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8.12 Youth Culture of the 1960s

8 min readjanuary 8, 2023

Robby May

Robby May

Robby May

Robby May

War, Disillusionment, and Youth Politics

Before the , support for US foreign policy and globals wars remained mostly unanimous amongst youth. During WWI and WWI, all age groups felt a sense of unifying nationalism and patriotic duty to support and contribute to the war effort with the motivation to protect democracy and freedom globally. The however started to shift the foundation of this sentiment, making people, especially youth, question whether our meddling in foreign affairs was truly protecting anything or anyone. As the war dragged on and the public became increasingly aware of the high costs and questionable justifications for American involvement, many young people began to question the government's foreign policy and the country's role in international affairs.

As the war continued, more and more young people became involved in protests against the war and began to speak out against the government's actions. Many young people saw the war as an example of the United States' imperialistic foreign policy and a violation of the principles of democracy and self-determination. They also saw the war as a symbol of the government's willingness to sacrifice the lives of young Americans for questionable goals.

The had a lasting impact on the youth of the United States and their views on foreign affairs. It sparked a new wave of activism and questioning of government actions, and many young people became more skeptical of the government's foreign policy and more critical of American involvement in international conflicts.

The New Left

This newfound passion for activism left to the rise of the was a political movement that consisted young people, students, and intellectuals who were disillusioned with traditional liberal and socialist politics and sought to bring about radical social change.

The movement also criticized policies which politicians and lawmakers labeled as "liberal" for doing too little to fix domestic issues in the United States and diverting attention to focus on immoral foreign affairs overseas.

The was driven by a number of social and political issues, including the civil rights movement, the , and the growing economic and cultural divide between the wealthy and the poor. Many members of the saw these issues as interconnected and believed that they could only be addressed through radical, systemic change.

The was characterized by its commitment to grassroots organizing, participatory democracy, and non-violent direct action. It sought to empower ordinary people and give them a greater say in the decisions that affected their lives.

Port Huron Statement

The was a political manifesto that was adopted by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at its founding convention in Port Huron, Michigan, in 1962. The statement was written by , a student activist who would later become a prominent figure in the and the anti-war movement.

The outlined the beliefs and goals of the SDS, which was a student organization that sought to bring about social and political change in the United States. The statement called for a more participatory democracy and a society that was more inclusive, equitable, and just. It also criticized the Cold War and the arms race, and argued that the United States should work towards disarmament and a more peaceful world.

The was influential in shaping the ideas and tactics of the and the student movement of the 1960s. It helped to define a new generation of young people who supported leftist ideals and facilitated motivated grassroots efforts to help combat political and socioeconomic issues.

Counterculture

Protests of the went hand in hand with a new counterculture movement, a social and cultural phenomenon that emerged in the 1960's characterized by a rejection of mainstream values and a rebellion against the traditional social, political, and cultural norms of the time. It sought to create a new way of life that was more individualistic, expressive, and liberated. It was fueled by a number of social and political issues, including the civil rights movement, the , and the . It was also influenced by the emergence of new forms of art, music, and literature that challenged traditional norms and values.

Members who expressed counterculture values were known as "" or "". They rejected the materialism, conformity, and consumerism of mainstream society and sought to create their own alternative culture based on values such as freedom, peace, love, and harmony. It was expressed by young people through rebellious styles of dress, music, drug use, and for some, communal living. their apparent dress included vibrant colors long hairstyles, tie-dye, beads, and jeans.  The folk music of gave voice to the younger generation’s protests, while the rock music of , the , and provided the beat and lyrics for the counterculture.

Woodstock Music Festival

In 1969, a gathering of thousands of young people at the in upper New York State reflected the zenith of the counterculture. It was a three-day music festival that took place in August 1969 in Bethel, New York. It was one of the most iconic events of the of the 1960s and is often seen as a symbol of the peace and love movement of the era. The festival was attended by over 400,000 people, who came from all over the United States and beyond to see some of the biggest names in rock music perform. The lineup included artists such as , , , and , among others.

The was notable for its peaceful and cooperative atmosphere. Despite the large crowds and limited resources, there were few incidents of violence or disorder at the event. Instead, the festival was marked by a sense of community and a celebration of music and the .

The had a lasting impact on popular culture and is often seen as a defining moment of the 1960s. It is remembered as a celebration of youth, music, and the , and it continues to be celebrated as an iconic event in the history of rock music. The result of experimenting with hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD or becoming addicted to various other drugs also destroyed the lives of many young people.

Summer of Love

The "" refers to the summer of 1967, when a large number of young people flocked to San Francisco's to participate in the and embrace a lifestyle of peace, love, and free expression. It provided free sex, free drugs and free medical care to all that attended (the later required to have with the former two). It was characterized by a spirit of experimentation and a rejection of traditional values; many young people who participated rejected consumerism, conformity, and the materialism of mainstream society.

During the , the became a hub of activity, with young people from all over the country coming to join the . The neighborhood was filled with music, art, and political activism, and it became a symbol of the and the youth rebellion of the 1960s.

The is often seen as a defining moment in the history of the era and is remembered as a celebration of youth, music, and the .

Sexual Revolution

One aspect of the counterculture that continued beyond the 1960s was a change in many American’s attitudes towards sexual expression. Traditional beliefs about sexual conduct had originally been challenged in the late 1940s and 1950s by the pioneering surveys on sexual practice conducted by . His research indicated that , marital infidelity, and were more common than anyone had suspected, these findings fueled the flames for the .

During this time, traditional taboos and restrictions on sexuality were challenged and new forms of sexual expression and behavior became more accepted. There was a significant increase in , extramarital sex, and the use of birth control, and traditional gender roles and expectations were also challenged.

The was fueled by a number of social and cultural factors, including the and the widespread availability of the and medicine to treat venereal diseases, which contributed to changing attitudes about casual sex.. It was also influenced by changes in the law, such as the legalization of and the overturning of sodomy laws.

Overtly sexual themes in advertisements, magazines, and movies made sex appear to be just one more consumer product. , , , and became practiced more openly.

The had a significant impact on American society and culture and helped to bring about significant changes in attitudes towards sexuality and relationships. It continues to be a subject of debate and controversy, with some people arguing that it has had a positive impact on society, while others believe that it has contributed to the decline of traditional values.

Lasting Effects

The had a significant impact on American society and culture in the 1960s and beyond, including:

  1. Social and cultural change: The helped to bring about significant changes in attitudes towards a range of social and cultural issues, such as sexuality, gender roles, and relationships.

  2. Political activism: The was an important force for political activism and social change. Many young people who participated in the movement became involved in protests and other forms of activism, and their efforts contributed to a range of social and political changes, such as the legalization of and the temporary end of the war draft.

  3. Artistic and cultural expression: The was characterized by a spirit of creativity and artistic expression, and it helped to give rise to new forms of art, music, and literature that challenged traditional norms and values.

  4. Lifestyle changes: The also contributed to a number of lifestyle changes, such as the adoption of more relaxed and informal fashions and the emergence of new forms of recreation and leisure activities.

Key Terms to Review (27)

Abortion

: Abortion refers to the termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the uterus. It can be induced intentionally or occur naturally (miscarriage).

Alfred Kinsey

: Alfred Kinsey was an American biologist who became famous for his pioneering research into human sexuality in the mid-20th century.

Birth Control Pill

: The birth control pill is a medication taken orally by women on a daily basis to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones that inhibit ovulation or alter other biological processes related to conception.

Bob Dylan

: Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author, and visual artist who has been a major figure in popular culture for more than 50 years. He's known for his profound lyrics that often reflected social and political issues of the time.

Contraception

: Contraception refers to the methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. It's a broad term that encompasses various techniques, including hormonal pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, and sterilization.

Counterculture Movement

: The counterculture movement was a social and cultural phenomenon in the 1960s that challenged traditional norms, values, and systems, advocating for peace, love, personal freedom, and equality.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY) were a folk-rock supergroup made up of American singer-songwriters David Crosby and Stephen Stills, English singer-songwriter Graham Nash, and Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young.

Flower Children

: Flower children were a specific sect of the hippie movement, known for their passive resistance to war and their embrace of love, peace, and simple, idealistic values often expressed through art and music.

Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood

: The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is a district in San Francisco, California, known for being the birthplace of the hippie counterculture in the 1960s.

Hippies

: Hippies were members of a youth movement beginning in the United States during the mid-1960s which spread around Western countries. They advocated for peace, love and freedom; rejected mainstream societal values; experimented with music & drugs; had unique styles of dress & grooming.

Homosexuality

: Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by romantic or sexual attraction exclusively or primarily towards individuals of one's own sex.

Janis Joplin

: Janis Joplin was an American rock, soul, and blues singer-songwriter in the 1960s. Known for her powerful, emotional performances, she was one of the most popular female vocalists of her era.

Jimi Hendrix

: Jimi Hendrix was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form.

New Left

: The New Left was a broad political movement mainly in the 1960s and 1970s consisting of activists in the Western world who campaigned for a range of social issues such as civil and political rights, feminism, gay rights, abortion rights, gender roles and drug policy reforms.

Port Huron Statement

: The Port Huron Statement is a 1962 political manifesto of the North American student activist movement Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). It articulated the fundamental problems of American society and laid out a radical vision for a better future.

Premarital Sex

: Premarital sex is sexual activity practiced by people before they are married.

Rolling Stones

: The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. Known for their energetic performances and rebellious image, they're considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Sexual Revolution

: The sexual revolution refers to a societal shift in the mid-20th century towards more liberal attitudes about sex. This included increased acceptance of sex outside traditional heterosexual, monogamous relationships (primarily marriage).

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)

: SDS was an American student organization that flourished in the mid-to-late 1960s. It's known for its activism against the Vietnam War and its role in the larger New Left movement.

Summer of Love

: The Summer of Love refers to the summer of 1967, when as many as 100,000 people converged in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to celebrate peace, love and music.

The Beatles

: The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They are widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in history due to their innovative approach to songwriting and recording techniques.

The Who

: The Who is a British rock band formed in the 1960s, known for their energetic performances and influential albums. They played a significant role in shaping the music of that era.

Tom Hayden

: Tom Hayden was an American social and political activist, author, and politician. He was best known for his major role in the antiwar and civil rights movements of the 1960s.

Vietnam War

: The Vietnam War was a long, costly armed conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies, known as the Viet Cong, against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. It occurred from 1955 to 1975.

Women's Liberation Movement

: The Women's Liberation Movement was a political alignment of women and feminist intellectualism that emerged in the late 1960s and continued into the 1980s primarily in the industrialized nations of the Western world, which effected great change (political, intellectual, cultural) throughout the world.

Woodstock Music Festival

: The Woodstock Music Festival was a three-day concert held in August 1969 on a dairy farm in New York state. It attracted an audience of more than 400,000 people and became a symbol of counterculture movement.

Youth Politics

: Youth politics refers to political activities or movements driven or influenced by young people who seek social change or advocate on issues relevant to them.

8.12 Youth Culture of the 1960s

8 min readjanuary 8, 2023

Robby May

Robby May

Robby May

Robby May

War, Disillusionment, and Youth Politics

Before the , support for US foreign policy and globals wars remained mostly unanimous amongst youth. During WWI and WWI, all age groups felt a sense of unifying nationalism and patriotic duty to support and contribute to the war effort with the motivation to protect democracy and freedom globally. The however started to shift the foundation of this sentiment, making people, especially youth, question whether our meddling in foreign affairs was truly protecting anything or anyone. As the war dragged on and the public became increasingly aware of the high costs and questionable justifications for American involvement, many young people began to question the government's foreign policy and the country's role in international affairs.

As the war continued, more and more young people became involved in protests against the war and began to speak out against the government's actions. Many young people saw the war as an example of the United States' imperialistic foreign policy and a violation of the principles of democracy and self-determination. They also saw the war as a symbol of the government's willingness to sacrifice the lives of young Americans for questionable goals.

The had a lasting impact on the youth of the United States and their views on foreign affairs. It sparked a new wave of activism and questioning of government actions, and many young people became more skeptical of the government's foreign policy and more critical of American involvement in international conflicts.

The New Left

This newfound passion for activism left to the rise of the was a political movement that consisted young people, students, and intellectuals who were disillusioned with traditional liberal and socialist politics and sought to bring about radical social change.

The movement also criticized policies which politicians and lawmakers labeled as "liberal" for doing too little to fix domestic issues in the United States and diverting attention to focus on immoral foreign affairs overseas.

The was driven by a number of social and political issues, including the civil rights movement, the , and the growing economic and cultural divide between the wealthy and the poor. Many members of the saw these issues as interconnected and believed that they could only be addressed through radical, systemic change.

The was characterized by its commitment to grassroots organizing, participatory democracy, and non-violent direct action. It sought to empower ordinary people and give them a greater say in the decisions that affected their lives.

Port Huron Statement

The was a political manifesto that was adopted by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at its founding convention in Port Huron, Michigan, in 1962. The statement was written by , a student activist who would later become a prominent figure in the and the anti-war movement.

The outlined the beliefs and goals of the SDS, which was a student organization that sought to bring about social and political change in the United States. The statement called for a more participatory democracy and a society that was more inclusive, equitable, and just. It also criticized the Cold War and the arms race, and argued that the United States should work towards disarmament and a more peaceful world.

The was influential in shaping the ideas and tactics of the and the student movement of the 1960s. It helped to define a new generation of young people who supported leftist ideals and facilitated motivated grassroots efforts to help combat political and socioeconomic issues.

Counterculture

Protests of the went hand in hand with a new counterculture movement, a social and cultural phenomenon that emerged in the 1960's characterized by a rejection of mainstream values and a rebellion against the traditional social, political, and cultural norms of the time. It sought to create a new way of life that was more individualistic, expressive, and liberated. It was fueled by a number of social and political issues, including the civil rights movement, the , and the . It was also influenced by the emergence of new forms of art, music, and literature that challenged traditional norms and values.

Members who expressed counterculture values were known as "" or "". They rejected the materialism, conformity, and consumerism of mainstream society and sought to create their own alternative culture based on values such as freedom, peace, love, and harmony. It was expressed by young people through rebellious styles of dress, music, drug use, and for some, communal living. their apparent dress included vibrant colors long hairstyles, tie-dye, beads, and jeans.  The folk music of gave voice to the younger generation’s protests, while the rock music of , the , and provided the beat and lyrics for the counterculture.

Woodstock Music Festival

In 1969, a gathering of thousands of young people at the in upper New York State reflected the zenith of the counterculture. It was a three-day music festival that took place in August 1969 in Bethel, New York. It was one of the most iconic events of the of the 1960s and is often seen as a symbol of the peace and love movement of the era. The festival was attended by over 400,000 people, who came from all over the United States and beyond to see some of the biggest names in rock music perform. The lineup included artists such as , , , and , among others.

The was notable for its peaceful and cooperative atmosphere. Despite the large crowds and limited resources, there were few incidents of violence or disorder at the event. Instead, the festival was marked by a sense of community and a celebration of music and the .

The had a lasting impact on popular culture and is often seen as a defining moment of the 1960s. It is remembered as a celebration of youth, music, and the , and it continues to be celebrated as an iconic event in the history of rock music. The result of experimenting with hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD or becoming addicted to various other drugs also destroyed the lives of many young people.

Summer of Love

The "" refers to the summer of 1967, when a large number of young people flocked to San Francisco's to participate in the and embrace a lifestyle of peace, love, and free expression. It provided free sex, free drugs and free medical care to all that attended (the later required to have with the former two). It was characterized by a spirit of experimentation and a rejection of traditional values; many young people who participated rejected consumerism, conformity, and the materialism of mainstream society.

During the , the became a hub of activity, with young people from all over the country coming to join the . The neighborhood was filled with music, art, and political activism, and it became a symbol of the and the youth rebellion of the 1960s.

The is often seen as a defining moment in the history of the era and is remembered as a celebration of youth, music, and the .

Sexual Revolution

One aspect of the counterculture that continued beyond the 1960s was a change in many American’s attitudes towards sexual expression. Traditional beliefs about sexual conduct had originally been challenged in the late 1940s and 1950s by the pioneering surveys on sexual practice conducted by . His research indicated that , marital infidelity, and were more common than anyone had suspected, these findings fueled the flames for the .

During this time, traditional taboos and restrictions on sexuality were challenged and new forms of sexual expression and behavior became more accepted. There was a significant increase in , extramarital sex, and the use of birth control, and traditional gender roles and expectations were also challenged.

The was fueled by a number of social and cultural factors, including the and the widespread availability of the and medicine to treat venereal diseases, which contributed to changing attitudes about casual sex.. It was also influenced by changes in the law, such as the legalization of and the overturning of sodomy laws.

Overtly sexual themes in advertisements, magazines, and movies made sex appear to be just one more consumer product. , , , and became practiced more openly.

The had a significant impact on American society and culture and helped to bring about significant changes in attitudes towards sexuality and relationships. It continues to be a subject of debate and controversy, with some people arguing that it has had a positive impact on society, while others believe that it has contributed to the decline of traditional values.

Lasting Effects

The had a significant impact on American society and culture in the 1960s and beyond, including:

  1. Social and cultural change: The helped to bring about significant changes in attitudes towards a range of social and cultural issues, such as sexuality, gender roles, and relationships.

  2. Political activism: The was an important force for political activism and social change. Many young people who participated in the movement became involved in protests and other forms of activism, and their efforts contributed to a range of social and political changes, such as the legalization of and the temporary end of the war draft.

  3. Artistic and cultural expression: The was characterized by a spirit of creativity and artistic expression, and it helped to give rise to new forms of art, music, and literature that challenged traditional norms and values.

  4. Lifestyle changes: The also contributed to a number of lifestyle changes, such as the adoption of more relaxed and informal fashions and the emergence of new forms of recreation and leisure activities.

Key Terms to Review (27)

Abortion

: Abortion refers to the termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the uterus. It can be induced intentionally or occur naturally (miscarriage).

Alfred Kinsey

: Alfred Kinsey was an American biologist who became famous for his pioneering research into human sexuality in the mid-20th century.

Birth Control Pill

: The birth control pill is a medication taken orally by women on a daily basis to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones that inhibit ovulation or alter other biological processes related to conception.

Bob Dylan

: Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author, and visual artist who has been a major figure in popular culture for more than 50 years. He's known for his profound lyrics that often reflected social and political issues of the time.

Contraception

: Contraception refers to the methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. It's a broad term that encompasses various techniques, including hormonal pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, and sterilization.

Counterculture Movement

: The counterculture movement was a social and cultural phenomenon in the 1960s that challenged traditional norms, values, and systems, advocating for peace, love, personal freedom, and equality.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY) were a folk-rock supergroup made up of American singer-songwriters David Crosby and Stephen Stills, English singer-songwriter Graham Nash, and Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young.

Flower Children

: Flower children were a specific sect of the hippie movement, known for their passive resistance to war and their embrace of love, peace, and simple, idealistic values often expressed through art and music.

Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood

: The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is a district in San Francisco, California, known for being the birthplace of the hippie counterculture in the 1960s.

Hippies

: Hippies were members of a youth movement beginning in the United States during the mid-1960s which spread around Western countries. They advocated for peace, love and freedom; rejected mainstream societal values; experimented with music & drugs; had unique styles of dress & grooming.

Homosexuality

: Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by romantic or sexual attraction exclusively or primarily towards individuals of one's own sex.

Janis Joplin

: Janis Joplin was an American rock, soul, and blues singer-songwriter in the 1960s. Known for her powerful, emotional performances, she was one of the most popular female vocalists of her era.

Jimi Hendrix

: Jimi Hendrix was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form.

New Left

: The New Left was a broad political movement mainly in the 1960s and 1970s consisting of activists in the Western world who campaigned for a range of social issues such as civil and political rights, feminism, gay rights, abortion rights, gender roles and drug policy reforms.

Port Huron Statement

: The Port Huron Statement is a 1962 political manifesto of the North American student activist movement Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). It articulated the fundamental problems of American society and laid out a radical vision for a better future.

Premarital Sex

: Premarital sex is sexual activity practiced by people before they are married.

Rolling Stones

: The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. Known for their energetic performances and rebellious image, they're considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Sexual Revolution

: The sexual revolution refers to a societal shift in the mid-20th century towards more liberal attitudes about sex. This included increased acceptance of sex outside traditional heterosexual, monogamous relationships (primarily marriage).

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)

: SDS was an American student organization that flourished in the mid-to-late 1960s. It's known for its activism against the Vietnam War and its role in the larger New Left movement.

Summer of Love

: The Summer of Love refers to the summer of 1967, when as many as 100,000 people converged in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to celebrate peace, love and music.

The Beatles

: The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They are widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in history due to their innovative approach to songwriting and recording techniques.

The Who

: The Who is a British rock band formed in the 1960s, known for their energetic performances and influential albums. They played a significant role in shaping the music of that era.

Tom Hayden

: Tom Hayden was an American social and political activist, author, and politician. He was best known for his major role in the antiwar and civil rights movements of the 1960s.

Vietnam War

: The Vietnam War was a long, costly armed conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies, known as the Viet Cong, against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. It occurred from 1955 to 1975.

Women's Liberation Movement

: The Women's Liberation Movement was a political alignment of women and feminist intellectualism that emerged in the late 1960s and continued into the 1980s primarily in the industrialized nations of the Western world, which effected great change (political, intellectual, cultural) throughout the world.

Woodstock Music Festival

: The Woodstock Music Festival was a three-day concert held in August 1969 on a dairy farm in New York state. It attracted an audience of more than 400,000 people and became a symbol of counterculture movement.

Youth Politics

: Youth politics refers to political activities or movements driven or influenced by young people who seek social change or advocate on issues relevant to them.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.