The 1960s Essay

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Pages: 8

The 1960’s
The 1960’s were a time of radical change. It was a decade where people began to question authority, and time of confrontation. The decade's radicalism began with the assassination of John F. Kennedy in November of 1963. This event changed the country's idealistic views, and started an upheaval of civil rights movements. Baby boomers started a new perception, and formalized the act of resistance to war. There were also many of whom, turned violent and rebellious; in their effort to fight "the system." Pop culture flourished and Rock and Roll became the dominating genre of music. Music was what drove fashion, movies, art and television. In 1965, a protest song called "Eve of Destruction," sung by Barry McGuire,
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Music played an important role in people’s way of questioning authority. For example protest music, which was intended for anti-war movements. That was sung at many protest rallies. Songs like “This Land is Your Land,” by Woody Guthrie. Civil Rights Movement songs were no exception. Taking on traditional folk songs and combining the songs of the Civil Rights Movement songs helped bring great change in society.
Many important Civil Rights Movements occurred during the 1960s. Such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Immigration and Nationality Services Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968. These are some of the most important achievements reached, some which had long been waited upon from the black community.
In 1960, black college students sat down at a segregated lunch room in North Carolina and were determined not to leave. Their sit-in captured media attention. This later led to led to similar expositions throughout the South. The following year civil rights workers organized "freedom rides.” In these freedom rides blacks and whites boarded buses towards segregated south terminals. Where they thought more disputes might capture media attention and eventually lead to change.
They also organized rallies. There biggest one being the "March on Washington" in 1963. Over 200,000 people came together in the nation's capital to show their commitment to equality for all. After a day of speeches and songs the highlight of