to issues like divorce, child custody, and property settlements. The court’s creation came during a time of social change in Australia, when attitudes toward marriage, gender roles, and parental rights were rapidly evolving.

One of its most significant changes was the introduction of “no-fault divorce,” allowing couples to legally separate without proving wrongdoing—a concept that was radical at the time. The Family Court also emphasised child welfare and introduced specialist judges and support services, including counseling and mediation. Though widely praised, it was not without controversy. Some critics argued that the court’s emphasis on alternative dispute resolution diluted the seriousness of legal matters, and it has faced political challenges over the decades. Nonetheless, the Family Court set an international precedent for how family law could be reimagined. It reflected Whitlam’s broader agenda of progressive reform and remains a central institution in Australian legal and social life.

Check out our other nostalgic articles here – reminiscing 50 years ago.

West German Embassy Siege in Stockholm by the Red Army Faction (May 2)

On May 2, 1975, the West German Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, was stormed by members of the Red Army Faction (RAF)—a far-left militant group from West Germany also known as the Baader-Meinhof Group. The operation was an attempt to force the West German government to release 26 imprisoned RAF members. Six RAF militants, calling themselves “Kommando Holger Meins,” took 12 hostages, including diplomats and staff. The crisis escalated when explosives planted in the embassy were detonated—killing two hostages and two of the terrorists. The siege ended in chaos and public outcry, and the surviving attackers were captured. The incident was broadcast live across Europe, heightening fear of political extremism and exposing weaknesses in diplomatic security protocols. It was a pivotal moment in the history of post-war European terrorism, part of a wave of radical left-wing violence across the continent in the 1970s. The German government refused to negotiate, a stance that would shape their response to terrorism in years to come. The RAF continued its activities for another two decades, but the embassy siege remains one of its most infamous and high-profile actions, symbolising the tensions of Cold War-era radicalism and anti-imperialist sentiment.

Victoria Floods in Australia (May 9)

In early May 1975, parts of Victoria, Australia, experienced severe flooding due to days of relentless rain, with the most devastating effects felt on May 9. The northeast region of the state—including towns like Shepparton and Benalla—suffered substantial property damage and infrastructure loss. Rivers such as the Goulburn and Broken burst their banks, flooding farmland, cutting off communities, and forcing evacuations. Emergency services and volunteers worked around the clock to assist residents and contain the disaster. The state government mobilised relief efforts and funding to support recovery and rebuilding. For many Victorians, the floods evoked memories of previous major flood events, highlighting the need for better planning, drainage systems, and river management.

The disaster also exposed the vulnerability of rural areas and the reliance of communities on timely weather forecasting and communication infrastructure. In the aftermath, discussions around climate variability, rural development, and emergency preparedness became more prominent in Victorian public policy. While not as nationally devastating as Cyclone Tracy had been just months earlier, the May 1975 floods were a significant natural disaster that reinforced the unpredictable nature of Australia’s climate and the importance of responsive local governance.

Junko Tabei Becomes the First Woman to Summit Mount Everest (May 16)

On May 16, 1975, Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, achieving a groundbreaking milestone in the world of adventure and gender equality. As part of a women-only Japanese climbing expedition, Tabei overcame a near-death experience just days before the summit when an avalanche buried her camp at 6,300 metres. Despite injuries and exhaustion, she pressed on and reached the summit at 8,848 metres with Sherpa guide Ang Tsering. Tabei’s achievement challenged long-standing gender roles in mountaineering and became an inspiration to women worldwide.

She went on to become the first woman to climb the Seven Summits (the highest peaks on every continent). Tabei’s ascent was not only a personal triumph but a major cultural moment in Japan, a nation with deep reverence for endurance and nature. She later became an advocate for environmental conservation, especially concerning mountain ecosystems. Her climb coincided with a broader global conversation about women’s rights and equality during the 1970s, making her feat even more resonant on the world stage. Today, Junko Tabei is remembered not just for standing atop Everest, but for her role in opening paths for generations of women in outdoor pursuits and beyond. Junko died at the age of 77 in 2016.

India Launches Aryabhata – Its First Satellite (May 16)

On May 16, 1975, India launched Aryabhata, its first indigenously developed satellite, marking the country’s formal entry into the global space race. Named after the 5th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer, Aryabhata was launched from the Soviet Union using a Kosmos-3M launch vehicle. Although the satellite experienced a power failure just four days after launch, it still completed most of its objectives and symbolised a proud scientific achievement for a developing nation. The launch was a product of India’s collaboration with the USSR during the Cold War era, reflecting both strategic diplomacy and a national aspiration for technological self-reliance.

Did you know that McDonald’s used to have a PB&J sandwich on their menu?
That’s a peanut butter and jam sandwich for us Aussies

Aryabhata’s mission focused on X-ray astronomy, solar physics, and atmospheric studies. Its success laid the groundwork for India’s rapidly advancing space program, including the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a global player in satellite development and launch services. For a nation dealing with economic challenges and political turmoil during the 1970s, the Aryabhata mission provided a sense of pride and progress. Today, Aryabhata is remembered as a foundational achievement in Indian science, a stepping stone to future missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, and a symbol of India’s capability to innovate on the world stage.

Cambodia Renamed Democratic Kampuchea by Khmer Rouge (May 20)

On May 20, 1975, just a month after seizing power, the Khmer Rouge regime officially renamed Cambodia to Democratic Kampuchea, symbolising a brutal ideological transformation under the leadership of Pol Pot. This change marked the beginning of one of the most tragic chapters in Southeast Asian history. The Khmer Rouge sought to erase Cambodia’s past and rebuild society according to radical Maoist principles. Cities were emptied, money and private property abolished, and intellectuals and professionals targeted in a genocidal purge.

By renaming the country, the regime sought to sever all ties to colonialism and monarchy, replacing it with an ultra-communist agrarian utopia. However, their policies led to mass starvation, forced labor, and executions, ultimately resulting in the deaths of approximately two million people—nearly a quarter of the population. The name “Democratic Kampuchea” would remain in use until the Vietnamese invasion in 1979, which ended the regime’s direct control. Internationally, this renaming and subsequent atrocities shocked the world and became a case study in the dangers of ideological extremism. May 20 remains a solemn reminder of the beginning of a genocidal regime that devastated a nation and left lasting scars on Cambodian society.

Formation of the European Space Agency (May 28)

On May 28, 1975, ten European nations came together to sign a formal agreement establishing the European Space Agency (ESA), unifying several earlier space research groups into one cohesive organisation. The agreement was signed in Paris and marked a significant milestone in international cooperation for scientific and technological advancement. The founding members—Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—shared a vision of competing with American and Soviet space dominance by pooling their resources, expertise, and infrastructure. ESA’s mission was (and remains) to promote space exploration, Earth observation, and satellite communications among its member states.

This move allowed Europe to develop independent capabilities in launching satellites, conducting scientific missions, and eventually exploring interplanetary space. The agency’s early projects included the Giotto probe to Halley’s Comet and collaborations on the Spacelab program. ESA also established the groundwork for satellite-based weather and climate monitoring, which would become crucial in environmental science. Today, ESA is a major space player with achievements like the Rosetta comet mission and involvement in the James Webb Space Telescope. Its creation in 1975 was a bold declaration that Europe intended to lead, not follow, in space science and technology.

Elton John had three songs in the music charts Hot 100 – the most of any artist in 1975

First McDonald’s Opens in Hong Kong (May 1975)

In May 1975, Hong Kong welcomed its first McDonald’s restaurant, ushering in a new era of Western consumer culture in East Asia. Located in Causeway Bay, the opening marked a major moment in the globalisation of fast food and American-style branding. The restaurant quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with long queues forming daily and a novelty surrounding the self-service and quick delivery system, which contrasted sharply with traditional Hong Kong dining habits. For many young Hongkongers, McDonald’s represented modernity, efficiency, and Western affluence. The menu was adjusted slightly to local tastes but remained largely true to the American original—introducing Big Macs, fries, and shakes to a new audience.

The success of the first outlet led to rapid expansion, and McDonald’s became a staple in the city’s urban landscape. Its presence also influenced local dining, business models, and youth culture. The launch of McDonald’s in Hong Kong was more than just a business expansion; it was a symbolic step in the growing cultural and economic ties between East and West during the late 20th century. It also foreshadowed the broader wave of international franchises that would reshape consumer habits across Asia in the decades to come.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail Success

The legendary British comedy group that redefined humor with its surreal, irreverent, and intellectually sharp style released their arguably most popular movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail in 1975. Formed in the late 1960s, the group consisted of six members: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. They rose to fame with the groundbreaking TV series Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969–1974), which blended absurdist sketches with animation and unexpected punchlines, often mocking politics, academia, and British traditions.

Terry Gilliam, the only American, created the show’s iconic cut-out animation, while the rest wrote and acted in the skits. Their chemistry and willingness to push boundaries made them pioneers of modern sketch comedy. After their TV success, they produced several classic films, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Life of Brian (1979), and The Meaning of Life (1983), each combining satire with slapstick and philosophical commentary.

The Pythons influenced generations of comedians and are considered foundational to British comedy. John Cleese went on to create Fawlty Towers, while Terry Gilliam became a celebrated filmmaker. Monty Python’s legacy endures in pop culture, proving that clever, boundary-pushing comedy can stand the test of time.

Top 5 Music Singles – U.S. Billboard Hot 100 (May 1975)

1. “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You)” – Tony Orlando & Dawn

2. “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” – Freddy Fender

3. “Shining Star” – Earth, Wind & Fire

4. “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” – John Denver

5. “Philadelphia Freedom” – Elton John

Top 5 Movies at the U.S. Box Office (May 1975)

1. The Godfather Part II

2. Funny Lady

3. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore

4. Tommy

5. Monty Python and the Holy Grail

If you like this article, why don’t you catch up on other events that happened in 1975. Check out our other articles here Looking Back 50 years – Nostalgia.