I think the demise of "strike anywhere" matches is due to the increasing popularity of disposable butane lighters ("Flick your Bic") beginning in 1973 . . .
. . . and to the push for "safety" matches. On this issue, I can't do any better than quote the following Quora answer:
"The two main fire-inducing components of matchsticks are potassium chlorate and phosphorus, which react very vigorusly once they're given just a little push. In "olden" times, they used to pack these reactants together in the head of the matchstick, and so the reaction could be initiated by simply applying a small amount of friction from any surface. Unfortunately it did not occur to the producers what a tremendous fire hazard this posed, as the matchsticks were often prone to spontaneously igniting and starting fires. This lead to the invention of so-called "safety matches", where the two reactants were separated - the phosphorus was now located on the little red strip of the matchbox. Now, the reaction could only be initiated by bringing the matchstick and the box together. Much less deadly."
. . . and to the push for "safety" matches. On this issue, I can't do any better than quote the following Quora answer:
"The two main fire-inducing components of matchsticks are potassium chlorate and phosphorus, which react very vigorusly once they're given just a little push. In "olden" times, they used to pack these reactants together in the head of the matchstick, and so the reaction could be initiated by simply applying a small amount of friction from any surface. Unfortunately it did not occur to the producers what a tremendous fire hazard this posed, as the matchsticks were often prone to spontaneously igniting and starting fires. This lead to the invention of so-called "safety matches", where the two reactants were separated - the phosphorus was now located on the little red strip of the matchbox. Now, the reaction could only be initiated by bringing the matchstick and the box together. Much less deadly."
