Sixties

The 1960s, also known as the Sixties, was a decade of significant change in the United States1. Here are some key points about this era:

• The 1960s started off as the dawn of a golden age to most Americans2. On January 20, 1961, the handsome and charismatic John F. Kennedy became president of the United States.

• However, by the end of the 1960s, it seemed that the nation was falling apart2. Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” splintered as the Democratic Party split and America became increasingly enmeshed in the Vietnam War.

• The 1960s was one of the most tumultuous and divisive decades in world history3. The era was marked by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and antiwar protests, countercultural movements, political assassinations and the emerging "generation gap".

• The 1960s was also called the “cultural decade” while in the United Kingdom (especially London) it was called the Swinging Sixties.

• The United States had four presidents that served during the decade; Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon.

This period of American history had a profound impact on the nation and continues to influence it today.

The Great Society

The Cold War

The Space Race

The Korean War

The Vietnam War